There is nothing special about this series. If you've seen any of the HAUNTING shows on Travel Channel where you have real life people talking to the camera in a documentary type format and then go to reenactments...you've pretty much seen everything. Its kind of a bummer cause I was expecting more. I guess this is Peacock's attempt to gain those supernatural viewers since Warner Bros Discovery has merged with Discovery and Travel Channel and Destinations Channel. Same idea as the 11 seasons of A HAUNTING 15 years running. Or even Eli Roth's: A Ghost Ruined my Life, etc. I guess if you just want short segments real quick its ok...but really nothing great.
16 Reviews
It's Definitely John Carpenter, If You Don't Like Him, Don't Watch It
cantrelayne17 October 2023
5 of the 6 stories can be verified. 2 of them are in Canada and the last time I checked Canada is NOT "hometown America". The Jamul, Ca. Story is the only one (so far) that cannot be verified. It is typical John Carpenter with unnecessary scenes, stupid dialogue and long held shots that are annoying, not suspenseful; and it takes too long to tell the tale. It's all of John Carpenter's trademarks. If you don't like JC, don't watch it. That simple. I like JC, so the stories are interesting, and I know how he's going to tell them. Also, all the stories but one have multiple sources to back up the stories. Canada has strong libel laws so the first two episodes have the most sources. I will say that the 'Ouija" board is pronounced "we - ya", as in oui the french word for yes and ja the German word for yes; not "we-gee". In what universe has the "a" ever been pronounced "eee"? Otherwise the show is the John Carpenter version of true story, NOT true crime as some of these reviews have stated. It's about the story.
Lackadaisical storytelling
Surreptitious_Vin30 October 2023
The stories, from both the US and Canada, are set in idyllic locations away from the hustle-bustle of city life that would appeal to a more mature audience in general, and viewers like me geared toward a more quiet setting.
The horror is a mix up of gore, human inflicted and the supernatural. Though its somewhat watchable, what makes it irritable is the constant switching between the mock interviews and the story narrated through flashbacks. Ideally perhaps, it would have been better suited if they started off with a short mock interview preparing the viewers for the story ahead, before delving into it without further disruptions, and finally concluding with the continuation of the interview to sum it all up.
The horror is a mix up of gore, human inflicted and the supernatural. Though its somewhat watchable, what makes it irritable is the constant switching between the mock interviews and the story narrated through flashbacks. Ideally perhaps, it would have been better suited if they started off with a short mock interview preparing the viewers for the story ahead, before delving into it without further disruptions, and finally concluding with the continuation of the interview to sum it all up.
Why John, Why??
NullUnit15 October 2023
Biggest mystery... why would John Carpenter attach his name to such a terrible series??
This series is NOT horror. It's low-grade late-night-network-tv-true-crime suspense at best. Sure there are some scenes that are more gory than network tv would allow, but gore does not equal horror. If gore is surrounded by really atrocious acting and storytelling, it's just gore for the sake of gore. At no point would I classify this series as "horror". It's true crime with boosted gore for some scenes.
Most scary thing.. the earrings and flattop on the guy in the first episode - especially the earrings.. just odd. Makes ya wonder... does he not have any friends or family to tell him how stupid the earrings look? Or do his friends/family all lie to him about them??
I watched 3 episodes.... that's really all I could tolerate. 3 because I had to confirm more episodes were poor, not merely the premiere. The first three episodes are at the same D-grade level in acting, story, and direction, leading me to believe so are the rest of the episodes. I'm not a masochist. So, I didn't bother with the last 3 episodes.
It's rather boring and "cheap" in my opinion.
A low-rent, knock-off, pseudo "True Crime Stories" with a sort of misguided "supernatural" notion surrounding them. It's got heaps of D-level acting and story telling. I just couldn't get past the over-the-top-forced-drama trying to push suspense as much as possible. It's borderline clichéd and somewhat comical and is so poorly acted that it essentially works against what it's trying to achieve.
