As a kid the first two Creepshow films were absolutely without reproach for me. They were fun and awesome, I loved almost every vignette and of course some were just favorites like Fathers Day, The Crate, Old Chief Wooden Head, The Raft and The Hitchhiker. Seriously, thanks for the ride lady. I will not mention Creepshow 3 as I’m not sure what happened there 🤔🤨.
Flash forward to Shudder doing the right thing and bringing this franchise back for our viewing pleasure. The first episode involves segments “Gray Matter” and “The House of the Head.”
“Gray Matter” – After the death of a loved one, a drinking habit becomes insatiable. The story is by Stephen King, it’s adapted by Byron Willinger and Philip de Blasi. Gray Matter is directed by Greg Nicotero.
Gray Matter is a definite throwback to the first film and very Kingish in that there were quite a few callbacks including a bulletin board with a missing poster for – Cujo. Pay attention the segment closely because there are a couple of more cool references from the King/Castle Rock dimension. Gray Matter stars Tobin Bell, Giancarlo Esposito and Adrienne Baubeau.
My favorite of the episode is The House of the Head.
“The House of the Head” – Dolls are Evie’s favorite companions, but when a severed toy head appears in her dollhouse, Evie can no longer protect them. The segment is written by Josh Malerman (Bird Box) and directed by John Harrison.
I was so invested in how this going to end, and I guarantee you guys will be as well. It’s one of those where I have questions and I wanted it run a little longer, but of course it doesn’t. You have to workout on your own the hows and the whys. There is a full on shout out to my one of my favorites in this. I won’t spoil you, but psst I mentioned it in the lead. Also, hat tips to Cailey Fleming (Evie), she is such a great little actor.
Creepshow, based on the iconic 1982 film written by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero, launches Thursday, September 26 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT, both on the Shudder TV live-stream and on demand. Subsequent episodes will premiere live and on demand Thursdays at 9pm ET/6pm PT.