Dead Places (2021– ) User Reviews

Surprisingly good

[jonathanmarklund · 7/10 · 28 April 2021]

I was not expecting a lot going into this. But this show managed to surprise and delight me. It's a very good mystery/paranormal show that deals not only with ghosts but with many other elements of South African folklore.

The writing is surprisingly good. It's not perfect nor is it flawless, but it is good. I especially liked that it managed to keep 1 story arc going for the entire season and at the same time have the "monster of the week" format going. This show is smarter than you think. I was actually fooled a little bit by the first 2-3 episodes. My advice would be to keep watching before you make up your mind if this is good or bad.

The acting could have been a little bit better. The directors did a good job getting good performances out of the main character, but some of the supporting cast could have done better.

And again, you have to understand what this is. It's a low budget horror television show. It's not a big budget movie. Not every episode is going to be amazing. But enough of them are that I would recommend this show to anybody who likes supernatural themed entertainment.

It definitely has potential

[namstonk · 7/10 · 20 April 2021]

So there is some good acting and some ropey, but it does get better as the season progresses which is understandable. The lead plays his character very well as does his 'younger self' and in the end you do get the feeling that they all enjoyed themselves. What you must understand is the budget was limited so some aspects are lacking, the vfx are at times left wanting and it does effect the storyline at times. The music is well, quite frankly bizarre, it runs the gambit from 80's sci-fi, espionage, horror, British sitcom, pure comedy, heist movie to full symphonic, it really is all over the place. However all the errors, the acting, visuals and background music oddly do help the series, mainly because it doesn't take itself seriously which is the key to the whole piece. It's complete pleasant hokum which gives it the appeal, some of the jokes are genuinely funny and at times the better actor's ham it up as if giving the nod to the audience about the limitations. Hopefully, it will get picked up for a second run with a bigger budget. Don't be snobs, we all get the mega budget series that basically tell the same story in every episode that when you boil them down are vapid, moralistic pieces.

Lukewarm

[teboho-chaka · 5/10 · 19 April 2021]

The cinematography is excellent, the setting and the location also brings something to the South African market submerged in soap operas and telenovelas. Interesting story lines though exaggerated at times. The characters of Joe and Kelly makes one cringe with their acting. They're not good at all, they try too much.

Bad acting

[martinvivien · 1/10 · 21 April 2021]

We couldn't finish even the first part, hard to watch beacuse of acting...

Refreshing break from what were accustomed to from Hollywood

[emmanuelmutisya-16968 · 9/10 · 16 August 2021]

Really enjoyed it. The twist in the end ties in really well with the first episode, although was expecting the ending to answer a few questions since the story was steering us in a certain direction; Will's inspiration for a new book. Overall I loved the actors. This is the second horror series I've watched from SA (first being DAM) and I love that the stories are grounded with an African perspective.

Bland with clumy writing.

[Rastifan · 4/10 · 20 April 2021]

The scenery is nice and I like the music. But Joe can't decide if he is a comedic relief of a badass, and along with Kelly they often deliver bland to poor acting. Now add blandness to the show and you have something not really worth writing home about. Also Will's accent are totally off cue.

First South African show for me

[prospero-galvan · 8/10 · 31 May 2021]

This is the first time I watch anything from South Africa. I loved the show, my king of scary-thrilling series.

The first season really held up with a good dark-main plot that the rest of the episodes allude to.

With some additional budget Season 2 could be really good. Acting is good too!

Overacting

[teachermichaelaalshadi · 5/10 · 19 April 2021]

I really dislike the character of Joe, he's movements are not normal the way he talks is not normal. He's character is just so out there and not relatable at all. Why does he have to be so agressive, I can't watch him without swearing , and my word what is that accent?! Other than that I thought the show was okat to watch, I would not go as far as to give it a 10/10 but it was okay. Dissapointing...

After two episodes: Nothing new

[kindredparadox · 4/10 · 23 April 2021]

Episode 1: After being followed by a ghost, Kelly asked Will's help to investigate the ghost to stop haunting her

Episode 2: a room inside a mansion is haunted and killed many people who have tried to expel the unseen thing which live inside the room

Will is a successful author in the paranormal genre. Having expertise and resourceful, he tries to help people who afflicted with these supernatural problems. Which also become the material for his books

Episode 1 is very, very standard horror story, to the point that even you could make this story. And it's still not improving in episode 2. FYI, I haven't watched 3rd episode.