I think some reviewers are rating this series MUCH higher than it deserves merely because John Carpenter's name is attached to it. I've rated this series based upon what I saw.... and not based my rating on some sense of loyalty or nostalgia because Carpenter has done truly excellent work in the past. Even the most adept director, writer, producer can falter... as Carpenter has in this series.
----- Pass ------
This series is NOT horror. It's low-grade late-night-network-tv-true-crime suspense at best. Sure there are some scenes that are more gory than network tv would allow, but gore does not equal horror. If gore is surrounded by really atrocious acting and storytelling, it's just gore for the sake of gore. At no point would I classify this series as "horror". It's true crime with boosted gore for some scenes.
Most scary thing.. the earrings and flattop on the guy in the first episode - especially the earrings.. just odd. Makes ya wonder... does he not have any friends or family to tell him how stupid the earrings look? Or do his friends/family all lie to him about them??
I watched 3 episodes.... that's really all I could tolerate. 3 because I had to confirm more episodes were poor, not merely the premiere. The first three episodes are at the same D-grade level in acting, story, and direction, leading me to believe so are the rest of the episodes. I'm not a masochist. So, I didn't bother with the last 3 episodes.
It's rather boring and "cheap" in my opinion.
A low-rent, knock-off, pseudo "True Crime Stories" with a sort of misguided "supernatural" notion surrounding them. It's got heaps of D-level acting and story telling. I just couldn't get past the over-the-top-forced-drama trying to push suspense as much as possible. It's borderline clichéd and somewhat comical and is so poorly acted that it essentially works against what it's trying to achieve.
I think some reviewers are rating this series MUCH higher than it deserves merely because John Carpenter's name is attached to it. I've rated this series based upon what I saw.... and not based my rating on some sense of loyalty or nostalgia because Carpenter has done truly excellent work in the past. Even the most adept director, writer, producer can falter... as Carpenter has in this series.
----- Pass ------
Not Scary, not psychological, but very predictable, boring
sherripadgitt15 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this might be a good watch, but just in the first couple of episodes, I found this to be drivel. It says these are true stories, but I am wondering what % is true. Like 98% false/2% true. Shows that portray pretense of this magnitude are a bit insulting. They think that the majority of people believe in Ouiji boards and will buy this nonsense, but they fail in this. I grew up with a Ouiji board and nothing ever happened....nothing. It was the most boring game around the house. We got it out around Halloween time as a decoration for treat or treat night. Occasionally we played it, but it never worked as intended. It always takes more than one player so if the planchet moves then it is pretty much guaranteed that the other person is moving it. It is a "psych out" type of game where you try to trick your partner into believing that you are not the one moving the disk on the board. I would even move the planchet on purpose occasionally and saw the wonder in everyone's eyes. People can be gullible, but to think that playing this game for the first time is going to bring out chairs toppling on top of themselves and the planchet moving by itself just do not make any sense. If I were a spirit on the other side and finally got communication, the last thing I would want to do would be to scare everyone off. I'd want to get my say in as much as I could. That was the first episode. I won't ruin anymore. The show is simplistic and it assumes that the viewer is gullible.
Awful
Ripshin16 October 2023
This is "true crime" garbage, joining the list of other such shows polluting the streamers.
It is quite idiotic, on so many levels. Lame "reenactments" and talking heads. Obvious fictionalizing of supposed real stories.
It is cheap programming, and apparently, the masses are eating up this tripe, or they wouldn't keep producing this stuff. It's lowest common denominator output.
I've seen this genre produced first-hand. This past year, for some money, I worked a true crime series, which I swore that I would never do. It was as bad as I expected, and I left the job. Everything about it was lame. The pay, the producers, the cheapness of it all. Very "Z level."
This series ups the ante, I suppose, by buying off John Carpenter.
