A Journey Through the Supernatural With a Ghostly Companion

Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

TV SERIES PILOT REVIEW
Haunted Henry
–

Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 25m
Director(s): Maximos Tatum
Writer(s): Maximos Tatum
Cast: Wil Deusner, Kate Edmonds, Megan Pecot, Nick Crawford, Donna Williamson, Tim Casper, Luke Tatum
Where To Watch: watch the pilot episode here www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: With just the right amount of camp and heart, HAUNTED HENRY draws viewers into an eerie and fascinating world. The series introduces us to Henry Edvick (Wil Deusner,) an orphan grappling with the loss of his step-sister Penelope (Kate Edmonds) under mysterious circumstances. Set against the spectral backdrop of rural Alabama, the show masterfully blends elements of humor and horror, crafting a narrative that manages to be enduring and charming, all while mentioning O.J. Simpson in the pilot episode.

Under the direction of Maximos Tatum—who also serves as showrunner, writer, and editor—HAUNTED HENRY presents Henry’s journey through the foster system, with each step being more bizarre than the last. Here, Henry encounters a variety of supernatural phenomena that are comical and just a bit creepy. Tatum’s narrative builds a rich story filled with spooky and humorous potential that keeps the audience amused and on edge.

The hauntingly serene setting of rural Alabama plays a pivotal role. The natural landscape, with its overpowering embrace of rundown buildings, mirrors the turbulence in Henry's life. This connection creates a somber mood, like someone quietly observing the passage of life on their porch, adding depth to the series' narrative and emotional resonance.

HAUNTED HENRY’s visual appeal lies in its stark contrasts. The series adopts stylistic cues from the filmographies of Edgar Wright and Wes Anderson, using exaggerated and stylized framing to enhance its comedic flair while effectively grounding the emotional scenes. This cinematographic approach heightens the series' emotional engagement, drawing viewers deeper into the themes explored throughout the episodes.

The lighting design is another area where HAUNTED HENRY shines. The series utilizes practical lighting that casts deep, dramatic shadows. This lighting technique enhances the mood, creating a foreboding and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the narrative’s darker elements. With a runtime of only 25 minutes, this pilot episode allows viewers to take in this world that the cast and crew have created.

As Tatum explains, Henry’s supernatural encounters will intensify as the series progresses. His experiences with haunting visions and mysterious figures, such as the sinister plague doctor, escalate the tension of the proposed series, making each episode more gripping than the last. These supernatural elements would enhance the suspense and deepen the mystery surrounding Henry’s connection to the paranormal world.

Despite its eerie themes, HAUNTED HENRY is a story of resilience. Henry's poignant relationship with Penelope contrasts his external adversities, providing a window into his internal battles and the misunderstandings that further his isolation. This dynamic enriches the emotion of the series, offering a narrative filled with both heartache and humor.

Tatum is actively seeking a network to bring HAUNTED HENRY to a broader audience while continuing to cultivate its existing fan base on YouTube. The potential for further developing this series promises to dive deeper into its captivating blend of mystery, emotion, and comedy. I fully support this; I am “dying” to see the next episode!

HAUNTED HENRY uniquely melds the ordinary with the extraordinary, exploring profound themes of human endurance and the power of connection in a world filled with both real and imaginary ghosts. The series invites viewers to laugh in the face of horror and challenges them to confront their ghosts within a refreshingly original dark comedy framework. With its suspense, laughter, and a touch of the supernatural, HAUNTED HENRY stands out as a compelling narrative that promises to keep its audience entertained and engaged.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also find my social media accounts on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of LONGDOG]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.