Watch The Terror

The Terror is a captivating and haunting psychological horror drama television series created by David Kajganich and Soo Hugh. It premiered on AMC in March 2018 and featured a total of 10 episodes spanning across one season. The series is based on Dan Simmons' novel of the same name, and it tells the story of the Royal Navy's polar exploration crew who get stranded in the Arctic Sea while trying to find the Northwest Passage. The series is set in the 1800s and fictionalizes the events that happened during the British Naval expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin (Ciaran Hinds) in 1845-1848. The crew of the HMS Terror and the HMS Erebus go through several grueling challenges and hardships as they try to survive in the harsh and frozen Arctic landscape.

The series is rich in character development, something that makes it stand out to audiences. The story revolves around the experiences of a number of different characters, both real-life historical figures, as well as fictional crew members. One of the lead characters is Francis Crozier, played by Jared Harris, who is the captain of the HMS Terror. Crozier is a seasoned and experienced captain, who after the failure of the voyage slowly becomes consumed by his own demons. Jared Harris perfectly encapsulates the complexity of Crozier's character, making for a very immersive story that tells the toll of what it means to be isolated in a harsh and unforgiving climate.

Derek Mio plays the role of Chester Nakayama, a young Japanese American who is a member of the crew in the show. He is the son of a fisherman and is familiar with the sea, which makes him useful in the expedition. However, Nakayama faces many hardships in the show, ranging from sickness to racial discrimination. His journey is one of the highlights of the show, and he emerges as a resilient, brave, and powerful character, even in the face of unimaginable horror.

Tobias Menzies plays the role of Captain James Fitzjames, who is the captain of the HMS Erebus. Fitzjames is a bit of a dandy, but he is also charming and well-liked by his crew. Menzies brings a great balance and depth to the character, and the consequence of the events seen in the series puts his character to the test.

The appearance of a mysterious and terrifying creature that hunts the crew down one by one, further complicates their quest for survival. The creature, later dubbed the 'Tuunbaq,' becomes a central part of the show's storyline, making for chilling scenes that perpetually increase the tension throughout the runtime. The dark and brooding atmospheric scenes in the wilderness of the Arctic add to the terrifying atmosphere of the show.

The Terror is known for its masterful use of cinematography and editing, which makes the show one of the most visually stunning series to date. The camera work creates a sense of tension and claustrophobia as the crew faces life-threatening situations in cramped quarters. The vivid landscapes range from the icy exteriors to the dimly lit corridors of the ship which all add to the suspenseful atmosphere.

The show explores other themes such as hopelessness, survival, leadership, and sacrifice. Beyond the central theme of the supernatural presence, the show draws its strength from the focus on character, the teamwork, the poor decisions that lead to their plight, and the power dynamics that play out. While it can be unsettling to watch, the Terror does a fantastic job of engrossing its viewers in the story, and it is highly recommended to those who love horror and a dark psychological narrative that leaves you pondering long after the conclusion.

It's worth noting that the setting and premise of The Terror is based on historical events, and while the series is fictionalized, viewers should understand that some of the events and characters portrayed are based on real individuals and events. The Terror has received critical acclaim for its cinematography, writing, direction, and narrative, and is highly recommended for those who love suspenseful shows.

The Terror is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on March 26, 2018.