October is typically home to a plethora of horror-themed content, released just in time for spooky season, and the biggest highlight of this year’s offerings is the supernatural horror-comedy Hysteria! With a rockin’ cast, a compelling story, and palpable energy, Hysteria! is a charming new show that will win the hearts of both today’s teens and those who grew up in the era in which it is set.
Hysteria! Review
Hysteria! is set in a conservative small town in the late 1980s amid the Satanic Panic, as a group of teenagers with a garage band decide to start a fake cult to make themselves more popular. When a local boy is found murdered, things get out of hand, and they become involved in a conspiracy that is bigger than they ever could have imagined.
It’s interesting to see the Satanic Panic explored in this way — where the characters aren’t actually Satanists. It makes the characters a little more sympathetic to the average viewer, as they aren’t an affront to any values; they’re just kids making dumb choices, which everyone can relate to. Although some of the more complex themes in the show aren’t explored as well, they are teased at the end of the season in a way that creates fertile ground should there be a second season.
The central mystery involving the investigation of a teen boy’s murder is mostly solid, albeit conventional. That being said, many viewers may find themselves not caring as much about this aspect of the story after the third episode or so. It’s merely the catalyst that kicks off all the other events in the story that are more interesting.
What sets Hysteria! apart from similarly nostalgic, horror-tinged teen mysteries (*cough* Stranger Things *cough*) is that Hysteria! actually makes the viewer care about the characters beyond the central mystery. It offers a genuinely compelling coming-of-age story and teen romance that goes beyond pure aesthetic homage to genuinely capture the magic of the era of media it emulates.
Indeed, Hysteria! doesn’t get caught up in trying to recreate surface-level visuals of the late ‘80s. It has the costumes and soundtrack, and while these things are fun, it’s not trying too hard to be retro. Other aspects of the show, like the CGI, are assuredly modern and further contribute to its distinct visual identity.
With shows like this, the teenagers who make up the central cast are pivotal to success, and Hysteria! delivers an ensemble that will soon be iconic. Emjay Anthony (Krampus) plays the lead and brings a dorky but lovable and sincere charm to the role. He is flanked by fun turns from Chiara Aurelia and Kezii Curtis, who play his best friends, and Jessica Treska, who’s sinisterly fun to watch as the love interest.
There are also a few strong performances in the supporting casts, some from recognizable faces in horror and others from newcomers to the genre. Despite billing as a “special guest star,” Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead) has a massive — and awesome — supporting role as the town sheriff, bringing his usual charm to the role in a way that makes the character feel more nuanced. On the other hand, Anna Camp’s (Pitch Perfect) performance as an evangelical whistleblower doesn’t have a ton of nuance but is very committed and super entertaining. Garrett Dillahunt (Army of the Dead) and Julie Bowen (Modern Family) are also solid in their roles.
Is Hysteria! worth watching?
Hysteria! is a ton of fun, offering a good balance of laughs, thrills, and compelling coming-of-age drama. For those looking to scratch the itch left by other teen horror-thrillers like Stranger Things, this show will satisfy with eight binge-worthy episodes.
Hysteria! is now streaming on Peacock. All eight episodes reviewed.
Hysteria! Review — Bruce Campbell Rocks in Fun Satanic Panic Teen Horror
Hysteria! is an enjoyable new teen horror show with a great cast, a solid mystery, and compelling characters. It will be a great time for both today’s teens and those who grew up in the time of the show’s setting.
