Recommending a 100% rated series is not as simple as it might seem. Widow's Bay, the latest Apple TV+ original, has garnered universal praise from critics, but for viewers, the experience may depend on how they watch it.
The Apple TV+ Advantage
Despite Apple TV+ arguably being the streaming service with the most premium originals, including Slow Horses, Severance, Silo, Foundation, Shrinking, For All Mankind, and The Studio, it is often overlooked. That should not be the case. Now more than ever, it has become even easier to access. Apple TV+ is one of the few services that does not restrict you to a separate app and login, though you can if you prefer. It is now available as an add-on to your almost certainly existing Prime Video subscription. Using Amazon's dedicated video service, you can even filter out titles so it will only show those from certain subscriptions like Apple TV+. So there is no excuse to miss out on the stellar offering of Apple originals.
A Slow-Burn Horror
However, Apple's release schedule for most new shows does not help. That is where it gets difficult to really recommend the streamer's latest offering, Widow's Bay. For those unaware, the series is set in the quaint and titular island town 40 miles off the coast of New England, where something lurks beneath the surface. Mayor Tom, played by Matthew Rhys, is desperate to revive his struggling community. Not only is there no Wi-Fi, spotty cellular reception, and very little to do, but he must also contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed. Even in the face of some success, unfortunately, it seems the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again.
While most of the overwhelmingly positive reviews published so far are easy to agree with, it is important to note that they are all based on the entire season. Critics will have watched at least the majority of all 10 episodes, despite only two instalments being released for its premiere this week. This feels like the kind of show where watching on a weekly basis versus binge-watching would have a different impact. The build-up of tension and use of atmosphere to add to its horror is slow and steady early on. So much so that I fear those watching week by week may drop off or, worse, give up on the series altogether.
When Does It Pick Up?
For me, it is not until episode four that there is a real punchy and shocking end to an episode to keep you hooked and ensure you tune in the following week. That is not to say there is not much to enjoy in those opening episodes. The performances are enthralling, the use of horror tropes is actually interesting, and the overwhelming question of ‘what the hell is going on?’ never leaves. Still, it might be too slow for those unfamiliar with the pull of a Stephen King-like narrative.
Should You Watch It Now or Wait?
So maybe it is best to wait until more episodes are available at once, or indeed the whole season? Either way, it certainly deserves a spot on your watchlist until you can decide whether you are a weekly watcher or need it all in one go.
Is Widow's Bay worth watching? Absolutely. It is certainly one of the most impressive new shows to debut this year and a must-watch for horror fans. But you can be forgiven for waiting a few weeks so you can have a good binge.
Widow's Bay is streaming on Apple TV+.
