MovieChat Forums > The Terror (2018) Discussion > "Are we brothers, Francis?"

"Are we brothers, Francis?"

posted 3 years ago by Nanook (2046)
6 replies | jump to latest

Just finished my second or third viewing of S01. I totally understand this isn't everyone's cup of tea, and much like The Wire, it takes a while to introduce all the characters and dynamics at play, but what a rich reward is waiting for those who gave it a couple episodes for them to develop.

I'm not a period piece or military/naval fiction enthusiast, though have enjoyed many, but as a horror fan who relishes the careful build up of dread, this detailed [account] of actual horrific events (with a twist!) has only gotten better each viewing. And the collective talent on screen elevates this incredible season above a simple "horror" label, and this from a true genre fan.

Finally, horror isn't a genre that often moves me to tears, but the scene quoted in the subject between Harris and Menzies just freaking kills me. "Then you are free. Mine your courage from a different lode, now." Cracking stuff.

[–] JakeSWITCH (504) 3 years ago

I loved this series, too - I thought it was a great adaptation of Dan Simmons' enormous novel and that it substantially improved upon the source material. The writing, acting, music, and production design were top stuff.

I'm baffled that they decided to turn it into: a) an anthology series, using b) a story that wasn't adapted from Simmons' other novels. It was weird way to try and recapture lightning in a bottle.

Possibly an unpopular opinion, but I think horror TV / streaming series are starting to pull ahead of films in terms of overall quality (particularly in Western nations).

[–] Nanook (2046) 3 years ago

Haven't read the novel, but have found that it's usually much less disappointing to see the screen adaptation first, so box ticked. High praise indeed to say it was an improvement. There are several reasons I have no plans to watch the second season, and you nailed a big one. That said, imo Fargo peaked in S02, so the anthology concept isn't necessarily a bad one on its face.

If/when you get the time/inclination, I'd be keen to see what recs. you might have that sparked your last opinion. Whenever one comes my way with the caveat of "you're gonna love it or hate it" or "this might be unpopular, but..." I usually end up liking it. Recent examples I've seen and enjoyed have been (U.S. titles, more or less in order of rating):

Alan Resnick's youtube oeuvre e.g. "This House Has People in It" et. al.
Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)
The Returned (2012–2015) - the U.S. remake wasn't bad either
Sweet Home (2020– )
Kingdom (2019– ) - and the movie, especially
Channel Zero (2016–2018) - another not horrible anthology
Fortitude (2015–2018)
The Exorcist (2016–2018) - went in with very low expectations

Various projects that left a bad taste: TWD, Creepshow, The Strain, Brand New Cherry Flavor, Love, Death & Robots...

[–] JakeSWITCH (504) 3 years ago

If/when you get the time/inclination, I'd be keen to see what recs. you might have that sparked your last opinion.

Just off the top of my head: 30 Coins, Archive 81, All of Us Are Dead, Beyond the Walls, Black Spot, Black Summer, Chapelwaite, Castle Rock, Dead Set, Firebite, From, Ghoul, Hellbound, Lisey's Story, Marianne, Midnight Mass, Servant, The Outsider, The Haunting of..., and Wolf Creek.

I also really enjoyed the first three seasons of Fear the Walking Dead, before they rebooted it with the exact same tone as The Walking Dead.

[–] Nanook (2046) 3 years ago

Oh my. The only one of those I've seen is Dead Set, and it is one of my favorite zombie "movies." Had a couple on my ever-growing watch list, and when looking up those I hadn't heard of, your very first one had the great Álex de la Iglecia as a writer, so thank you!

[–] Volley (3440) 3 years ago

Just finished my first viewing and it was absolutely wonderful. It's even more immersive when I turned my dark blue LED lights on in the TV room, I was freezing just watching. I was surprised how quickly they got stuck in the ice and it would have been neat if they had a few episodes devoted to sailing towards the north pole and wintering at Beechey Island first.

When I first started watching I had very little knowledge about this expedition, now I'm just reading all about it and looking at all sorts of maps, even though none of them made it home, they were all heroes for heading into the unexplored.

King William "Land" is a total wasteland, there is nothing there, and one wonders how different history would have unfolded had they sailed east of the island instead of the west....

[–] Nanook (2046) 3 years ago

Oof! If ever there was a "demo show" for ambient lighting...

Similar beginnings here. As a product of U.S. government schooling, I had heard of the Northwest Passage, but little else. Apparently this is much more common knowledge in Canada and likely the British Isles. Saw previews for it on AMC and watched it for the horror angle and the great cast, and was blown away. As usual the "thing" was anticlimactic, but despite that the overall mood and buildup of dread and the human evil element really shivered me timbers. Of course the aforementioned character arcs and dialogue were superlative. And also, as usual, hubris will eff stuff up, though I couldn't say their fates would be any different were Franklin of more humble character.

I suspect this will remain a critical darling, and have its rabid fans, but will never be "big," fwiw...