Creepshow (2019)

Where to find it: ITVx
Length: Twenty three 50-minute episodes
Synopsis: Horror-comedy anthology show
Recommendation rating: 3/5

What I like about it: fun, campy, does plenty with the budget
What I don’t like about it: most segments are pointless

Review:
Each episode of this anthology series consists of two segments of 20-30 minutes. Their commitment to practical effects and getting a lot out of their low budget is admirable and impressive; the sense of humour makes each segment charming even though many are silly and entirely pointless. Overall, the show is a fun waste of time and if you want to waste a bit less time, skip the first couple of seasons.

Of particular note are two segments, worth seeking out even if you skip the rest. “Drug Traffic” from the third season is an Asian-style ghost story with fascinating interplay between a Communist border guard and a self-interested Democrat. Has a very well-directed monster sequence that is a terrifying bloody mess. Season 4’s “Twenty Minutes with Cassandra” was my favourite segment by far – it’s hilarious and eventually goes way deeper than it had to. I think I said “I love this” after almost every line and it’s just a great short film.

Content notes (may contain spoilers): blood n guts, body horror, scary monsters and swears

Common Side Effects (2025)

Where to find it: Channel 4
Length: Ten 20-minute episodes
Synopsis: Mycologist has a cure They’re willing to kill for
Recommendation rating: 4/5

What I like about it: humour, animation, themes
What I don’t like about it: ugly style, incohesive plot

Review:
The animation team from Scavengers Reign return with another imaginative anime-inspired adult cartoon in which a renegade Paul Stamets type finds a panacaea and fights against a deep state-big pharma conspiracy. Though the character design is bafflingly offputting, the visuals come into their own during the psychedelic trip scenes. The plot can feel perfunctory but it’s well-paced enough to go with it and the writing is psychological and satirical. Unlike Scavengers Reign, this has been renewed for another season and is well worth following.

MILD SPOILERS: My favourite touch, which I’m certain was intentional, is when the panacaea is given to an autistic child and he remains autistic. I held my breath for a minute there!

Content notes (may contain spoilers): body horror, violence, weapons