I was watching this while on the treadmill, for a distraction, but I am not moving beyond the third episode. The same thing happened with the even worse "Phrogging" series on Hulu. I found myself yelling at the screen with this one, too.
There are some GREAT "true crime" documentaries out there, as opposed to this formulaic series nonsense.
Do. Not. Watch. This.
It is quite idiotic, on so many levels. Lame "reenactments" and talking heads. Obvious fictionalizing of supposed real stories.
It is cheap programming, and apparently, the masses are eating up this tripe, or they wouldn't keep producing this stuff. It's lowest common denominator output.
I've seen this genre produced first-hand. This past year, for some money, I worked a true crime series, which I swore that I would never do. It was as bad as I expected, and I left the job. Everything about it was lame. The pay, the producers, the cheapness of it all. Very "Z level."
This series ups the ante, I suppose, by buying off John Carpenter.
I was watching this while on the treadmill, for a distraction, but I am not moving beyond the third episode. The same thing happened with the even worse "Phrogging" series on Hulu. I found myself yelling at the screen with this one, too.
There are some GREAT "true crime" documentaries out there, as opposed to this formulaic series nonsense.
Do. Not. Watch. This.
"True" Story, right?! ......right?
tejadarules26 October 2023
Only two of these "stories" felt even remotely true. The rest felt like they were very loosely based on only some actual events at best. So many of the details were derived or interpreted from presumption, or portrayed in such a way that is all assumed through implication. Some of the "truth" to the stories are merely assumed as truth cuz "there was a police report" so therefore...it must be true, right?! It's like Unsolved Mysteries met Goosebumps, but you're just supposed to take everyone's word as truth, despite there being very little to suggest it's anything other than a local legend. A lot of the acting in the dramatic recreations were also lame. And yet they portray the recreations in such way where they expect you to believe that's exactly how it happened. Here's the issue - MANY of the recreations didn't have ANY eye witnesses to them, so how on earth do you present alleged facts with no supporting evidence? This might as well have been kids telling you ghost stories they heard from other kids, who heard it from other kids...but you're just supposed to believe it's all true? Even when there's no documentation, evidence, or anything else at all?
Kinda silly
Terrorformer21 October 2023
I'm just gonna come out and say it.. John Carpenter was the king of the 80s. But he hasnt been on that throne in over 3 decades. He had a couple passable movies in the 90s but the dude lost his touch tbh. He's been thriving producing synth music for a while now. That's where I think he should've stayed.
His last movie The Ward was so awful I was like yea dude, retire already lol.
So when I saw that he was doing this series, I literally had no interest at all. But... then I saw that it was a documentary series and that had my intrigued! Like wow a true crime series hmmm. This could possibly be worth a watch maybe.
Unfortunately all of these "cases" seem really unbelievable and honestly very uninteresting. I found myself bored to death through the whole thing. I also felt somewhat phony. Like these people recounting the events were actors or something. Not to mention the re-enactments were REALLY horrible. Like that's to be expected from your run of the mill true crime series.. but this is John Carpenter right?? It should be better I would think...
I mean for comparison.. ID has a series called Real Detective that was rebranded to The Case That Haunts Me and that series has amazing re-enactments and it's on the discovery channel..
Anyway... it's not like the worst thing I've ever seen (hence the 3 stars) but it was definitely boring and I can't really recommend it either.
His last movie The Ward was so awful I was like yea dude, retire already lol.
So when I saw that he was doing this series, I literally had no interest at all. But... then I saw that it was a documentary series and that had my intrigued! Like wow a true crime series hmmm. This could possibly be worth a watch maybe.
Unfortunately all of these "cases" seem really unbelievable and honestly very uninteresting. I found myself bored to death through the whole thing. I also felt somewhat phony. Like these people recounting the events were actors or something. Not to mention the re-enactments were REALLY horrible. Like that's to be expected from your run of the mill true crime series.. but this is John Carpenter right?? It should be better I would think...
