181 reviews
If you're looking for classic horror and you're not a fan of scare scenes like me, you can give this one a try. I like Adrian Brody, haven't watched him in a long while and I enjoyed it. A good actor is a good actor! The show has this beautiful gothic atmosphere. The story is cliché and could definitely be much better, and the pace is pretty slow but I did watch the whole ten episodes in the end. I missed this kind of show, got tired of horror that tries to shake you and get you almost sick. There are still many gore scenes in this, beware, but nothing that made me want to turn my screen off. Halfway into the show, there's a revelation which I didn't expect but liked, and the ending was pretty good and interesting to me, part of it reminded me of an older show that I liked. Maybe better casting for some of the characters could have been done but it was still good.
After seeing the first 4 episodes, I am happy to report that "Chapelwaite" is one of the most satisfying gothic horror series I have seen in some time.
I was worried about how Emily Hampshire would make the transition from comedy to drama after "Schitt's Creek," but she is truly excellent. From her narration monologues, with just the right amount of breathiness, to her scenes with the impressive Adrian Brody, Hampshire has been a joy to watch. Even her occasionally awkward body language is perfectly suited to her character.
Not just the 2 stars, but the entire cast, are extremely strong. Not a weak link in the bunch.
I especially like the consistent somber, and grim, tone throughout, and the way "Chapelwaite" languishes over these brooding moments to capture the mood. For those who like a ton of gore and a rapid pace, this may not be for you. However, there are enough scary moments to keep you locked in.
I also think that it is a plus that this series tries to be socially conscious, as well. Let's face it, "The Crucible" was an attempt to equate the Salem witch trials to McCarthyism, so it is not out of place to include social commentary in the story-telling. And no, they don't hit you over the head with it, either. Where it comes into play, it makes sense.
Bottom line....this is a fun series for anyone who liked to settle in with a good old-fashioned horror tale. While I read "Salem's Lot," (one of my favorite King works), I had never read the "Jerusalem Lot" short story that this was based upon. So I do not have to spend any of my critique worrying about how it may have deviated from the script. I am just judging it on its own terms.
For anyone who has ever curled up with a good scary, gothic horror tale, punctuated by vampires, specters, and a touch of madness, you are in for a treat.
I was worried about how Emily Hampshire would make the transition from comedy to drama after "Schitt's Creek," but she is truly excellent. From her narration monologues, with just the right amount of breathiness, to her scenes with the impressive Adrian Brody, Hampshire has been a joy to watch. Even her occasionally awkward body language is perfectly suited to her character.
Not just the 2 stars, but the entire cast, are extremely strong. Not a weak link in the bunch.
I especially like the consistent somber, and grim, tone throughout, and the way "Chapelwaite" languishes over these brooding moments to capture the mood. For those who like a ton of gore and a rapid pace, this may not be for you. However, there are enough scary moments to keep you locked in.
I also think that it is a plus that this series tries to be socially conscious, as well. Let's face it, "The Crucible" was an attempt to equate the Salem witch trials to McCarthyism, so it is not out of place to include social commentary in the story-telling. And no, they don't hit you over the head with it, either. Where it comes into play, it makes sense.
Bottom line....this is a fun series for anyone who liked to settle in with a good old-fashioned horror tale. While I read "Salem's Lot," (one of my favorite King works), I had never read the "Jerusalem Lot" short story that this was based upon. So I do not have to spend any of my critique worrying about how it may have deviated from the script. I am just judging it on its own terms.
For anyone who has ever curled up with a good scary, gothic horror tale, punctuated by vampires, specters, and a touch of madness, you are in for a treat.
- scootmandu-662-305600
- Aug 28, 2021
- Permalink
There's plenty said already about this series' negative and positive aspects so rather than repeating them for the sake of sharing my own views, I'll simply add that there's barely enough story to cover 6 episodes, let alone 10.
There's large sections of unnecessary dialogue and the pacing is just far too slow. It would be fine if there was enough plot going on but there isn't. I think it was a big mistake to make this story 10 episodes. It really feels as though there was a management decision to make it a 10 parter when there simply wasn't enough story there.
