The Horror of Dolores Roach (2023) User Reviews

Fun, entertaining, shocking and unexpected!

[Guanche48 · 8/10 · 14 July 2023]

Uummmmm yummy empanadas! And very locas! I also make them at home.

What a wonderful surprise! Very original and creative, fun and horrifying series! A terrifying black comedy!

I must admit that it took me a bit to get fully into the series, but after a short time I already understood what was going on. I loved the combination of stories, first the empanada shop and then the masseuse, Magic Hands. It is one of those stories in which the variety of characters is very important, each with their own peculiarities and talents. This makes it more attractive and interesting in my opinion.

A good story with a different concept from what I had seen before. Very well edited and with very good actors. I must highlight Cindy Lauper, it's the first time I've seen her as an actress, wow, awesome! And at the same time listen to her music on the soundtrack, that was a very good choice. Continuing with the music theme, I could say that some songs are not to my taste but they adapt well to the story and the environment.

There are a lot of moments of laughter and original humor throughout the series, having said this they could have raised the humor to another level, sometimes they are just bland jokes. But the truth is that I didn't care at all, the story speaks for itself and for me it is horror blend with comedy, entertaining and very pleasant to watch with episodes of only 30 minutes.

I'll be waiting for a second season and please don't be long!.

Do not miss it if you like horror and black comedy, and in this case one with a great variety of colors!!

Drama, Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Complete Entertainment!

[folk_egm · 8/10 · 13 July 2023]

The Horror of Dolores Roach The Amazon Prime Video series consists of 8 episodes an unjust imprisonment of 16 years. Dolores Roche (played by Justina Machado) returns to Washington Heights, which has now become a neighborhood where the wealthy take over the area. Dolores reunites with Luis, an old friend who enjoys smoking marijuana. Luis provides Dolores with shelter and a job as a masseuse in the underground basement of his empanada shop. As things quickly spiral out of control and danger approaches, Dolores, the "Wonder Hand," must resort to extreme measures to survive.

Overall, this is a compelling and intense short series that effectively portrays various aspects such as drama, murder, love, and the psychological effects of societal oppression. It successfully captures the audience's attention and provides a unique and different experience. I highly recommend it to those who are looking for something intriguing and out of the ordinary.

Murder, munchies, and gentrification.

[epcorkery7-221-447732 · 8/10 · 15 November 2023]

Looking for something to put on and I couldn't find anything! Came across the title, I am a fan of Justina Machado, love horror movies, and Blumhouse! So this was right up my alley. The acting is good! Justina is a boss! She knows how to play this role a little too well, but she makes it look gooood! Right amount of horror, very dark visuals, tones, lighting, the scenes, all done in a way that adds to the darkness that hides under tone of it all. It doesn't come off right away as a horror series, it's almost a stoner movie, then it takes its turn. You really root for her to over come the prison life and her new horrors that come.

What can we learn from Dolores Roach's story?

[DrDumb · 6/10 · 10 February 2024]

The tv show heavily features violence, self harm and drug themes. It also teach people how to murder others and deal with bodies. This is sth that you don't want to learn. Although the plot was sick and disgusting, there was one thing keeping pondering me. As a a freshman who just got out of jail, Dolores had no one around to support her, including anyone from the correctional facility. How could anybody like her go back to their normal lives if no one was there for them. This is a very common problem in some countries. Former inmates don't have anyone to support and help them back on track will likely to commit another crime(s) again. For example, Dolores has no family, no friends around. She needed someone to support her for her mental health but no one was around. Her mind snapped once again and again and she was just not a criminal, she was also a victim.

This was brilliant!

[dlc-52470 · 10/10 · 7 July 2023]

At first I didn't think this was going to be much of anything, just the basic corny comedy, boy was I wrong!

This has turned out to be the best dark comedy, horror I've watched in a couple of years! The tension never stops once it gets going, I've been finding myself laughing out loud every other moment, then I'm stressing because I don't know what's going to happen next, and man does something wild and crazy happens next!