I mean for comparison.. ID has a series called Real Detective that was rebranded to The Case That Haunts Me and that series has amazing re-enactments and it's on the discovery channel..
Anyway... it's not like the worst thing I've ever seen (hence the 3 stars) but it was definitely boring and I can't really recommend it either.
I've seen high school plays, better produced, and acted
andy-castleberry19 February 2024
I wanted this to be good. This kind of format is my jam. And to have John Carpenter behind it, I was not only in but I would be forgiving if need be. But I forgave as much as I could.
It didn't work for me. These are billed as the telling of a real life story. Let's start at the parts where they interview the people allegedly involved in the story they are retelling. They come across as not only scripted but poorly acted. The delivery is so insincere you are left scratching your head why they didn't try to shoot the scene again.
There are reenactments and they are ok enough but then I researched the episode I watched to verify if it was true and there was so much literary license applied, there is barely anything real to it. There were only 9 min left and I still chose to not watch anymore.
It didn't work for me. These are billed as the telling of a real life story. Let's start at the parts where they interview the people allegedly involved in the story they are retelling. They come across as not only scripted but poorly acted. The delivery is so insincere you are left scratching your head why they didn't try to shoot the scene again.
There are reenactments and they are ok enough but then I researched the episode I watched to verify if it was true and there was so much literary license applied, there is barely anything real to it. There were only 9 min left and I still chose to not watch anymore.
Maybe It's Just Nostalgia
tbaggrooster14 October 2023
6.5/10
This really reminds me of "Unsolved Mysteries" just minus the unsolved mysteries. The style is very reminiscent of that, and that's probably why I enjoyed it moreso than the show itself. The stories being told weren't the most interesting or exciting, nor were the people telling them, but the reenactment videos were well done & kept my interest enough that I continued to binge watch the entire series in a day.
There's nothing new or groundbreaking here, and it's not anything so exciting or great that I'd tell someone to rush to watch it, but if you enjoyed watching Unsolved Mysteries and/or are interested in people telling personal ghost stories, it worth the watch.
This really reminds me of "Unsolved Mysteries" just minus the unsolved mysteries. The style is very reminiscent of that, and that's probably why I enjoyed it moreso than the show itself. The stories being told weren't the most interesting or exciting, nor were the people telling them, but the reenactment videos were well done & kept my interest enough that I continued to binge watch the entire series in a day.
There's nothing new or groundbreaking here, and it's not anything so exciting or great that I'd tell someone to rush to watch it, but if you enjoyed watching Unsolved Mysteries and/or are interested in people telling personal ghost stories, it worth the watch.
Ignore the low rating reviews it's BRILLIANT!
djspark-e19 November 2023
Cannot understand why this series is rated so low. I'm on the 4th episode called the bunny man and so far none of them have let me down.
The stories are well told and well acted and give you that nostalgic feeling of old school horror which I personally love. What also makes this series interesting is that it's based on true events!
If you're a true horror fan I don't get how you can not like this!
Well that's my review for this series and I would have ended it there but I have to waffle on till all the required characters are used up which is about now!
Watch it and judge for yourself!
10/10 for me!
The stories are well told and well acted and give you that nostalgic feeling of old school horror which I personally love. What also makes this series interesting is that it's based on true events!
If you're a true horror fan I don't get how you can not like this!
Well that's my review for this series and I would have ended it there but I have to waffle on till all the required characters are used up which is about now!
Watch it and judge for yourself!
10/10 for me!
Better check the ratings of the individual episodes
Shadowboy_25cm17 October 2023
I don't understand the rating of the season. It's 4.4 (Date: 17.10.2023).
But, comparing this rating 4.4 with the individual ratings of the six episodes of season 1
Season 1 - Episode1: 5.4 / Episode 2: 6.2 / Episode 3: 7.1 / Episode 4: 7.1 / Episode 5: 6.5 / Episode 6: 7.1
something is not right. The average of ratings of the six episodes is 6.6.