Episode 7 for example contained 20 minutes of completely unnecessary dialogue before anything actually occurred. The rest of the episode was good. It was a chore to sit through at times. It does make one un-invest in the story and characters. Just get on with it. It's all building to a rather predictable confrontation and yet we must wait so long for it.
Personally, I felt that the first two episodes were the best when we didn't quite know what was going on. Once the reality of the story is uncovered it lost much of its intrigue as this has been done many times before, going back to King's original Salem's Lot.
Well made but is visually consistently gloomy to the point of being silly.
Adrien Brody's confident but one note performance was not enough to hinge the series on. There's really no other characters of note to care for unfortunately.
Worth watching and might feel fresh if you haven't seen a lot of films of this type before but its certainly nothing new.
Midnight Mass, which was released at approximately the same time and covered some similar ground and is also slow and wordy in parts, is far more interesting, with less episodes and is better made. Recommend that one over this.
Failing that, check out some classics like Near Dark, Interview with the Vampire, Dracula from 1992 or even Fright Night from the mid 80s, which is a lot of fun. No need to watch 10 episodes when you can watch several films and be hugely entertained.
At least they didn't freaking sparkle.
There's large sections of unnecessary dialogue and the pacing is just far too slow. It would be fine if there was enough plot going on but there isn't. I think it was a big mistake to make this story 10 episodes. It really feels as though there was a management decision to make it a 10 parter when there simply wasn't enough story there.
Episode 7 for example contained 20 minutes of completely unnecessary dialogue before anything actually occurred. The rest of the episode was good. It was a chore to sit through at times. It does make one un-invest in the story and characters. Just get on with it. It's all building to a rather predictable confrontation and yet we must wait so long for it.
Personally, I felt that the first two episodes were the best when we didn't quite know what was going on. Once the reality of the story is uncovered it lost much of its intrigue as this has been done many times before, going back to King's original Salem's Lot.
Well made but is visually consistently gloomy to the point of being silly.
Adrien Brody's confident but one note performance was not enough to hinge the series on. There's really no other characters of note to care for unfortunately.
Worth watching and might feel fresh if you haven't seen a lot of films of this type before but its certainly nothing new.
Midnight Mass, which was released at approximately the same time and covered some similar ground and is also slow and wordy in parts, is far more interesting, with less episodes and is better made. Recommend that one over this.
Failing that, check out some classics like Near Dark, Interview with the Vampire, Dracula from 1992 or even Fright Night from the mid 80s, which is a lot of fun. No need to watch 10 episodes when you can watch several films and be hugely entertained.
At least they didn't freaking sparkle.
- anthonyjlangford
- Oct 27, 2021
- Permalink
Was I the only one wishing episode 10 would just end? The first three or four episodes really pulled me in. The storyline is well constructed but starts to drag a bit in episode six. By episode 10 I just wanted to step out into the sunlight.
- mthoma-92559
- Jan 7, 2022
- Permalink
On episode 4 (but IMDb won't let me rate it yet for some reason) where it seems the show begins to really pick up. Haven't ever read any Stephen King, and I've liked some of his previous TV adaptations, some not so much. In this one, so far, things have been layered on to the drama/mystery very nicely, creating a very dark cool & creepy atmosphere.
No complains about the acting/dialogue from me at all yet, some people will complain about anything though.
Very very much looking forward to how it proceeds!
No complains about the acting/dialogue from me at all yet, some people will complain about anything though.
Very very much looking forward to how it proceeds!
Only 3 episodes in so will update later.
Huge fan of the original novella and author-and not disappointed in the effort so far. Slow burn into madness is the perfect pace for this Lovecraftian gothic nightmare. I think the house could have been better treated as a character itself-it is a little plain and has no discernible menace. Indeed much of the landscape which is so rich usually in King's books hasn't really been given much graft. But Brody and the rest of the cast have given the characters a wonderful brooding interpretation.
It's best to ignore the review bombs by whinging, bed-wetting incels claiming 'wokeness', being upset by what a character says does not a review make...I have a feeling they haven't read much literature, studied film or studied any actual history beyond reddit and 4chan. If they are to be believed...apparently Hawaii doesn't exist (it does), there were no African Americans in Maine during the 1800s (there were) and women didn't have aspirations, go to college or weren't authors (They did and were. Colleges for women were first established in 1831 in the US . The story is set in 1850). Fairly puerile critiques of a fantasy horror show only 3 episodes in but hey, talent-less losers, unable to create anything themselves gotta be talent-less losers.
