Lovecraft Country

Lovecraft Country, an HBO series based on Matt Ruff’s 2016 novel, premiered in August 2020. The show blends historical fiction with elements of horror and science fiction, exploring themes of racism and identity in 1950s America.

The series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors), his friend Letitia (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), and his uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) as they embark on a road trip to find Atticus’s missing father. Their journey leads them into a hidden world of magic, monsters, and secret societies, all while confronting the pervasive racism of the era. The show intertwines real historical events, such as the Tulsa Race Massacre, with supernatural elements, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Lovecraft Country has received generally favorable reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 88% based on 367 reviews, with an average rating of 8.05/10. The critics’ consensus reads: “Anchored by Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Jonathan Majors’ heroic performances, Misha Green’s ‘Lovecraft Country’ is a thrilling take on Lovecraftian lore that proves the Elder Gods aren’t the only thing that goes bump in the cosmos.”

The A.V. Club praised the show for balancing Lovecraft’s problematic views with an appreciation for his vision, noting its “genre-bending, socially relevant, wonderfully bizarre ride.”

Lovecraft Country is recommended for viewers interested in a genre-blending series that combines historical fiction with elements of horror and science fiction. Its exploration of racial themes through a supernatural lens offers a unique and engaging viewing experience.