Screamstress: Review of "Fear Itself" Debut

by Alexandra on June 7th, 2008

If you were anxiously waiting to see Fear Itself’s debut on Thursday, June 5, and wondered just how well the first episode would deliver, I think you were pleasantly greeted with something out of the ordinary.

From the “contains scenes of an intense nature” warning to the semi-rocking theme song, this season premier episode delivered in a very unique way. Read more of my review after the cut:

The imagery shown while the series was beginning was very scary. From a woman floating several inches above the ground to the surreal cemetery scene, it seemed that maybe there was too much imagery in the beginning.

I wasn’t crazy about the “schlocky” voice of the announcer at the end and the beginning. I guess that was NBC’s way of letting us know that something scary was on, but it just reminded me of watching Goosebumps.

Fear Itself - Plot

I felt the plot of this episode was timely. The fact that the series featured a vampire episode right off the bat was a good move. The mystery surrounding the sisters at the cabin was compelling. I almost felt like it was a game to determine who was responsible for the disappearances. It was fun to try and figure out who the villain is when you had these mysterious women, and the number of axes they have around the house.

Fear Itself - Effects & Imagery

The very first thing that really grabbed me was seeing a guy’s mouth being sewn shut. Overall, this was a very smart use of effects. The stark images of the countryside along with the visual setting of the cabin seemed to evoke some feelings of despair. I’m not sure that the make-up effects of the vampire were that appealing, however in the other actors, make-up effects (specifically the transformation of Lemon) were on point with me.

The director did a great job with the use of the unknown. There were several minutes when Lemon was hanging upside down, and hearing noises, which terrorized me. The thought of someone coming towards me, as I hang upside down, helpless…is something I’d rather not imagine!

Right away you knew these guys were in trouble when they arrived, and there was nothing but sheer luck that would have saved them from their fates. All of the actors did well. The only question I still have is …what in heaven’s name was in the stew those guys were eating!

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The Screamstress - Horror & Paranormal