Based on the 2016 novel written by Matt Ruff, Lovecraft Country is basically a fantasy horror series which pays homage to the dark horror world of H.P. Lovecraft and successfully tries to bring the racism in the American society to the forefront. So, it’s indeed an interesting screen adaptation and a pre-requisite to watch this is you should be having a basic idea about Lovecraft’s horror universe and the era of Jim Crow Laws in the USA to understand all the context fully.
This is the story of Atticus Turner, ex-soldier, back from the Korean War, wounded and recovered but only physically; he still has some psychological scars from his past including his posting in Korea, however it will come later, much too later perhaps.
The series starts with Atticus’ journey from the divided south of USA to the free lands across to the Chicago. He is from a working class neighbourhood of Chicago’s south side and has an extended family over there. He is definitely returning after a while as he didn’t immediately came home post his military stint in the Korean War. He has rather preferred to stay in the divided south despite the freedom of home and that is because of his father – Montrose Turner.
Since childhood, Montrose has treated Atticus harshly and without any real fatherly warmth. After every such incident, Atticus’ paternal uncle- George was the only person he could turn to, for sympathy and familial love. His father can be the main reason why Atticus has chosen the army over a humdrum civilian life. In a strange coincidence, he left because of his father and came back because of him only.
Atticus has received a letter from his father; quite surprisingly considering their strained relations. And now, with the help of his guide book making uncle, he would like to begin a search for his father. On this journey, he meets his high school friend -Letitia. And so the journey begins from Chicago to Ardham, crisscrossing a racially divided country with dangerous people and bloodthirsty creatures.
Well, there is no surprise in saying that Atticus does meet his father while learning more about his family history and his blood ties to a wizard named Titus Braithwhite. There he also meets the ‘legitimate’ heirs to this wizard and their ongoing attempts to realise their founding father’s dream of immortality.
What happens next is worth watching on the screen only. Not only because of giving away spoilers such as an important document called Book of Names, but also because of the superb adaptation of all the contents being transitioned to the screen. This story certainly has everything; from dysfunctional families to their sacrifices for each other, from treasure hunting to solving puzzles, from mysterious creatures to cruel spirits and from wizards with some dangerous magic to space travels. This certainly is a wholesome package.
Why the series is so important to warrant for binge watching? It’s correct that there is a brilliantly adapted script and top-notch acting and of course, some fantastic special effects; but what adds an edge to this series is their reference and reverence for the African American history, present situation (in the 60’s divided America) and future. There are open references to all the ghosts of pasts and present but there is also tons of hope for the future. That future definitely belongs to the black population. Special mention of music and background score which play very important parts in taking forward the narrative; it’s not limited only to songs but weaves speeches and poems too oh-so-brilliantly to take the story ahead.
Highly recommended and definitely deserves more appreciation for it’s well packaged content and some kick-ass acting (yes, Leti, I am talking about you!!). Hoping to see this series to shine on the upcoming award season, fingers crossed!!