And what's rewarding is this time I didn't check to see how many episodes this had, so when another one rolled around I couldn't be any happier, and also what makes this a great binge watch is it's short 30 minutes episodes.

Each actor brilliantly played their parts!

But don't get me wrong, it's not all laughs, this is a horror, so be prepared!

ENJOY THE RIDE!!

[loganps · 9/10 · 9 July 2023]

I didn't know much about this going in, but happy I gave it a chance because it was a FUN ride!

Simply, it's a modern day version of Sweeney Todd taking place in Washington Heights (right above Harlem). I thought there was a skilled blend of suspense and humor. Characters pull you in right away and the story telling is super captivating. In fact, I was so into the story, I didn't even play games on my phone while I watched...that's about the highest compliment I can give to any show.

My suggestion is to not read too much going in or over analyze whether or not to watch. Just do it. Have fun! You'll be rewarded with a thrilling limited series that I definitely recommend.

Best dark comedy, great casting!

[sofiryden · 10/10 · 7 July 2023]

This dark comedy is really worth watching. It's not too horror scary. The casting is spot on, not one character out of step with the story. The comedic and the darker scenes flow into each other effortlessly with surprising twists hitting the scene at intervals. The plot is a bit of a modern take on Sweeney Todd, with Dolores Roach / Justina Machado as the lead. She's one of my favorite actresses and here she really gets to shine. It is a horror story though, so not all laughs. It has relatively short episodes, about 30 minutes. Which makes it perfect for both binging or a paced viewing. La Empanada Loca might be a nod to Los Pollos Hermanos. Dolores gets out of prison after 26 years on a drug charge, and the series also shows how difficult it is to start again. I hope to see more of this!

Justina Machado *kills* this role (no pun intended)

[rynrox · 9/10 · 23 July 2023]

Okay, maybe the pun was a bit intentional. In my defense, it does still ring true!

First, I have to say that Justina Machado is one of the greatest actors out there and I think she doesn't get nearly the credit she deserves. I'm a little disappointed in the rating, because I think this is one heck of a story and it's told by one heck of a storyteller.

This plot is completely unhinged and I absolutely love it! It's both bizarrely completely unbelievable, but also totally gets you on board. Very "Dexter-esque" but a bit more lighthearted. Also, I do have to give credit to the role of Luis as well. Just give it a try, I think when enough people get into it it'll be a big hit.

Waiting for anything

[Proairguitarist · 3/10 · 13 September 2023]

I started watching it because my girlfriend suggested it. She's usually good with suggestions but I have to say, it started off slow, it crept along slowly,...continued slowly. I just don't get it. It seems like they're stretching a premise that could've been done in a 2 hour movie. It's listed as a comedy but I haven't laughed. It's listed as horror but nothing is scary. It honestly seems like some overindulgent material like cheap amateur theater. There are so many opportunities for the show to go in a better direction but they just don't follow those threads and just stay chatting about nothing.

Don't waste your time.

A campy, gory delight

[zazzzles · 10/10 · 8 July 2023]

I had no clue what I was walking into, but saw Justina Machado and gave it a shot. Without giving away too much, I will say the casting was on point and featured a slew of enjoyable characters that threaded in and out of the storyline. I usually don't love omnipresent narration, but in this case it works and gives us some insight into Delores' journey in self discovery and acceptance along with a few laughs. I also liked that it served up some pretty light commentary on gentrification and the racial inequities in the cannabis industry. It ended nicely with what could be a satisfactory and fun wrap on the story, but also could be used as a cliffhanger for some additional storytelling, similar to OMITB, if they can serve it in just the right way.

It's not going to be for everybody, but if you have a sense of humor, like campy horror a la Scream Queens, can handle the suspense and gore of American Horror Story, and enjoy Half-Baked stoner comedy then buckle up and push through for an uncomfortably hilarious treat full of amazingly entertaining characters.

Wow weird wonderful

[pookieponka · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

I absolutely loved this!such a brilliant dark comedy!watched all episodes over 2 evenings. So refreshingly different and beautifully insane!watch u won't be disappointed.justina is such a amazing actress ive watched her in many many things my favourite (before this was one day at a time)this kept me hooked from start to finish,is so unbelievable it almost makes it easy to believe if that makes sense lol. I loved every single character throughout the series Totally awesome cast!pray they make a season 2 as I've never watched anything like this before, kinda wish I never watched it so fast almost sad season is over!

