Lovecraft Country

HBO | Release Date: August 16, 2020

4.8	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 155 Ratings

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User Reviews

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kenmilneSep 28, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lovecraft Country has peaks and valleys. It started strong—the tension and unexpected adversaries in the first episode were the right mix of pulp comic book unreality and good horror movie thrills. However, some of the next episodes belabored points in heavy-handed way, while also pulling punches and missing opportunities to provoke or enthrall in ways great horror and sci-fi can.The Lovecraftian villains are predictable and thin, which turns out to be OK later because some of the protagonists’ character developments work all the better by comparison. Episodes 7 & 8 give me renewed hope that season 1 will end strong. The music is great. Some of the period piece settings work. Some of the writing is daring, and some of the daring parts work. Probably wouldn’t recommend it for eldritch horror purists or to those allergic to social commentary in their entertainment experiences. I like Lovecraft Country well enough to keep watching, and hope for a season 2 that raises the bar in every way.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Jes1310Oct 7, 2020

First episode I am like wow this is friggin awesome. The acting, setting and story is just brilliant. And then you add some very Lovecraftian monster. Just perfect.
Ufortonately it is a bit downhill from the first episode. I have played a lotFirst episode I am like wow this is friggin awesome. The acting, setting and story is just brilliant. And then you add some very Lovecraftian monster. Just perfect.
Ufortonately it is a bit downhill from the first episode. I have played a lot of CoC Rpg and think that there is a lot of Lovecraft in Lovecraft country. But the plot is just not as good and interesting as the first episode suggests.
Still worth a look.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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GeraltGreyjoyOct 19, 2020

Perfeita demais ,icônica ,memorável e atemporal. O soco nos racistas nojentos

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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knightpersonAug 30, 2020

Great story and powerful performances. It gives an insight to truly show the horrors of racism.

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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katezoeAug 25, 2020

Excellent reviews by critics (90 - 100) and terrible reviews by users (0-3). Americans are not comfortable with racism. Based on two episodes to be determined if I love or hate this series. Although, based on critics it may be one of the bestExcellent reviews by critics (90 - 100) and terrible reviews by users (0-3). Americans are not comfortable with racism. Based on two episodes to be determined if I love or hate this series. Although, based on critics it may be one of the best series of 2020.… Expand

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

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apannilssonSep 21, 2020

This series is a lot of things and it handles it brilliantly.
It's like its playing homage to all the books mentioned in the series as well as more modern cinematic works.
Finally a series who dares to be different, problematic, deep andThis series is a lot of things and it handles it brilliantly.
It's like its playing homage to all the books mentioned in the series as well as more modern cinematic works.

Finally a series who dares to be different, problematic, deep and gripping. The characters are all very good and they come in all shades of grays.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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dantheclammanSep 7, 2020

This show is difficult to sum up in a brief review, but I'll try. Having watched four episodes, I recognize its flaws. There are aspects that seem contrived or poorly explained. There is an issue with uneven tone between episodes. However, IThis show is difficult to sum up in a brief review, but I'll try. Having watched four episodes, I recognize its flaws. There are aspects that seem contrived or poorly explained. There is an issue with uneven tone between episodes. However, I was relieved that the arc of episodes 1-2 is settled quickly, as it is basically a search for a McGuffin (dad) that sets the stage for the larger story. It is a bit strange how the structure changes so much between episodes, with E3 feeling like Southern Gothic and E4 feeling very intentionally like Indiana Jones. This would also normally be a big turn off for me, as I prefer shows with long continuous arcs, usually getting very bored with episodic structure. Yet I continue to watch, and I normally have no qualms quitting a show if it doesn't keep my interest. I find the characters very interesting to follow and learn about. There are constant surprised regarding each of them that throw me for a loop. The subject matter is pretty fascinating too, both in terms of its flirting references to the Cthulhu mythos and how it ties it in to the horrors of our own toxic, racist society. I could see how hardcore Lovecraft fans would be disappointed that the show definitely does not center its references to the Mythos, but I'm willing to go along with it. I feel we are getting closer to unveiling the cosmic horrors behind the curtain, and I'm willing to go on the ride!… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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jadawalkerAug 29, 2020

great show really interesting and unique plot with beautiful cinematography and indepth characters

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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IpsifendusAug 18, 2020

I cannot off the top of my head recall a show kicking off with a first episode as good as "Lovecraft Country" has.

7 of 21 users found this helpful714

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GussavarisOct 19, 2020

Amazing, need to watch it!! Every episode is different from one another and it gets better each and every episode

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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Hellboy2XX2Aug 24, 2020

Best TV Series 2020 so far. Dont get confused by the racist Comments here. The Series is Amazing! Thank you HBO

11 of 34 users found this helpful1123

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ScttAug 23, 2020

This website has a serious issue with racist users. Just look at the discrepancy between the user score and the metascore. Then look at it for a show also starring primarily black actors, I May Destroy You. Then look at any show that hasThis website has a serious issue with racist users. Just look at the discrepancy between the user score and the metascore. Then look at it for a show also starring primarily black actors, I May Destroy You. Then look at any show that has primarily white actors as leads. Obvious trend.… Expand

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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ion87Sep 8, 2020

Love this show. Every episode has dipped into a different genre. The characters a fun and relatable. The setting is and locations are gorgeous. The costume designs and sets just pull you in. The story is compelling. The lead actors areLove this show. Every episode has dipped into a different genre. The characters a fun and relatable. The setting is and locations are gorgeous. The costume designs and sets just pull you in. The story is compelling. The lead actors are hitting all the beats. Johnathan Majors is growing great resume for leading man status and Jurnee Smollet is just a revaluation of talent to be hold.Every time these actors are on the screen just cant look away. Highly recommend.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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pimmsAug 19, 2020

The outsized number of highly negative user reviews (based on just one episode at the time of this posting), suggest that this show has touched a nerve, and when you read the reviews themselves, the primary criticism is the show's depictionThe outsized number of highly negative user reviews (based on just one episode at the time of this posting), suggest that this show has touched a nerve, and when you read the reviews themselves, the primary criticism is the show's depiction of race. It's interesting, but hardly surprising that people have such strong negative reactions to the idea of racism in America, which is indeed uncomfortable. Personally I found that discomfort to be central to the tension built in the first episode -- the primary feeling of fear and unease comes not from Lovecraft's monsters (who make an almost heroic debut), but from people themselves. It struck me while watching how rare it is for a show to attempt to convey the physical and psychological violence that Black Americans face. And while it seems that some of the reviewers here would like you to believe that this is handled in a clumsy and heavy-handed way, I disagree. This is a show where monsters are running around ripping people apart: it's a spectacle, it's over the top and in your face, and while it could perhaps have avoided offending the delicate sensibilities of Metacritic's users, I don't think there'd be much of a show left. I'm not a Lovecraft fan, and so can't respond to the idea that this isn't 'true to his work', but based on the very little I know about him, it seems like he would not have been cool with his work being adapted by non-white folks, so it's probably true that this isn't in-keeping with him as an author or human, which is fine with me. Again, this review is based on just one episode, so take it with a grain of salt, but if you're looking for an interesting, well-acted show with good production values, and you can deal with the idea of (gasp) a mainstream offering from HBO exploring violent white supremacy, then ignore the haters and see what you think for yourself.… Expand

7 of 23 users found this helpful716

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ChunkyllamaAug 21, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Despite slow pacing in the first half, the series starts off phenomenally but introducing a fantastically strong cast and giving the viewer a gritty real world view of racism during the era in which it takes place. Most tend to forget that Lovecraft himself was quite racist and xenophobic in his writings and this show brings light to that. This is especially powerful given the current state of the world we live in. As the story progresses and our main group of characters arrive in Lovecraft country itself os when the true horrors of lovecrafts mind show. We become compelled to see our heroes survive as they fight monsters of both the alien and human kinds. All of this ending in a perfect point which makes me even more excited to see the continuation of our heroes journey.… Expand

6 of 20 users found this helpful614

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JadieloAug 31, 2020

Brilliant and unsettling tangle of American history (that feels close to the present) and Lovecraftian horror. Beautifully shot. Some truly amazing performances.

5 of 17 users found this helpful512

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AzathothWakesUpAug 29, 2020

THIS SHOW IS NOT RACIST!!!!!
This show is a must watch for those who are interested in Civil Rights, or the works of HP Lovecraft! There were rumors that this show has nothing to do with the Cthulhu Mythos, but I am pleases to say those areTHIS SHOW IS NOT RACIST!!!!!
This show is a must watch for those who are interested in Civil Rights, or the works of HP Lovecraft! There were rumors that this show has nothing to do with the Cthulhu Mythos, but I am pleases to say those are false! Every single second of this show is tense and suspenseful as all hell! A true nail-biter!!!

Lovecraft himself, while a brilliant writer was a deeply racist man. This show being set in a 1950s USA with segregation in full bloom staring all black main characters is truly a genius way to the dirty past into a thing of horror, via empathy! One cant help feel for the cast as they constantly being mistreated. Cthulhu, Yog Sothoth, Nyarlathotep, and Azathoth are not the only villains here; the true villians are human!… Expand

6 of 21 users found this helpful615

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imjuliocesarAug 17, 2020

O primeiro episódio foi sensacional, muito bom. Roteiro e efeitos especiais ótimos, além de retratar profundamente o horror do racismo naquele contexto.

6 of 22 users found this helpful616

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MajorSholtoAug 22, 2020

I had low expectations goings in. Boy, was I surprised! Lovecraft Country was a refreshing take on the Mythos of Lovecraft. Great acting, snappy dialogue, and terrifying special effects. I'm hooked and looking forward to the rest of the season.

5 of 19 users found this helpful514

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ItchyOct 18, 2020

Judging from the negative viewer reviews, there are a lot of angry white people with Metacritic accounts.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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BHMaloneyAug 26, 2020

Bunch of snowflakes on here triggered by a show that doesn't star predominantly white actors. It's fine to be critical of aspects of the show itself but just because your fee fees are hurt because a show doesn't cater to white audiences isn'tBunch of snowflakes on here triggered by a show that doesn't star predominantly white actors. It's fine to be critical of aspects of the show itself but just because your fee fees are hurt because a show doesn't cater to white audiences isn't a reason to rate the show poorly. White people really need to grow up and stop playing the victim… Expand

5 of 23 users found this helpful518

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JLuis_001Oct 20, 2020

Great show. Some weaknesses but I really enjoyed it.
And it pissed off the racists. So that's a plus.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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onewalterOct 19, 2020

Final apoteótico. Lovecraft Country une terror, ficção e a luta contra racismo para mostrar que o mundo não pode ser dominado por uma raça que se acha superior e que os negros devem ser tratados como seres humanos e não como escoria.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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caiquecoelhoOct 22, 2020

This is a must show for this century! I'm a world were we still fight against racism this show do what shows must be, show the reality of things about past present and future. I'm a fiction world dominated by monsters we see that the biggestThis is a must show for this century! I'm a world were we still fight against racism this show do what shows must be, show the reality of things about past present and future. I'm a fiction world dominated by monsters we see that the biggest monsters are actually hateful people themselves. The show get all this painful history and show us in a incredible and vivid way were we see the pain from each character. This is a show that must be seen by every person! About the development of the story and the characters, I loved everything, the culmination for me was the penultimate episode where we can understand the fruit of a character's pain, however during the episodes we sometimes have the introduction of some secondary characters that are not so good developed, we were left without an outcome and without understanding the objective of these characters for the series, in addition some objectives of the characters end up not being very well explained and causing a difficulty in reading the character and its aspirations… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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puffer_fish_93Nov 14, 2020

I really enjoyed this series and by the end of the first episode, I was hooked. The series isn't perfect but I enjoyed watching the characters. I thought the editing was well done to convey a Lovecraftian universe with elements of cosmic horror.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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chipsinpittaFeb 24, 2021

This is a glorious mess, some of it is bad and you have to grin and bare it, but some of it is just wild.. yes it is true that the script is racist to White people but I'm sure its a lot less uncomfortable to be a White person and feel aThis is a glorious mess, some of it is bad and you have to grin and bare it, but some of it is just wild.. yes it is true that the script is racist to White people but I'm sure its a lot less uncomfortable to be a White person and feel a couple nasty burns from the show than be a Black person and watch graphic depictions of historical White on Black violence that is also included in the show.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Shawn0305Jun 6, 2023

Rating: 100 (Masterpiece)

Full Series Review: Don’t listen to bad reviews there just racist and hate the truth. Lovecraft Country is a phenomenal series with amazing direction, cinematography, and acting from the cast especially JonathanRating: 100 (Masterpiece)

Full Series Review:
Don’t listen to bad reviews there just racist and hate the truth. Lovecraft Country is a phenomenal series with amazing direction, cinematography, and acting from the cast especially Jonathan Majors and Michael K. Williams.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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