Chillers is a series from Shout! Factory TV that features six episodes of suspenseful horror stories. Each episode is hosted by Anthony Perkins, known for his iconic role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. The show originally aired in 1990 and was adapted from a book series titled "Chillers: Five Stories of Terror" by Mick Garris.
The series follows a unique format where each episode presents a different spine-tingling story. This anthology-style show navigates through different themes like revenge, possession, and murder. The episodes are standalone stories, which means that each plot has its own set of characters and storyline.
The first episode, "The Face," is a haunting story that takes place in a plastic surgeon's office. A woman who is unhappy with her physical appearance comes to the surgeon to get a facelift. However, after the surgery is done, she realizes that she has received the face of a woman who was recently murdered. This episode is an excellent start to the series as it sets the tone for the spine-tingling suspenseful horror that follows.
Another episode that stands out is "The Secret Shih-Tan." This episode revolves around two siblings who inherit their father's fortune by taking care of his beloved Shih-Tan dog. When the dog dies, supernatural events start to happen as they suspect that their father's spirit is haunting them. Perkins' narration adds an eerie touch to the episode, and the plot keeps the viewers engaged with its subtle thrills.
The show's final episode, "The Dummy," is a creepy tale about an unsuccessful ventriloquist who becomes obsessed with his dummy. Sent to a mental institution, he discovers that the dummy is possessed by a malevolent spirit. The episode's climax is exceptional, making it an ideal conclusion to the series.
Chillers is a show that doesn't rely on shock value or explicit imagery to create a horror story. Instead, the series focuses on creating a creepy ambience and builds suspense through dialogue and character development. The show's sound design and haunting music score add to the eerie atmosphere, making it an excellent horror anthology.
Anthony Perkins' narration is a highlight of the show. As he introduces each episode, Perkins' voice adds a sinister tone, setting the stage for what's to come. Perkins' iconic role in Psycho makes him the perfect narrator for a horror series. His performance adds an air of credibility and sophistication to the show, making the chilling stories even more haunting.
In conclusion, Chillers is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. The show features six well-crafted episodes that deliver great suspenseful horror. These standalone episodes are a testament to Mick Garris' original work and serve as an excellent example of horror storytelling. Perkins' narration, the exceptional sound design, and the eerie music score all contribute to making Chillers an exceptional horror anthology. If you're looking for suspenseful, creepy stories that are sure to chill you to the bone, you won't want to miss this series.