Unexpectedly Excellent!

[jayhudiak · 9/10 · 31 July 2023]

I honestly wasn't too sure what I was getting myself into upon starting this show. Genuinely, all I really knew was that it's about a woman fresh out of prison trying to get her footing back.

What I discovered was an expertly crafted dark comedy horror(using that word lightly) that I finished on one dreary sunday. The storytelling was excellent as was the ensemble cast (Loved seeing a Cyndi Lauper cameo!)

It almost feels like a mix of "Orange Is The New Black", "Only Murders In The Building", and just a *touch* of one of the more Campy seasons of "American Horror Story"

I would definitely recommend this show to almost anyone and it has me wanting to check out more Amazon Originals.

Response to an earlier review

[steelebecky · 9/10 · 16 July 2023]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, one moment laughing out loud and the next totally repulsed by the gore and cannibalism, but it was quite entertaining from beginning to end. I do want to respond to an earlier reviewer who posted: "The show also features a strong supporting cast, including K. Todd Freeman as Jeremiah, a mysterious blind man who befriends Dolores; Luna Blaise as Ileana, a young woman who becomes Dolores' love interest; and Kevin Alejandro as Sam, Dolores' estranged father who is a cop." Maybe they saw the one-woman play this series is based on? In this series, Jeremiah drives a truck, so is clearly not blind, and I don't remember either character of Ileana, a love interest, or Sam, the father.

Roaches Check In But They Don't Check Out

[andersomo · 5/10 · 7 July 2023]

This series is based on, inspired by, or is a retelling of Sweeney Todd but I'm uncertain as to which of those the show's creator was going for here. It was difficult for me to get past the fact that the main character, Dolores Roach, is played by the same actress who played the eternally bubbly and perky Penelope Alvarez for four seasons on the Netflix comedy "One Day at a Time". I just never quite believed that she was a bad-ass, capable of murder, or even capable of scaring someone; although I do think that she manages to shake off a bit of Penelope in a few of the final scenes of episode eight. Each episode is approximately 30-minutes, so it's a quick watch. The series ends on an interesting cliff-hanger so it appears that the creator/showrunner envisioned a second season. I wouldn't classify this series as "Horror" at all, it's a dark comedy. The series won't scare anyone but it's definitely not light on gore either. Some of the death scenes were a bit over-the-top, but dark comedies do take such liberties. Not sure i would watch a season two, other than to learn how the final scene of season one concluded. By the time the writers' strike is over, season two should be prepped and ready to drop in 3-5 (years). That last sentence is some Dolores prison lingo btw.

5 stars - fairly forgettable but not painful to watch.

It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a show this much

[Cchebo · 10/10 · 10 July 2023]

I rarely leave reviews for shows but this one is going to be a cult classic. The casting and acting is incredible. I found myself rooting for the characters as well and being supremely grossed out by them. The level of gore was perfection, not over the top but still makes your skin crawl with how realistic it is. I binged it over two days because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. It is a perfect blend of comic relief and horror that builds to a tense climax. Horror comedy is one of my fav genres and very difficult to do right and this show is one of the rare examples of doing it right. I loved it!

Terrific series based on a terrifying idea

[drtheonotes · 10/10 · 11 July 2023]

The trailer had me hooked and the series did not disappoint. The entire cast was amazing. Justina Machado gave a brilliantly intense performance as Dolores Roach. Her chemistry with Luis (Alejandro Hernandez) added the humor and melodrama needed to truly offset the macabre plot which entertains and disturbs.

The production set in the neighborhood of Washington Heights weaves elements of comedy, horror and brief moments of social commentary that left this Nuyorican intrigued and slightly unnerved. Watching Dolores go from desperate to savage as she gives a criminally offensive bombastic side eye to those who she deems as a stumbling block in remaining free, is an odd mix of disturbing and satisfying. Luis continues to support and help the protagonist, creating monstrosities from a typically delectable Puertican pastry while shouting his disdain for the gentrification of his neighborhood.

