It’s never been a better time to be a horror fan, especially where films are concerned. A24 provides a steady stream of arthouse chills, while the rise of SHUDDER has seen several high-concept projects brought to life. This year alone has served up both Longlegs and The Substance — two masterful entries into this loaded category. With so much to choose from, you’re sure to find your niche. Creators Joshua Paul Messarge and Kristen B. Adams’ anthology series Chiminey Tales is a stylish reminder of the horror genre’s versatility.
The first three episodes feature The End of the World, a Lakota folktale told with shadow puppets; Belial, a demonic case of wrong place, wrong time; and Forgotten, which takes an abstract approach to dealing with grief. Visually distinctive through and through, a lot of what makes Chiminey Tales work is how distinctive each director’s vision is. The odd man out is Messarge’s narrator. An interesting addition to the show, serving as a guide to each story. A Rod Serling from The Twilight Zone, if you will. Though he comes well-dressed for the occasion in a fraque and top hat, the voice and cadence just don’t jibe with the grim tone of each chapter.
This is immediately evident in The End of the World, where the voicework is left struggling to support the otherwise captivatingly subtle puppet work. The stability of the world hinges on the relationship between an elderly woman and a dog, a balance that can easily be upset. It’s like a campfire fable come to life, strongly contrasting Belial, which is a decidedly grittier, nastier affair. Supposedly based on true happenings and skillfully directed by Sharai Corral, we follow CPS worker David Walker (Alvin Ashby Jr.), who encounters a sinister presence during a welfare check with officers Chuck (Ben Benson) and Mike (Ian Roberson). Tension hangs over every shot as Walker’s life begins unraveling, but there’s much frustration to be had when the story ends just when it begins picking up traction. That leaves Forgotten in a fascinating spot. Starring Melanie Kiran on a soul-searching journey, it doesn’t move the needle in terms of scares, but its euphoric psychological edge is exactly what Chiminey Tales needed to finish strong. Be on the lookout for some eye-popping practical effects that truly tie the short together; they certainly don’t make them like this anymore.
A pleasantly retro anthology that blends multiple generations of horror filmmaking techniques, the first three episodes of Chiminey Tales are a satisfying watch.
