Horror fans who love 90s nostalgia should add Are You Afraid of the Dark? Curse of the Shadows to their watch list. This updated version of the beloved Nickelodeon classic is back and it’s great fun for horror lovers of all ages.
Comprised of six episodes, this series follows the story of a modern-day Midnight Society. When the group’s leader vanishes, it’s up to his friends and fellow club members to find him. Of course, there’s no straightforward mystery here, and the teens go through quite an ordeal to discover the truth. Upon discovering dark forces at play, there are more twists and turns ahead in order to save their friend and town before it’s too late.
I was a fan of the original Are You Afraid of the Dark? In the ’90s, so I was excited for a chance to view this reboot. I highly enjoyed this new series and appreciated that while it kept some aspects of the original, it was a completely fresh take, otherwise.
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Unlike its predecessor, Curse of the Shadows is a limited series with six episodes that all center around one main backstory. There are moments when the members tell stories, but the main story is about the curse of the Shadow Man, who haunts the woods around their sleepy town.
This is a binge-worthy series with great acting, haunting atmosphere, and plenty of tension. The story is set in a rainy Pacific Northwest town, which adds to the dark mood. It also had me thinking of The Goonies, and that’s not the only retro aspect of the show. If you look closely, you’ll see quite a bit of throwback items, including posters, games, and music. There’s even a mention of the Backstreet Boys that had me chuckling.
There’s a lot of heart to the story, and while the mystery and supernatural tale is front and center, we also see these characters going through the expected tumult of their teens. It’s easy to connect with the characters and to see them through to the end, rooting for their success.
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As a lifelong horror lover, watching this series brought back the excitement of viewing the original years ago. It’s a great show for families to watch together—modern enough for the younger crowd, with a dash of nostalgia to keep the parents entertained. There’s hardly any gore, a lot of suspense, and a handful of jump scares that are just right. I’d definitely watch more of this updated version and hope that we see new episodes in the future.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Curse of the Shadows is available now on DVD.
WICKED RATING: 9/10
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