An African Thriller series with a good storyline

[akonaludidi · 9/10 · 25 April 2021]

I loved the MC, Will Stone, a horror writer. He's a different take on the usual hero's we're normally shown. His acting is stellar and the character is relatable. I also enjoyed the comic relief in the character of Joe, the cynical ex-cop. I initially struggled with the female character and her constantly open mouth but she grew on me. All in all I enjoyed the growth of the characters friendship even more than the "thriller" aspects of the story. I thought the costumes and CGI could have been better, that's why it's not a 10 for me.

Some reviewers are being bias

[beso-langa · 3/10 · 17 June 2022]

The first episode was clinical but the rest of the other episodes make this show nonsensical. If the author sold millions of copies where are the novel reviews? Rather watch Ghostbusters than this trash horror story with bad acting and loose plots.

Didn't expect that.

[stef-38016 · 8/10 · 10 July 2021]

A very enjoyable film. I started watching having no expectations as i have never heard of it before. Found it randomly on Netflix and i gave it a shot. Well, it was worth it. Very nice plot, good cinematography/ photography. The story is well told. The characters have a certain depth. Acting wasn't good at first but after the second episode gets better. I would love to watch another season of this.

Low budget ghost stories.

[erhanipekciler · 5/10 · 4 June 2021]

I am watching first episode and everything looks so cheap and unprofessional also there is nothing new here. I try to give a chance for second episode. We will see.

Refreshing

[lilamcgrew · 10/10 · 19 January 2022]

I love ghost stories, so had to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. I love that the stories aren't limited to ghosts and include other supernatural entities.

As an added bonus, the African influence introduces the average viewer to new monsters in addition to a different culture. It's a refreshing change from the Euro/Anglo-centric American fare we usually see.

I agree with others that Joe is extremely annoying, but he grows on you as the series progresses. I couldn't help but laugh at the one review that criticized Will's accent - seeing as how the actor is British playing a British educated South African (a former British colony).

FUN NEW SERIES

[margpetit-33835 · 9/10 · 6 November 2021]

Enjoyable new series. Different setting is fun and entertaining. I like the main characters and find their interactions amusing. The ghost stories are nothing particularly new and the effects are ok - it's just a fun new show. I'm hoping for a 2nd season!

Such fun

[laurentuck-12242 · 10/10 · 21 April 2021]

I'm not a huge fan of horror as a genre but this is fun to watch, hugely entertaining and the scenery and cinematography are just beautiful.

Really appreciated

[reesecloud-49631 · 10/10 · 15 February 2022]

Really enjoyable for a South african production.... Maybe just use a few actual known haunted sites around south africa in the next season... really hope there's gonna be Season 2.

Gripping from start to finish

[caroldriver · 10/10 · 18 April 2021]

I am by no means a movie buff and have very little interest in TV or series... until now.

OMG this is by far the best South African production I have seen, with a story line that had me eager to see the next installment. An extremely well researched story line, many of the possessions forming part of our South African ancestry.

When can we expect the next series?

Proudly South African

[dimcminnie · 10/10 · 19 April 2021]

I absolutely love this series, some great talent in our country wow.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact it wasnt that over the top horror but believable senarios, like this could happen 😱Awesome story line .

Well done to all involved.

Binge watched this series in 2 days Season 2 maybe ??

Proudly South African 🖤

Very good acting, and filming

[ewelinmpc-87-9007 · 10/10 · 28 April 2021]

I like very much the show. Don´t understand the bd ratings. The history presented is consistent, the acting and the filming is very good, the landscapes are great. I usually do not like horror stories, but here there is a mix of suspense, thriller, investigation and humor that make it work better than usual for me. I recommend it very much.

Loved it

[gabrieljenny-52566 · 8/10 · 27 April 2021]

Great series! My type of show to binge on. I highly recommend it.

Gripping local ghost stories

[bakerann-12959 · 9/10 · 21 April 2021]

As a South African, it is exciting to see these kinds of stories hitting our screens. Well-written, beautifully filmed and with great special effects. The local cast and crew make this an even bigger achievement. Some good scares and even a few laughs. Thoroughly enjoyed this series.

Pretty good for SA quality

[jadeshortiecoghill · 8/10 · 26 April 2021]

Honestly for a South African show its really holding up.

Acting is good but obviously people are expecting Hollywood quality so some find it bad but its pretty good for SA and as a makeup artist I can say they know what they are doing as well.

On episode 4 now and I'm digging it.

Love it

[nonni1963 · 10/10 · 22 January 2022]

Keeps you guessing and on your seat. Very well done. I would recommend watching this. Great group of actors. A little humor from time to time. A++ I hope it continues and will be back. I would love another season.

Loving the SA Talent

[wildlife-92503 · 10/10 · 18 April 2021]

Excellent locations, great acting, amazing editing. Hoping it gets renewed for a second season.