Watch AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth's History of Horrors

AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth's History of Horrors is a docuseries that explores horror cinema and its cultural impact. Produced by acclaimed horror director Eli Roth and hosted by him, the series features interviews with some of the most influential names in horror filmmaking and explores the evolution of the genre from its early beginnings to modern times.

The show is divided into six hour-long episodes, each focused on a different subgenre of horror. The first episode titled "Zombies" explores the evolution of the zombie trope in horror cinema, from the early days of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead to contemporary zombie franchises like The Walking Dead. The second episode, "Slashers," focuses on the rise of iconic horror villains like Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, and their impact on popular culture.

In the third episode, "Monsters," the show delves into the history and cultural significance of classic horror creatures like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the werewolf. Conversely, episode four, "Witches," explores the portrayal of witches in horror films, and how they have become powerful feminist symbols.

The fifth episode, "Body Horror," examines the use of the human body as a canvas for horror storytelling, as seen in films like The Fly and The Thing. Lastly, the sixth episode, "Demons Inside," looks at how the horror genre has delved headfirst into exploring the idea of the demonic possession, often as a commentary on society's fears and anxieties.

The interviews are co-hosted by Roth and a rotating cast of experts - from actors and writers to academics and cultural critics- providing their own insights on how each subgenre has impacted society over the years, both positively and negatively. The show is a collaborative affair, and each episode features a tailored score and eerie sound effects and features archival clips to illustrate the evolving horror trends and the cultural movements surrounding each subgenre.

Throughout the series, Roth strikes a balance between horror-buff deep-dive analysis and more mainstream observations about the genre's impact. He brings forward an overarching narrative that connects the different subgenres and filmmakers, which underscores the elements that make horror films a unique storytelling medium. Roth has gone full nostalgia-overdrive, actively sharing his love for horror and the reason why it resonates with audiences. "For me, growing up, horror films were my babysitters. They kept me company, so they are like old friends," he says.

The show's historical bent is perhaps its greatest strength, its visual storytelling of how each subgenre was popularised and evolved through the years prevent it from feeling like a mere horror movie analysis. Its focus on the creators and the audience that helped in the success or failure of a particular horror trope is what makes the series fascinating.

AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth's History of Horrors is a compelling watch for both cinephiles and casual horror fans. It offers a fresh, considered insight into the evolution of horror film that has become more than just a bite-sized source of fear in cinema; it's a genre with a cultural and social significance that deserves to be appreciated.

AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth's History of Horrors is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on October 14, 2018.