Penny Dreadful

Drawing on some of the 19th century's most popular characters, Penny Dreadfulis a mashup of all things classic that somehow manages to work. Taking inspiration from Dorian Gray, Van Helsing, Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Hyde, you may expect the plot to be something of a mess. But as it turns out, the characters co-exist quite naturally in the world, a beautifully re-created Victorian London. Supernatural creatures crawl the streets and the classic characters band together to fight them. Tying it all into a complex thriller with a palpable atmosphere, director John Logan brings new life and progression. At the same time, Penny Dreadfulkeeps has a notable lack of cheap tricks. You won't find jump scares or deus-ex machinas, but a subtler experience; one with a steady pace, a flamboyant cast, and an utterly captivating narrative.