Some reviewers here haven't even seen all episodes of this first season, but write a review and rating more or less after watching just two episodes. Sorry, but this is no good practice and gives a false impression of this series. Furthermore, how is it possible, that the season gets an overall rating of 4someting, but the average rating of the episodes is 6something? Makes no sense.
I suggest, please check the individual rating of each episode.
Some thoughts on the show: The show has some old-school flair, is not groundbreaking or needlessly overproduced and follows some traditional horror story telling. It uses the true-crime setting with interviews and storytelling as flashbacks. If this kind of story telling is not your flavor, than skip this show.
John Carpenter is one of the shows executive producers, directed episode 6 and composed the main theme music with his son Cody. Furhermore, his voice is in the intro of the episodes.
I liked the stories, the atmosphere and the good production values of this show. It's a solid horror show for gloomy sundays.
My overall rating for this first season is somewhere near seven stars.
----
18.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.5
episodes ratings: E1: 5.4 / E2: 6.5 / E3: 7.2 / E4: 7.3 / E5: 6.5 / E6: 7.3 = average episodes rating 6.7
--> difference between season rating 4.5 vs average episode rating 6.7
----
19.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.4
episodes ratings: E1: 5.2 / E2: 6.0 / E3: 7.0 / E4: 7.2 / E5: 6.1 / E6: 7.2 = average episodes rating 6.5
--> difference between season rating 4.4 vs average episode rating 6.5
----
23.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.4
episodes ratings: E1: 5.4 / E2: 6.2 / E3: 6.6 / E4: 6.4 / E5: 5.7 / E6: 6.7 = average episodes rating 6.2
--> difference between season rating 4.4 vs average episode rating 6.2.
----
07.11.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.6
episodes ratings: E1: 4.9 / E2: 5.9 / E3: 6.0 / E4: 5.7 / E5: 5.2 / E6: 6.2 = average episodes rating 5.7
--> difference between season rating 4.6 vs average episode rating 5.7.
But, comparing this rating 4.4 with the individual ratings of the six episodes of season 1
Season 1 - Episode1: 5.4 / Episode 2: 6.2 / Episode 3: 7.1 / Episode 4: 7.1 / Episode 5: 6.5 / Episode 6: 7.1
something is not right. The average of ratings of the six episodes is 6.6.
Some reviewers here haven't even seen all episodes of this first season, but write a review and rating more or less after watching just two episodes. Sorry, but this is no good practice and gives a false impression of this series. Furthermore, how is it possible, that the season gets an overall rating of 4someting, but the average rating of the episodes is 6something? Makes no sense.
I suggest, please check the individual rating of each episode.
Some thoughts on the show: The show has some old-school flair, is not groundbreaking or needlessly overproduced and follows some traditional horror story telling. It uses the true-crime setting with interviews and storytelling as flashbacks. If this kind of story telling is not your flavor, than skip this show.
John Carpenter is one of the shows executive producers, directed episode 6 and composed the main theme music with his son Cody. Furhermore, his voice is in the intro of the episodes.
I liked the stories, the atmosphere and the good production values of this show. It's a solid horror show for gloomy sundays.
My overall rating for this first season is somewhere near seven stars.
----
18.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.5
episodes ratings: E1: 5.4 / E2: 6.5 / E3: 7.2 / E4: 7.3 / E5: 6.5 / E6: 7.3 = average episodes rating 6.7
--> difference between season rating 4.5 vs average episode rating 6.7
----
19.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.4
episodes ratings: E1: 5.2 / E2: 6.0 / E3: 7.0 / E4: 7.2 / E5: 6.1 / E6: 7.2 = average episodes rating 6.5
--> difference between season rating 4.4 vs average episode rating 6.5
----
23.10.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.4
episodes ratings: E1: 5.4 / E2: 6.2 / E3: 6.6 / E4: 6.4 / E5: 5.7 / E6: 6.7 = average episodes rating 6.2
--> difference between season rating 4.4 vs average episode rating 6.2.