Huge fan of the original novella and author-and not disappointed in the effort so far. Slow burn into madness is the perfect pace for this Lovecraftian gothic nightmare. I think the house could have been better treated as a character itself-it is a little plain and has no discernible menace. Indeed much of the landscape which is so rich usually in King's books hasn't really been given much graft. But Brody and the rest of the cast have given the characters a wonderful brooding interpretation.
It's best to ignore the review bombs by whinging, bed-wetting incels claiming 'wokeness', being upset by what a character says does not a review make...I have a feeling they haven't read much literature, studied film or studied any actual history beyond reddit and 4chan. If they are to be believed...apparently Hawaii doesn't exist (it does), there were no African Americans in Maine during the 1800s (there were) and women didn't have aspirations, go to college or weren't authors (They did and were. Colleges for women were first established in 1831 in the US . The story is set in 1850). Fairly puerile critiques of a fantasy horror show only 3 episodes in but hey, talent-less losers, unable to create anything themselves gotta be talent-less losers.
Finally someone who understands the spirit of the Stephen King books has arrived. I was very happy when I saw the name Adrien Brody as an actor in this project. My impatience increased when I found out that he was the producer. The quality of Adrien Brody shows itself in the first two episodes.
- yusufpiskin
- Aug 25, 2021
- Permalink
Good adaptation of the stephen king short story Jerusalem lot.
Who is not averse to the setting of the 19th century. Will have a good time on the show.
Who is not averse to the setting of the 19th century. Will have a good time on the show.
When I stumbled upon the 2021 TV series "Chapelwaite", I must admit that I was immediately interested in watching it. Why? Well, I read that it was based on Stephen King's "Jerusalem's Lot" and also it had Adrien Brody on the cast list.
I have to admit that I had actually not heard about the show prior to getting to sitting down to watch it. But let me just be the first to say that I am very happy that I did sit down to watch it, because "Chapelwaite" turned out to be really enjoyable and entertaining.
The storyline is certainly based on Stephen King's "Jerusalem's Lot", but at the same time creators Jason Filardi and Peter Filardi managed to make "Chapelwaite" so much more. If you think "Jerusalem's Lot" and add a good sense of gothic atmosphere and Lovecraftian influence, then you have the end result that is "Chapelwaite", and believe me, it works. The storyline is well-written and just as nicely brought to life on the screen.
"Chapelwaite" has a great ensemble of characters that are portrayed well nicely by a good group of actors and actresses. And the fact that there is paid a good amount of detail and attention ot the backstories and motivation of the characters really adds to the overall feel of "Chapelwaite".
It should be said that Adrien Brody is phenomenally cast for the role of Captain Charles Boone, and he is joined by the likes of Jennifer Ens, Ian Ho, Sirena Gulamgaus, Emily Hampshire, Gord Rand Hugh Thompson, Julian Richings and Steven McCarthy. But lo and behold actor Christopher Heyerdahl playing the role of Jakub. Wow, talk about an impressive character and an equally impressive performance of said character.
Visually then "Chapelwaite" is rather impressive. The atmosphere throughout the entire series is just spot on, and definitely adds a great element to the presentation of the show. And the appearance of the vampires is just fantastic and definitely is in tune with "Jerusalem's Lot".
If you enjoyed "Jerusalem's Lot" and maybe have an interest in Lovecraftian things, then you should definitely check out "Chapelwaite".
My rating of "Chapelwaite" lands on a well-deserved nine out of ten stars.
I have to admit that I had actually not heard about the show prior to getting to sitting down to watch it. But let me just be the first to say that I am very happy that I did sit down to watch it, because "Chapelwaite" turned out to be really enjoyable and entertaining.
The storyline is certainly based on Stephen King's "Jerusalem's Lot", but at the same time creators Jason Filardi and Peter Filardi managed to make "Chapelwaite" so much more. If you think "Jerusalem's Lot" and add a good sense of gothic atmosphere and Lovecraftian influence, then you have the end result that is "Chapelwaite", and believe me, it works. The storyline is well-written and just as nicely brought to life on the screen.
