Q Wave’s Watchlist: October 2023
"There's nothing to watch" is not a phrase that should exist in a world drowning in content. Join us every month to get curated content - from the latest and greatest to revisiting oldies - we'll help you avoid the dreaded “Netflix Block” and find something to watch!
The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix)
Autumn is in full swing, leaves are falling and spooky season is upon us, so you just know Netflix is rolling out a new Mike Flanagan series. If you’re unfamiliar with Flanagan, he has become Netflix’s go-to guy for horror TV, having previously created and directed The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club.
Flanagan is back with another horror miniseries, this time adapting classic literature written by Edgar Allen Poe. Initially penned by Poe in 1839, this chilling tale has seen its fair share of adaptations over the years, from silent films to a faithful Roger Corman 1960 version and a modern 2006 update. Flanagan’s take on it is entirely new and daring, incorporating references to other Poe classics.
In this contemporary reimagining, Flanagan weaves together the threads of multiple classic Poe stories, creating a modern-day nightmare that’s sure to have you sleeping with the light on. The story follows Roderick Usher, the enigmatic CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical empire, as he confronts the dark secrets of his past. But when his children start meeting gruesome and mysterious fates, he must reckon with a malevolent force that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Prepare for a masterclass in horror storytelling as Flanagan’s genius unfolds in this bone-chilling miniseries, where the past and present collide in a sinister dance of terror. Don’t miss the suspense, the mystery, and the dread when The Fall of The House of Usher comes to life like never before.
The series premieres October 12th on Netflix.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Haunting of Hill House, American Horror Story
Runtime: 8 episodes
Genre: Horror, drama
Totally Killer (Amazon Prime)
With Halloween firmly in our sights, it makes sense that one of the premier production companies when it comes to horror movies, Blumhouse, would get in on the action. Enter their latest slasher comedy, Totally Killer.
Three and a half decades after the chilling murder of three teenagers, the notorious ‘Sweet Sixteen Killer’ resurfaces on Halloween night, setting his sights on a fourth victim. Seventeen-year-old Jamie defies her overprotective mother’s warnings and confronts the masked maniac, inadvertently finding herself thrust into a harrowing pursuit for her life. In a twist of fate, she stumbles upon an unexpected phenomenon, propelling her back in time to 1987, when the original murders occurred. Faced with the daunting task of navigating the unfamiliar and outlandish 1980s culture, Jamie forms an unlikely alliance with her teenage mother (Olivia Holt). Together, they embark on a mission to defeat the killer once and for all, lest Jamie becomes trapped in the past for eternity.
Totally Killer continues Blumhouse’s trend of blending spine-tingling scares with high-concept comedy, following in the footsteps of previous hits like 2020’s Freaky and last year’s M3GAN.
The film will be available to stream on Prime Video on October 6th.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Final Girls, Happy Death Day
Runtime: 106 minutes
Genre: Horror, comedy
WARNING: The Red Band trailer below contains suggestive language and is NSFW.
Our Flag Means Death (Crave)
Ahoy, me hearties! The highly anticipated second season of ‘Our Flag Means Death’ is about to set sail, and it promises more laughter, adventure, and delightful chaos on the high seas.
As we return to the world of this riotously entertaining series, we find our eccentric and unlikely pirate crew, led by the incomparable Captain Stede Bonnet (played by the brilliant Rhys Darby), still attempting to navigate the treacherous waters of piracy, much to everyone’s amusement. Stede’s bumbling yet endearing leadership style ensures that even the simplest pirate tasks become uproarious escapades.
But the heart of the show isn’t just in the comedy. It’s also in the unique relationships developed among this motley crew. Stede’s relationship with the witty and cunning pirate Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) has served as the foundation of the series, captivating fans who can’t help but cheer for the pair.
So, hoist the Jolly Roger, prepare for plenty of belly laughs, and set sail with Captain Stede Bonnet and his crew once again. Season 2 of ‘Our Flag Means Death’ premieres October 5th with three new episodes, and the remaining five will follow in a weekly format.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Great, What We Do in the Shadows
Runtime: 8 episodes
Genre: Comedy
Goosebumps (Disney Plus)
Buckle up, Goosebumps fans, because your favourite childhood thrills are coming to life like never before! Disney+ will launch a brand-new Goosebumps TV series that will send shivers down your spine while delivering a dose of nostalgia bound to delight both old and new fans.
The upcoming iteration of Goosebumps will introduce a fresh approach to the familiar formula of the classic anthology horror series for kids. This time, it revolves around a group of five high school students who, despite their complex pasts, unite to unravel the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the untimely demise of teenager Harold Biddle in their small town three decades ago. The new teacher in town, Nathan Bratt (Justin Long), is at the heart of this eerie narrative and harbours a mysterious link to Biddle’s tragic fate.
As they delve into the shadowy depths of this unsolved mystery, the young investigators unearth the long-concealed secrets of their parents’ tumultuous teenage years. Simultaneously, they encounter supernatural forces that transcend their understanding, casting a chilling pall over their seemingly ordinary town.
Goosebumps is part of Disney Plus’ fourth annual Hallowstream event, featuring spooky content all month long and - how’s this for a premiere date? The first five episodes will be available Friday, October 13th, with the following five rolling out weekly.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Grimm, Fear Street
Runtime: 10 episodes
Genre: Horror, comedy
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
Prepare to be whisked away into a world where science meets humour in the highly-anticipated Apple TV+ series Lessons in Chemistry, based on the 2022 historical fiction novel of the same name. This upcoming show promises a delightful mix of intellectual curiosity, witty humour, and a dash of inspiration that will leave you both entertained and enlightened.
Lessons in Chemistry transports viewers to the 1950s, unveiling a captivating feminist narrative at its core. Our protagonist, the quick-witted Elizabeth Zottn (Brie Larson), defies the restrictive norms of her era, fueled by a relentless drive to pursue her passion as a research scientist. However, her dreams take an unexpected detour when she is unjustly fired and confined to domestic duties due to an unplanned pregnancy.
But Elizabeth’s indomitable spirit only gains strength as she seizes an opportunity to host a cooking TV show. This new role becomes her platform, a clever disguise that allows her to enlighten her audience about the wonders of chemistry and the true value of women, all while appearing to offer traditional culinary wisdom. In this tale of resilience, ambition, and defiance, Elizabeth Zott emerges as a beacon of empowerment, challenging the status quo of her time and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
The show marks Oscar winner Brie Larson’s first starring role in a series in over a decade. Lessons in Chemistry debuts two episodes on October 13th, with episodes coming out weekly after that.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, A League of Their Own
Runtime: 8 episodes
Genre: Drama