Martin Carr reviews the Epix original series Chapelwaite….
If Merchant Ivory had made Salem’s Lot, this might have been the end result – a heady mix of gothic horror, small town gossip and people looking peaky, whilst being awfully polite. This prequel to King’s horror classic, based on the short story Jerusalem’s Lot, bides its time and gets audiences comfortable. It may possess haunted house pretensions, deceptively deep shadows and dark mahogany panelling, but this is more than an antiquated bedtime story.
Much of this has to do with Adrien Brody, who plays Charles Boone, heir to a saw mill empire. Tempted back home by the hope of an inheritance, his performance is a masterclass in restraint. Weighed down by grief and in need of a governess for his three children, he soon crosses paths with Rebecca Morgan. Played with pluck and vigour by Emily Hampshire; their relationship is pivotal to engaging audiences in those early episodes. Aided with maturity by Jennifer Ens, Sirena Gulamgaus and Ian Ho as the Boone children, their dynamic is defined by their relationship with Rebecca as well.
Chapelwaite is a series shaped by numerous factors, some of them tangible others less so. As information slowly comes to light concerning the Boone family, an air of foreboding creeps into frame. Basement doors are locked, something skitters behind the walls and Charles Boone slips slowly into madness. However, melodrama and a modicum of ham is kept at bay due to an outstanding ensemble cast. Michael Hough brings a vindictive edge to saw mill employee Daniel Thompson, while Steven McCarthy proves terrifying as Stephen Boone.
Although some will take issue with the pacing of this origin story, there is no denying that patience is rewarded. Once everything does go to hell in a handcart, Chapelwaite wastes no time in embracing those darker elements. Manners, decorum and social conventions be damned, as horror tropes are exploited with gusto. This is spine chilling stuff which never once feels like a normal horror serial, but instead hides something much more serious.
Fingers are continually pointed and the ignorance of the ill-informed feels tangible. People pass judgement without the adequate evidence and Charles Boone shows his mettle. This is where Adrien Brody comes into his own, digging deep and revealing the facets of a man battling his own demons along with everyone else.
As he disappears deeper down the rabbit hole there are lines to be crossed, horrors to behold and moments of perfectly pitched repulsion to overcome. This series proves that Stephen King is like gold dust in the right hands. Carved into period drama perfection, this Crimson Peak wannabe wears it bestselling author credentials like a badge of honour. Worth the investment and guaranteed to pay dividends, Chapelwaite is essential viewing for fans worldwide.
Chapelwaite premieres on Epix August 22nd.
Martin Carr