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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
A journey into a new albeit horrifying world. HBO’s Lovecraft Country series pilot is titled “Sundown,” written by series creator Misha Green (Heroes, Sons of Anarchy) and directed by Yann Demange (White Boy Rick).
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet seen this episode. If you have not done so, get to that now, then return to this article!
This first episode of HBO’s newest horror television series is off to a great start. The plot follows Atticus “Tic” Freeman (Jonathan Majors) accompanied by his friend Letitia “Leti” Lewis (Jurnee Smollett) and his uncle George Freeman (Courtney B. Vance) as they venture through America looking for Tic’s lost father.
The episode sets the tone of the series with a black-and-white action sequence of Black men at war and surrounded by other-worldly entities…and Jackie Robinson. We also see the racist Americans and other small tidbits from the 1950s. The horror is not so much present until the final scenes of the pilot, where creatures start to pop up; unless you were to count the white supremacists that show up once the trio embarks on their journey. As an off-screen radio host says, “The inequality suffered by the American Negro population of the United States has hindered the American Dream. Indeed, it has.” Racism is present everywhere at this time, just as it has today; and it is important to make note of that.
The cinematography is excellent, and the music — including Etta James’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and Tierra Whack’s “CLONES”; the latter of which may be out of place with the time period — makes a great element in the build-up of what’s to come.
“Sundown” is about establishing one’s place in the world. As George Freeman says, “We’re here, dammit. We have every right to be. We’re citizens.” Additionally, we can also learn (as we have always) that real life can be revolting, such as when the sheriff’s officers try to talk down on Tic’s intelligence or the treatment of Black individuals in America. To quote Tic, “Stories are like people … you just try and cherish them, overlook their flaws.”
The Lovecraft Country pilot can be a slow burn, but shows us what we are to anticipate. The actors in this episode have performed their best, and Smollett is such a gem.
9.5/10
What do you think of the series premiere? Have you seen this pilot? Let us know! For more horror, drama, HBO, and Lovecraft Country-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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