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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.
Something is pervasive and lurking among us this weekend, and it’s just as deadly as love. Director Clara Aranovich and screenwriter Alexandra Pechman (Channel Zero) join forces to create “Tentacles.” This episode of Hulu’s horror anthology, Into the Dark, follows a woman named Tara (Dana Drori) running from a past love and runs into a photographer, Sam (Casey Deidrick). The plot of the story begins as follows: she is paranoid of her stalker and he is an alcoholic looking to make it big in the world. However, there is much more to it than you would expect from a title like this.
Tara has been living in and out of houses and, right before meeting Sam, has been living in her car. Or so we would think. The woman has a dark past, one that she does not share with others. She shows Sam a scar going down her abdomen, and we should be concerned for her. Soon after, her ex-boyfriend Grant (Evan Williams) arrives to tell Sam that Tara is the bad guy; she is the reason for their falling apart. In this day and age, should we just immediately jump the gun and victim-blame the woman?
Explanation
“Tentacles” is a tale about what love does to people. The first act foreshadows this when Sam tells Tara that he aims to connect with other people (e.g. strangers) rather than leave them alone. He says, “[W]hen you take a photo[graph] of someone, you take something from them.” The episode slowly shows us the bigger picture. Yes, love can involve some level or degree of trauma, and yes, it does suck from time to time. However, love is about the power we have over one another and how it could be physically and mentally draining. Love is a metaphysical force living in us, taking more than it gives, and is bound to hurt or kill someone eventually.
Aside from the plot development, the cinematography and character development are good for what is. Drori and Deidrick deliver great performances here, but I would have liked to see the supporting characters Grant and Esther (Kasey Elise) add more to the story in some manner, however possible.
The end reveal is the best part and is probably what gives the show its essence. Maybe, that is why Blumhouse of all other production company is a part of the series. Not only does Pechman write well here, but she’s put the story together with Nick Antosca (Hannibal, Channel Zero, The Act, Antlers) to give us horror fans something very thought-provoking. Overall, this episode of Into the Dark is worth the watch as it may give those in relationships as well as single people a good lesson on love’s potency. You will not want to miss this!
Have you seen this series yet? If so, what are your thoughts on it so far? Let us know! For more Hulu, Blumhouse, and horror-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_). We are also now on Facebook (TheCinemaSpotFB) for any old-timers!
For another Blumhouse property that delves into how metaphysical forces can take control of two or more parties, I would suggest watching this past fall’s horror film, Freaky, from the Happy Death Day filmmaker, Christopher Landon.
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.
