Ep 1. Port Fourchon, Louisiana

Monsterland is an anthology series based on Nathan Ballingrud's novel, North American Lake Monsters. Each episode has its own standalone story that follows a different character in a different part of the world, exploring the theme of human monsters and their motivations. The first episode, titled Port Fourchon, Louisiana, centers around a young mother named Toni (played by Kaitlyn Dever) who is struggling to make ends meet in the small fishing town.

Toni is a single mother who works as a clerk at a convenience store to support her daughter, who is wheelchair-bound. The town of Port Fourchon is known for its fishing industry, and many of the locals are struggling to make a living due to the decline in fish population. Toni has a strained relationship with her alcoholic father, who was once a successful fisherman but now spends his days drinking and reminiscing about the past.

One day, Toni is approached by a wealthy businessman named Nick (played by Jonathan Tucker) who offers her a large sum of money to take him out on her boat for a day of fishing. Toni is hesitant at first, but the promise of financial stability for her and her daughter is too tempting to pass up. As they venture further out to sea, Nick begins to reveal his true nature, and Toni soon realizes that she has made a grave mistake.

What follows is a harrowing tale of survival and the lengths that humans will go to in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. Port Fourchon, Louisiana is a slow-burning horror story that explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of greed and desperation. Kaitlyn Dever's performance as Toni is heart-wrenching and raw, and Jonathan Tucker's portrayal of Nick is chillingly convincing.

Throughout the episode, there are subtle hints and nods to the supernatural, but the true horror lies in the human monsters that exist in the real world. The setting of Port Fourchon is bleak and eerie, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the episode. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and brutality of the sea with equal measure.

Overall, Port Fourchon, Louisiana is a fantastic start to the Monsterland series. It sets the tone for what is to come, teasing the idea that the horrors that await in each episode may not be the traditional monsters that we are used to. The episode is thought-provoking and impactful, leaving the viewer with a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll.