Martin Carr reviews 50 States of Fright’s ‘Michigan: The Golden Arm’…
This first instalment of Quibi and Sam Raimi’s horror anthology series 50 States of Fright delivers a story of childhood sweethearts, small town aspirations and human frailty. Time is spent painting an idyllic backstory dappled with rich golden hues, warm summer evenings and love everlasting. A sense of small town living, homespun industries and close knit communities pepper the early segment manipulating tone. Both Rachel Brosnahan and Travis Fimmel work hard in these opening minutes to instil their relationship with a believability ensuring an emotional response when things go bad.
Very quickly it becomes apparent that Heather and Dave have a union based on adulation. This one sided emotional blackmail hones in on superficiality, providing both a pivotal plot point and moral weight at crucial junctures. Following an accident revealed in gruesome detail things begin to head south quickly as Dave’s actions and Heather’s resentment ground the more outlandish elements.
As the all too human consequences inevitably domino things go full Raimi. There are genuine jump scares, moments of grotesque bloodletting and a sense of supernatural intervention. Importantly the presence of a tangible narrator in John Marshall Jones provides another point of view. Similar to narration in The Twilight Zone Marshall Jones provides an unbiased perspective, adding an essential gravitas and moral centre to this fireside fable. Another element which inherently raises the bar on this particular series.
In terms of the platform it neither adds nor diminishes our reaction to this story. It remains a very personal viewing experience which on this occasion enhances horrific moments and naturally builds tension. However, that is down to the story itself which is well written, carefully crafted and genuinely engaging. Without the whistles and bells of larger screens and isolated environments story is the thing.
Quibi as a streaming platform is so personal that any weakness within the content will immediately be exposed determining whether this service survives long term. Thankfully everyone involved in The Golden Arm understands this instinctively making it a truncated triumph worth waiting for.
Martin Carr