----
07.11.2023 Ratings update:
season rating: 4.6
episodes ratings: E1: 4.9 / E2: 5.9 / E3: 6.0 / E4: 5.7 / E5: 5.2 / E6: 6.2 = average episodes rating 5.7
--> difference between season rating 4.6 vs average episode rating 5.7.
John Carpenter
braziacarp-893-92205515 October 2023
Please stop talking trash about John Carpenter's Suburban Screams! It's a decent series! Ok! Carpenter it's not the same as in the 70's or 80's but it' s Carpenter at 75 years old! Cronenberg or Argento are not better! Please give the master some support! Do you want him to make nothing?
He is involved in:
The man is one of the best directors ever! Please show some respect! Is clint eastwood making better movies? Hell no!
So in this terrible world we live in it's very good to have something new from a master to see. Thank you Mr. Carpenter and Sandy King.
He is involved in:
- Comic books;
- videogames ( toxic commando);
- music;
- and now tv series.
The man is one of the best directors ever! Please show some respect! Is clint eastwood making better movies? Hell no!
So in this terrible world we live in it's very good to have something new from a master to see. Thank you Mr. Carpenter and Sandy King.
They're scary because they actually happened.
BoringJoe9 November 2023
I don't understand the low ratings. The actual people who these verified stories actually happened to are walking us through the events which have been dramatized for us in order that we can experience it through their eyes.
These are not made up fictional stories meant to scare you. These are based on historically documented events that actually occurred.
Would you downvote the History Channels docudramas on Rome and Greece or the "____ that Built America" shows? How about the old school Unsolved Mysteries (those were scary af)?
Does this show MAYBE take liberties here or there? Probably, just as the shows listed above do as well.
I rated mine a 10 because other ratings here are a bit ridiculous. It may be a bit campy, but the stories are creepy and it does the job it set out to do in my opinion.
These are not made up fictional stories meant to scare you. These are based on historically documented events that actually occurred.
Would you downvote the History Channels docudramas on Rome and Greece or the "____ that Built America" shows? How about the old school Unsolved Mysteries (those were scary af)?
Does this show MAYBE take liberties here or there? Probably, just as the shows listed above do as well.
I rated mine a 10 because other ratings here are a bit ridiculous. It may be a bit campy, but the stories are creepy and it does the job it set out to do in my opinion.
John Carpenter's Suburban Screams
tpsimpleman28 January 2024
Title: Suburban Screams: Unmasking the Horrors of Small Towns
Introduction: John Carpenter's documentary, "Suburban Screams," delves into the unsettling underbelly of seemingly idyllic small towns, unearthing true tales of terror that occurred within their confines. This thought-provoking exploration challenges the viewer's perception of safety and reveals the macabre secrets lurking beneath the surface of suburban tranquility.
Summary: "Suburban Screams" takes viewers on a chilling journey through a series of meticulously researched and narrated stories. John Carpenter, known for his mastery in the horror genre, brings his expertise to the realm of non-fiction storytelling, creating a captivating and spine-tingling experience. The documentary explores multiple cases of horrifying events that took place in small towns, shattering the illusion of peaceful neighborhoods.
Carpenter's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the documentary, as he weaves together interviews with survivors, law enforcement officials, and experts to provide a comprehensive understanding of each case. The storytelling is masterfully executed, with suspenseful reenactments that heighten the tension and immerse the audience in the eerie atmosphere of these suburban nightmares.
The documentary covers a range of themes, including serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and paranormal occurrences. Through extensive research and careful curation, Carpenter presents a diverse selection of cases that offer a nuanced perspective on the dark side of small-town life. Each story is thoughtfully examined, drawing viewers into the psychological and emotional impact these events had on the communities involved.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Suburban Screams" is its ability to balance entertainment with sensitivity. Carpenter handles the subject matter with respect for the victims and their families, focusing on the human aspect of these tragedies rather than exploiting them for shock value. This approach resonates with the viewer and elevates the documentary beyond a mere compilation of horror stories.