Justina Machado has a lovely way of effortlessly transitioning from vulnerability to erratic behavior. Her portrayal captures the complex emotional journey of her character, ensuring that the audience is wholly invested in her descent into darkness.

Which leads me to an interesting realization, I need more scented candles in my life.

Wickedly dark!

[shonad4160 · 10/10 · 17 July 2023]

Grabs you right from the start and doesn't let up. Great storyline and amazing acting especially from Justina Machado who plays Dolores. All the characters are interesting and it's funny one moment and shocking the next. 10/10 from me. Not often a show comes along that gets me hooked from the start. The episodes are short at 30 minutes which is good if you want to binge watch which I did in one night. The ending is open for a 2nd season which I can't wait for now.

I had never heard of this actress Justina Machado but she is very talented and will have to check out what other shows she has been in.

Dolores the bad ass!

[superhappycrystal · 10/10 · 16 July 2023]

So anyone that watches this expecting it to be a work of art or perfect. Doesn't understand the genre. This tv show is exactly what I was expect but why more. Not only does it touch on the issues of real life problems with jail and gentrification but it also puts a spicy taste in your mouth for twist and turns.

The best part for me is how much you feel bad and love Dolores. For me I fell in love with Luis! Their is a SA moment that is tough to swallow but I appreciate them making awareness to this as well.

With all the comedy, twist, turns and bumps it is a fun must watch. Giving you an enjoyable afternoon of craziness we have all felt at some point.

Misses and uneven

[okpilak · 5/10 · 12 July 2023]

There is a lot to like about the show, but the main problem I have is it seems inconsistent in what they want the show to be. There are a lot of really great comedic threads that simply get underplayed. Nellie, working in Luis' empanada shop is not used to her full ability. Delores is released from a 16 year sentence, which she fully served by not ratting on Dominic, and she goes back to the neighborhood to find Dominic, who had disappeared, along with all the cash she had hidden away. In prison she learned massage from an inmate who had no hands. Luis always has a plan, but never really thinks things through. Delores did not start out to be a serial killer, it just turned out that way. Her main fear was returning to prison. She is very skilled in giving massages, but it doesn't always work out well for her clients. In some of the predicaments, she could have used the advice of other inmates who would know what to do, but is stuck with Luis. Luis is a failure in his shop until he manages to use special 'meats' that Delores had provided for him. In Episode 7, there is a hilarious black comedic scene about the special flavors certain parts have in his empanadas, but then that quickly shifts to a terrible part of his childhood. Luis protects the 'meat' in the freezer by putting a lock on the freezer door, but doesn't take off the sticker with the combination on it. They live in a run down building, and one day blood from the sewer erupts in one of the apartments. So it seems they took a middle course to this series, and didn't fully succeed. Episode 8 ends either as an introduction to Season 2, or closure of Season 1.

No More People Empanadas!

[jrbrowzer · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

That is what I want printed on a t-shirt in response to the amazing "In the Heights" update of Sweeney Todd. You will be mesmerized by Justina Machado in this girl "I don't wanna be a serial killer" dark comedy which is a modern update of the classic cannibalism tale. I found myself laughing at the most inappropriate moments and cheering on Luis and Dolores as the lovers done wrong who are at the center of the chaos. Machado is like a simmering pot ready to boil over at any point. And boil over she does (just watch her expressions when she pops). This series is like a tea kettle. It starts off simmering, then builds steam and by episode 8, it is whistling away. Can't wait for season 2!

Unexpectedly great!

[ninoandkerry · 10/10 · 17 July 2023]

Didn't know what this was really about and after watching the trailer thought we'd give it a go as only 1/2h episodes. So glad we did. We were hooked after episode 1.

Actors are all great and so good to see Justina Machado in a lead role, she nails Dolores and makes her likes Land Rover and you really feel for her as her life spirals out of control. Surprise to see Cyndi Lauper in a serious but funny character and she was brilliant.

