A Descent Into Terror That Won’t Be Forgotten

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
First Word on Horror
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 15 x 10-15m episodes (review of episodes 7-9)
Director(s): Philip Gelatt
Where To Watch: released exclusively via Substack – www.etchstudio.substack.com

RAVING REVIEW: Some stories refuse to be confined to the page, demanding instead to be spoken, examined, and reshaped through the voices of their creators. This is the essence of FIRST WORD ON HORROR, a series that combines some of the most influential voices in contemporary horror and fiction. Across multiple episodes, celebrated authors share their work and untangle the inspirations, experiences, and philosophies that shape their writing. More than just a literary showcase, this series peels back the layers of craft, offering an intimate look at how personal history, cultural forces, and artistic vision coalesce into something powerful.

This episode features Elizabeth Hand, whose work straddles horror, fantasy, and literary fiction. The episode does not merely analyze her words; it allows Hand to guide the audience through her creative process, revealing the deeply personal and sometimes chaotic forces that fuel her storytelling. More than just an interview, it’s a conversation that blurs the line, much like Hand’s narratives.

At the center of this episode is her interpretation of ‘The Bacchae,’ Euripides’ timeless tragedy of power, repression, and chaos. But rather than just discussing the play’s historical significance, Hand reframes it through a modern lens, demonstrating why this ancient work still resonates. Her approach to Dionysus, not just as a god of revelry but as an embodiment of destruction and transformation, speaks to larger themes of control, resistance, and the unpredictable nature of human desire. It’s not just an analysis—it’s a testament to why stories endure and evolve, shaping new meanings for new generations.

What makes this series so compelling is its ability to situate literature within the lived experiences of its authors. Hand’s segment goes beyond theoretical discussion, immersing viewers in the moments that have informed her work. Her reflections on the early DC punk scene, a world of raw energy and artistic rebellion, offer a glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped her voice. The episode doesn’t just tell us who she is—it allows us to understand why she writes how she does.

FIRST WORD ON HORROR avoids some literary documentaries' sterile, overly polished aesthetic. Instead, it embraces an atmospheric approach, blending interviews with archival footage, imagery, and excerpts of the authors’ works in an immersive way. This stylistic choice mirrors the essence of storytelling itself—the weaving together of reality and imagination, memory and myth. The result is a series that feels as alive as the stories it celebrates.

Hand’s episode, in particular, excels at capturing the nuances of creative expression. Rather than simply presenting a linear discussion of her career, the episode allows for digressions, spontaneity moments, and unfiltered reflections that make for engaging storytelling. The audience isn’t just learning about Hand’s process; they are experiencing it in real-time, watching as she navigates the influences, struggles, and revelations that have defined her writing journey.

Of course, no documentary is without its limitations. While the series does a remarkable job of highlighting the personal and philosophical aspects of storytelling, there are moments where certain choices could have been explored in greater depth. Hand’s episode, for instance, touches on the political undercurrents of ‘The Bacchae.’ Still, there is a sense that this theme could have been pushed even further, particularly about contemporary struggles with power and autonomy.

Ultimately, what makes FIRST WORD ON HORROR stand out is its reverence for the writing process—not just as an intellectual exercise but as something visceral and deeply human. It reminds us that behind every great story is a life lived, a perspective formed, and a world observed through a singular lens. Hand’s episode exemplifies this, offering a compelling meditation on the intersections of art, history, and identity.

For anyone who has ever wondered how stories come to life—or why certain narratives continue to haunt us long after the last page is turned—this series is essential viewing. It is not just a love letter to horror fiction but to storytelling itself, proving that the most enduring tales are the ones that refuse to be forgotten.

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[photo courtesy of ETCH]

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