"Chapelwaite" has a great ensemble of characters that are portrayed well nicely by a good group of actors and actresses. And the fact that there is paid a good amount of detail and attention ot the backstories and motivation of the characters really adds to the overall feel of "Chapelwaite".
It should be said that Adrien Brody is phenomenally cast for the role of Captain Charles Boone, and he is joined by the likes of Jennifer Ens, Ian Ho, Sirena Gulamgaus, Emily Hampshire, Gord Rand Hugh Thompson, Julian Richings and Steven McCarthy. But lo and behold actor Christopher Heyerdahl playing the role of Jakub. Wow, talk about an impressive character and an equally impressive performance of said character.
Visually then "Chapelwaite" is rather impressive. The atmosphere throughout the entire series is just spot on, and definitely adds a great element to the presentation of the show. And the appearance of the vampires is just fantastic and definitely is in tune with "Jerusalem's Lot".
If you enjoyed "Jerusalem's Lot" and maybe have an interest in Lovecraftian things, then you should definitely check out "Chapelwaite".
My rating of "Chapelwaite" lands on a well-deserved nine out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Oct 17, 2021
- Permalink
Good plot and story that could have been told in half the time. Painfully slow episodes with unnecessary stretches of dialogue. Over-acting is the result, which is a shame for an otherwise good cast.
Well done, excellent acting, music, locations. Is very mature and perfect classic horror.
- rodolfocalzadilla
- Sep 4, 2021
- Permalink
It's 1817 Massachusetts. A boy named Charles Boone barely escapes his father's murderous rage about the Worm. 33 years later, Captain Charles Boone (Adrien Brody) has his three children who have lived all their lives on his whaling ship. On her death bed, his wife pleads for their children to settle down and find a home on land. Charles receives an inheritance after his cousin's death. It's the mansion Chapelwaite and a saw mill in the small town of Preacher's Corners, Maine. There is a darkness there and the Boone family is hated by the locals. Rebecca Morgan (Emily Hampshire) is hired as the children's governess but she's secretly writing an expose on the family. There be worms.
There is some good brooding and it has the great Adrien Brody. I've recently finished Midnight Mass and there is a marked difference between the two. This one is less and is mostly atmosphere. It's based on the Stephen King story "Jerusalem's Lot". It's a bit slow and could probably be squeeze into a 6 or 8 episode series. It could have been done more with the racism. More could have been done with the worms, the book, and the everything. There is suppose to be a saw mill and we never get there. The story feels rather thin despite having so many elements. The thinness can be solved by simply having fewer episodes.
There is some good brooding and it has the great Adrien Brody. I've recently finished Midnight Mass and there is a marked difference between the two. This one is less and is mostly atmosphere. It's based on the Stephen King story "Jerusalem's Lot". It's a bit slow and could probably be squeeze into a 6 or 8 episode series. It could have been done more with the racism. More could have been done with the worms, the book, and the everything. There is suppose to be a saw mill and we never get there. The story feels rather thin despite having so many elements. The thinness can be solved by simply having fewer episodes.
- SnoopyStyle
- Oct 31, 2021
- Permalink
This is a well done period piece that was injected with contemporary cultural ideology. I highly recommend you read Jerusalem's Lot for the original and untarnished story. I will never be a fan of Presentism, it will always warp a storyline.
- kjbfh-02428
- Mar 6, 2022
- Permalink
I ask the question in the title because it seems that at the point in history in which this show is set, everyone is still whispering. It must have been an amazing day when someone finally yelled out HEY! Speak up people!! I'm all for historical accuracy but come on.
It's not a bad show.. monsters are scary, atmosphere spooky, the story is ok but perhaps a bit drawn out. The let down is this constant whispering in every piece of dialogue. Sometimes a hushed tone would make sense, but not in every damn scenario.
Could have been fantastic, but the constant whisper fest sadly brings it down to a 'almost didn't finish it'
It's not a bad show.. monsters are scary, atmosphere spooky, the story is ok but perhaps a bit drawn out. The let down is this constant whispering in every piece of dialogue. Sometimes a hushed tone would make sense, but not in every damn scenario.