We are currently up to episode 6 and I don't want it to end.

There are some gory moments so be prepared, but it's funny and thoroughly entertaining and we've loved it.

Fantastic

[luvireland-11253 · 10/10 · 21 September 2023]

I've been surfing all my streaming services for a gold nugget. This one caught my eye a few times, did the obligatory addition to my list. So when I decided that today would be the day to pick a film from said list, I picked this one.

It's just so freaking good. There are a couple funny lines; always in the mood for a dark comedy. I felt the story was very believable and the cast was very good as well.

All that being said, I sit here still REELING from scene involving Delores and Luis. As Luis painfully described an incident from his childhood, I was mesmerized. The portrayal of Luis' pain from going such through a life-altering event just leaped right off my TV screen...it was a visceral reaction.

Fresh, wild, and weird!

[sydneyaussie-81833 · 10/10 · 25 July 2023]

A show with a fresh idea! This is so different than anything on tv right now. An anti hero story with a comedic take, cannibalistic love, righteous hands, and gentrification. Dolores Roach is a badass and a villain. A murderer with a conscious, wanting to do the right thing but ends up killing them. Such a fun and different take on our current horror landscape. Making this sorry feel like a graphic novel with a gritty Latina anti hero and a cannibalistic boyfriend. Trauma is embedded with every turn, justifying every murder. This is a story about a local Sweeney Todd whose legend was embellished and she's back to tell the actual truth. Love this show!

Tasteless drama that is neither horror nor comedy

[Sandmanreviews · 1/10 · 27 August 2023]

This series main character is Dolores Roach who is released from a long prison sentence where she took the blame for crimes her boyfriend committed. Since she doesn't know about anything better, she returns to the old neighborhood she used to live in, Washington Heights. To her surprise the old hood has changed character and been gentrified. Her old boyfriend is gone as well as the money that he and she have hidden. Of a coincidence she bumps into Luis, a person she knew in the past and who is now owning an Empanada shop. Since she has no place to live she is offered to crash in his basement. To earn money she starts a massage business in the same basement. So far the plot is quite interesting, but now it starts to go off the rails. When the landlord shows up and demands rent from Luis, which Luis doesn't have money for, Dolores offer the landlord her money that she keeps in the basement. The landlord follows her to the basement. The money isn't enough, but Dolores offer him massage. He accepts the offer. He starts talking and says something that upsets Dolores. She gets upset and out of a mistake she kills him. She runs away in panic. When she returns the body is gone. She later gets to know that Luis has butchered the body and made Empanadas out of it. This is basically the plot from now on. People are being killed on the massage table and turned into Empanadas. The plot revolves around how Luis and Dolores tries to hide the murders. However, the acting isn't very convincing and it feels like a standard sitcom but with some murders thrown in. Very few people can butcher a body and even fewer can engage in cannibalism. Luis doesn't convince the viewer to be one of them. The plot isn't exciting at all and I can't see what's funny with cannibalism. It ends up as a tasteless sitcom drama that is neither scary nor funny. If they kept the story to where it started, which was Dolores search for her old boyfriend and her lost money, it would have been a much more interesting plot. But Prime choose to make a series filled with blood and gore instead of telling a good story.

Ready for Season 2

[jram0214 · 10/10 · 11 December 2023]

The show indeed begins at a somewhat leisurely pace, but there's a good reason for this. It's all about Dolores coming to terms with a significant change in her life: the realization that her neighborhood, once familiar and comforting, has transformed into something quite different. This period of adjustment is vital for setting the tone of the show, allowing viewers to empathize with Dolores' situation and understand her perspective. As the series progresses, the narrative picks up speed, building up to a crescendo that's both captivating and thought-provoking. Particularly noteworthy is the final scene, which is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. It's so intensely engaging that I found myself literally yelling at the screen, caught up in the moment, craving more. This scene perfectly sets the stage for the next season, leaving viewers like myself eagerly anticipating what's to come in S2. The show's ability to evolve from a slow start to a thrilling conclusion is a testament to its quality storytelling and character development.