Netflix‘s horror catalog does not have a lot of pure Lovecraftian horror shows, but one series with an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score delivers some of the best cosmic terrors. Given how H.P. Lovecraft’s brand of horror thrives on ambiguity and the fear of the unknown, bringing his work to the screen is no easy feat.
Although cosmic horror has garnered more appreciation over the years, many filmmakers still struggle to capture the true essence of Lovecraftian horror. In the last decade or two, only a handful of movies, like Annihilation, Color Out of Space, and The Endless, have become worthy additions to the genre.
When it comes to television, though, only a few horror shows have even tried to embrace the full scope of Lovecraftian horror’s cosmic dread. One Netflix horror show, however, seems to stand as an exception as it not only embraces the incomprehensible terrors featured in some of the best Lovecraftian stories but also grounds them in relatable themes.
Archive 81 Is Netflix’s Only Pure Lovecraftian Horror Show
Based on a podcast of the same name, Archive 81 is easily the most Lovecraftian TV show on Netflix. Boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 87%, the show features many hallmarks that define Lovecraftian horror. It includes everything from cults to idol worshiping, from an interdimensional god to themes exploring humanity’s gradual descent into insanity.
The show’s depiction of the godly being and humanity’s loss of sanity seems very much in tandem with H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhu. One main story beat in the show also revolves around an otherworldly mold that causes strange mutations and psychological changes in anyone who comes in contact with it.
This story beat seems reminiscent of Lovecraft’s Color Out of Space, in which an indescribable color seeps into the land after reaching Earth through a comet and poisons the minds and bodies of those who witness it. The show’s exploration of beings from a neighboring dimension trying to break into the human realm is also reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft’s From Beyond.
In one of its plot threads, Netflix’s Archive 81 also uses music as a narrative device, highlighting how a unique and almost unworldly melody becomes a gateway to something sinister. This seems to be a solid reference to H.P. Lovecraft’s The Music of Erich Zann. With so many Lovecraftian elements in Archive 81, it would be fair to call it the best cosmic horror show on Netflix.
Why Archive 81 Was Cancelled After Season 1
Towards its ending moments, Archive 81 made the mistake of providing a little too much exposition, which made it drift away from its early Lovecraftian inclination. However, the show still served as a brilliant take on cosmic horror and had the potential to dig deeper into its Lovecraftian roots in future installments.
Indie horror veterans Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead were also involved with the series as directors of two of its episodes. Unfortunately, before Archive 81 could truly find its audience and expand its chilling lore, the show was axed after season 1.
Did You Know: Even though it was canceled, Archive 81 had risen in the ranks to become one of the shows in Netflix’s self-reported Top 10 list.
Reports (via Small Screen) suggest that the show was on the verge of getting renewed, and its creators were even about to begin season 2’s pre-production. However, “Netflix felt the show didn’t bring in enough new viewers,” and season 2’s budget proved to be a major “sticking point.” Despite its cancellation, though, Netflix‘s Archive 81 stands as a great horror show every Lovecraft fan must watch.
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