Could have been fantastic, but the constant whisper fest sadly brings it down to a 'almost didn't finish it'
Usually I am not into darker historical series but this one looks very interesting. Intriguing from the first episode. Some twists looks awkward but will see where that take us. Recommended if you are into dark, moody, scary and mystery shows.
- Almost_Soldout
- Aug 21, 2021
- Permalink
Chapelwaite is an EPIX series based on Stephen King's fictional book "Jerusalem's Lot." Adrien Brody stars as Captain Charles Boone who inherits his families estate in northern parts of Maine. He moves his family to the Chapelwaite mansion where they learn the secrets of the Boone family ancestry curse. The story takes place during the 1850's and the little town learns that the curse that has plagued their citizens for generations. The family must confront their darkness and up an end to the curse. Overall the story started out as horror but to me it was more gory than anything with a good cast that also included Emily Hampshire and Christopher Heyerdahl was Jacub the leader of the dark realm. It was a good series, editing could have been better. The story could have been told in eight episode instead of dragging it out over ten episodes. Not sure if there will be a second season but hopeful.
Lots of suspense, mystery, character & scene development for the first 3 episodes.. after that, mysteries start to slowly be revealed. I'm glad I stuck with it.. pays off nicely!!
- tmartine-889-677082
- Dec 7, 2021
- Permalink
I don't know if I'll ever finish. I sleep every episode because of the non stop whisper talking. The show is cool and would be great, if only they stop whispering!
- JoshuaMercott
- Dec 2, 2021
- Permalink
I cant wait for season 2. This is a very good series although it diverted its storyline from the original short story by Stephen King. It may be slow paced, but the thrill and suspense was done superbly.
- sevplanet-119-485901
- Oct 20, 2021
- Permalink
- Dr_Coulardeau
- Jan 23, 2022
- Permalink
Trying hard to like it but there are somethings that are making it hard to do so:
1. Brody's gravely "I'm Batman" voice. Half the time you can't understand what he's saying.
2. The modern dialogue and accents are distracting. It's 1850 in rural Maine for God's sake. Four episodes in and I have yet to hear anyone attempt a Maine accent.
3. The constant sour, disgusted look on the younger daughter's face. She looks like she stepped in dog poo.
4. The 2020 political agenda in a series set 170 years in the past. People are sick tired of politics 24/7. TV used to be our escape.
1. Brody's gravely "I'm Batman" voice. Half the time you can't understand what he's saying.
2. The modern dialogue and accents are distracting. It's 1850 in rural Maine for God's sake. Four episodes in and I have yet to hear anyone attempt a Maine accent.
3. The constant sour, disgusted look on the younger daughter's face. She looks like she stepped in dog poo.
4. The 2020 political agenda in a series set 170 years in the past. People are sick tired of politics 24/7. TV used to be our escape.
- Vercingetorix09
- Sep 16, 2021
- Permalink
Very boring .
At ep 8.
Insipid action .
Insipid horror.
Whispering Adrien sound bad.
At ep 8.
Insipid action .
Insipid horror.
Whispering Adrien sound bad.
19 minutes in you can already feel the atmosphere sucking you into another world filled with smoke and shadows. The pacing is near perfect giving you time to absorb it all from the period costumes to the well made sets pieces. Adrien Brody delivers one if his finest performances as a widowed father with 3 children to raise. The darkness just below the surface in every scene is palpable. Considering the source material is thin and mainly a series of letters. The writers and Producers have done an excellent and believable job creating Preachers Corner and its inhabitants. This a true and faithful Stephen King adaptation. It feels like him and if you watch the original Mini-Series from 1979 of Salems Lot of which this is a prequel the both have that same pace and tone. Be prepared have your popcorn and blanket. As of August 27 there are 4 episodes available on demand. This may be the best mini series to date by EPIX.
- elliott78212
- Aug 29, 2021
- Permalink
Apple Girl was played by an actress that would be better off in Sharknado. Her looks and mannerisms don't fit the story at all. Everyone else looks like they could be from that era, while Apple Girl gives me plastic vibes, like is the actress the girlfriend of one of the producers? And she had eye makeup on. Come on. Way to ruin the ambiance with her closeups.