Another noteworthy element is the documentary's visual aesthetic. Carpenter's signature style is evident in the atmospheric cinematography, which evokes a sense of foreboding and unease. The use of lighting, shadows, and haunting musical scores enhances the storytelling, immersing viewers in the dark undercurrents of these small towns.
While "Suburban Screams" excels in many aspects, some viewers may find the pacing to be uneven at times. The documentary's structure occasionally jumps between stories, which can disrupt the immersive experience. Additionally, certain cases may receive more attention than others, leaving some viewers craving a deeper exploration of certain.
Introduction: John Carpenter's documentary, "Suburban Screams," delves into the unsettling underbelly of seemingly idyllic small towns, unearthing true tales of terror that occurred within their confines. This thought-provoking exploration challenges the viewer's perception of safety and reveals the macabre secrets lurking beneath the surface of suburban tranquility.
Summary: "Suburban Screams" takes viewers on a chilling journey through a series of meticulously researched and narrated stories. John Carpenter, known for his mastery in the horror genre, brings his expertise to the realm of non-fiction storytelling, creating a captivating and spine-tingling experience. The documentary explores multiple cases of horrifying events that took place in small towns, shattering the illusion of peaceful neighborhoods.
Carpenter's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the documentary, as he weaves together interviews with survivors, law enforcement officials, and experts to provide a comprehensive understanding of each case. The storytelling is masterfully executed, with suspenseful reenactments that heighten the tension and immerse the audience in the eerie atmosphere of these suburban nightmares.
The documentary covers a range of themes, including serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and paranormal occurrences. Through extensive research and careful curation, Carpenter presents a diverse selection of cases that offer a nuanced perspective on the dark side of small-town life. Each story is thoughtfully examined, drawing viewers into the psychological and emotional impact these events had on the communities involved.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Suburban Screams" is its ability to balance entertainment with sensitivity. Carpenter handles the subject matter with respect for the victims and their families, focusing on the human aspect of these tragedies rather than exploiting them for shock value. This approach resonates with the viewer and elevates the documentary beyond a mere compilation of horror stories.
Another noteworthy element is the documentary's visual aesthetic. Carpenter's signature style is evident in the atmospheric cinematography, which evokes a sense of foreboding and unease. The use of lighting, shadows, and haunting musical scores enhances the storytelling, immersing viewers in the dark undercurrents of these small towns.
While "Suburban Screams" excels in many aspects, some viewers may find the pacing to be uneven at times. The documentary's structure occasionally jumps between stories, which can disrupt the immersive experience. Additionally, certain cases may receive more attention than others, leaving some viewers craving a deeper exploration of certain.
Real Life Horror
colleencant13 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
How can there be low reviews?
I was hooked from the first episode because they are real life horror events and there are interviews with the people who survived and experienced them, or are still experiencing them..
Don't underestimate what is an excellent series. You may want to criticize the acting or the production, I won't, but that is not important. What's important is that they're REAL and the intense fear felt by the people who went through it comes across painfully well - you can't make it up.
I've always enjoyed John Carpenter's work so I appreciate that my review might be biased, but the reason I love his work is because it scares me and this series is no different.
I was hooked from the first episode because they are real life horror events and there are interviews with the people who survived and experienced them, or are still experiencing them..
Don't underestimate what is an excellent series. You may want to criticize the acting or the production, I won't, but that is not important. What's important is that they're REAL and the intense fear felt by the people who went through it comes across painfully well - you can't make it up.
I've always enjoyed John Carpenter's work so I appreciate that my review might be biased, but the reason I love his work is because it scares me and this series is no different.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
