TV SERIES REVIEW
Hysteria!
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 8 x 60m episodes
Creator(s): Matthew Scott Kane
Showrunner(s): Matthew Scott Kane, David A. Goodman
Writer(s): Matthew Scott Kane, David A. Goodman
Cast: Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis, Nikki Hahn, Bruce Campbell, Garret Dillahunt, Nolan North, Elijah Richardson, Milly Shapiro, Allison Scagliotti, Jessica Treska
Where To Watch: all episodes will premiere on October 18, 2024 on Peacock

RAVING REVIEW: Come with me to revisit the eerie 1980s in HYSTERIA! The series submerges viewers into the unsettling ambiance of Happy Hollow, a small Michigan town embroiled in the notorious Satanic Panic. The series kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a high school quarterback, sparking a domino effect of paranoia and conspiracy that engulfs the entire town. This narrative mirrors the era's tensions and aligns them with the modern-day socio-political landscape, creating a rich blend of suspense and intrigue.

Under the creative hands of Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman, HYSTERIA! captures the energetic rebellion of the youth thrown into the mix with the times' complex societal issues. The series portrays the cyclical nature of societal fears. How they evolve, dissipate, and eventually re-emerge in a new guise, offering a narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat and thinking the entire time.

At the heart of HYSTERIA! lies the story of Dylan Campbell and his fellow friends and bandmates, Jordy and Spud, portrayed by Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, and Kezii Curtis. These young musicians, part of the emerging heavy metal band Dethkrunch, seize the town's escalating obsession with the occult to catapult their fame by adopting a diabolically inspired stage persona. However, their plan quickly backfires, thrusting them into the epicenter of the resulting chaos.

Julie Bowen delivers a fun performance as Linda Campbell, Dylan’s mother, torn between her instinct to protect her son and the mounting hysteria that threatens to overrun the town. Bruce Campbell, portraying Chief Dandridge (in an unfortunately all-too-small role), brings a much-needed sense of order and authority to the series, balancing the scale between fear and rationality. Together, the cast walks the tightrope between drama and fun, ensuring HYSTERIA! resonates well within its intended horror-comedy genre without leaning too heavily on one side.

The series does not shy away from exploring the sharp generational divide between defiant, misunderstood youth and their conservative elders, desperate to maintain control. This dynamic reveals the deep-seated misunderstandings and paranoia that can spiral into devastating consequences.

HYSTERIA! utilizes the Satanic Panic not only as a dramatic backdrop but also as a metaphor for the enduring irrational fears that can grip communities. The series draws on chilling parallels to contemporary conspiracy theories groups, and intentional misinformation campaigns; it invites its audience to examine the recurring patterns of fear and mistrust that permeate generations. HYSTERIA! refuses to be pigeonholed into a single genre. It combines suspense and supernatural elements with dark comedy and drama, creating a complex mix of emotions. 

Additional standout performances by Anna Camp as Tracy Whitehead, Garret Dillahunt as The Reverend, and Jessica Treska as Judith help strengthen the storyline. Dillahunt’s portrayal of a well-intentioned yet misguided moral crusader adds depth to the communal hysteria.

HYSTERIA! is a fun and well-thought-out exploration of the shared anxieties that unite and divide us. It weaves horror, history, and heartfelt drama into a narrative that captivates and entertains. This series is a journey into the past that resonates with present fears, promising an enthralling viewing experience for anyone intrigued by the historical echoes in our modern world.

#Hysteria

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