'Swamp Thing': DC show's terror-inducing opening is a gorehound's delight

The superhero is meant to be dark, gritty and freakish, and DC hits the bulls-eye when it comes to establishing these traits
PUBLISHED MAY 28, 2019

If you thought Teagan Croft's character Rachel Roth—a demon but still a superhero in 'Titans'—was terrifying to look at, then you have another (swamp) thing coming.

Three minutes into the pilot of DC's 'Swamp Thing', the sense of panic becomes undeniable. The viewers are given little time to settle down and prepare for the horror that is about to unfold.

The opening sets an eerie tone and, barring the time that is lost in conversation, the pilot is a visual treat for horror fans.

The scene before the credits gives the audience an idea of what is to be expected. After the credits, the gross feeling starts to set in again when a girl sneezes blood and falls motionless on the ground.

What starts off as a mystery soon turns into grotesque horror.

The series successfully creates tension and induces a sense of fear in the form of creepily moving vines.

The pilot channels a bit of 'Evil Dead' terror and the nights add a looming sense of fear.

Again, that is nothing compared to the Houma swamp that is infested with life-sucking plant life. 

Andy Bean in a still from 'Swamp Thing'. (Source: IMDb)

'Swamp Thing' is a superhero who fights to protect his swamp home, the environment in general, and humanity, from various supernatural or terrorist threats.

However, Alec Holland's transformation to the thing (Derek Mears takes the role) isn't a pleasant viewing experience. It is bloodcurdling and tragic and shows the psychosomatic horror of a man being transformed into a monster. 

In the first episode, the green and grotesque monster barely shows up on the screen but the tone and the events that lead to the monster's introduction are spine-chilling.

The superhero is meant to be dark, gritty and freakish. And DC hit the bulls-eye when it comes to establishing these traits.

'Swamp Thing' is creepy and the first two episodes keep the element of horror quite consistent. 

The show is a horror fan's delight.

'Swamp Thing' stars Andy Bean as Alec Holland, Derek Mears as Swamp Thing, Crystal Reed as Abby Arcane, Jeryl Prescott as Madame Xanadu and will stream on DC Universe on May 31.

You can watch the full trailer of 'Swamp Thing' below.



 

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