For viewers left captivated by Guillermo del Toro's lavish Frankenstein on Netflix, the search for a similarly enthralling gothic tale is over. A critically acclaimed television series, perfect for admirers of Dracula and Tim Burton's Wednesday, is waiting to be discovered on Amazon Prime Video.
A Masterpiece of Gothic Storytelling
The show in question is Penny Dreadful, which first launched in 2014. It was created by the skilled minds behind cinematic hits like Skyfall and American Beauty. The series expertly weaves together the iconic figures and backstories from classic literature, including Frankenstein, Dracula, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
At its heart, the narrative follows an explorer in a desperate quest for his missing daughter, all set against a deeply atmospheric and dark backdrop.
Audience Acclaim and Rave Reviews
The series has been met with overwhelming praise from audiences on platforms like IMDb. One reviewer awarded a perfect 10/10 score, calling it a 'masterpiece of acting'.
They elaborated, 'The first season is amazing. I'm not overly fond of watching horror movies but this was something different. Not all episodes are horror. The combination of characters, the writing, the dark atmosphere, everything was brilliant.'
Another devoted fan declared it a 'perfect show', stating, 'I'm obsessed with it. I have searched for another show like this but there are none.' A third viewer, who has watched the entire series four times, warned others, 'Tread carefully though, because you might end up rewatching it every year, just as I have.'
The series has a particular talent for winning over sceptics. One audience member admitted they initially thought the premise sounded 'ridiculous', but were proven completely wrong. They praised the show for being 'deeply steeped in gothic horror' while also delivering excellent character studies.
A Stellar and Star-Studded Cast
A significant part of the show's appeal lies in its stellar ensemble cast. The lineup is a who's who of British and Hollywood talent, featuring:
- Eva Green (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children)
- Timothy Dalton (James Bond veteran)
- Josh Hartnett
- Billie Piper (also seen in Netflix's Wednesday)
- Rory Kinnear (Years and Years)
- The late Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders)
- Harry Treadaway
- Danny Sapani (The Crown)
- American singer Patti LuPone
The show's title, Penny Dreadful, has its own rich history, originating from the affordable, sensational horror story pamphlets that sold for pennies in the 19th century.
Penny Dreadful is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video for a fee, offering a perfect and binge-worthy gothic delight for fans of intelligent horror and classic literature.
