Deadwax

Deadwax is an enthralling and intriguing horror-thriller series exclusively available on Shudder. First aired in 2018, the show was created and directed by Graham Reznik, a pioneer of indie horror best known for his sound design work on movies like "The House of the Devil" and "Stake Land". This is Reznik’s first series as a creator, a role he spectacularly fulfilled with aplomb by delivering a series that boasts of suspense, thrill, and terror elegantly balanced with a masterful immersive audio design.

The series consists of eight short but dense episodes, each running around 15 minutes, yet each episode is dense with plot, characterization, and tension. At the heart of the show is the complex, mysterious, and brilliant Etta Pryce, played by the talented Hannah Gross. Etta is a keen vinyl tracker, a job that involves digging up and Reznik sack down rare and collectible records, often for deep-pocketed clients. Her world, however, gets turned upside down when she stumbles upon an exceptionally rare record. This record is not just rare; it holds a deadly secret that has the potential to unravel chaos. The record is 'deadwax', having a mysterious “key" etched into it, with enough power to kill its listener.

Our protagonist finds herself sucked into a rabbit hole of audio-phonic intrigue as she tries to unravel the secrets behind this deadly vinyl. Her hunt reveals chilling hints of a master technician, a secretive cutting engineer for this ominous vinyl who crafted them with ‘arcane’ power.

"Deadwax” is a unique take on the horror genre seeping it in the world of music, and more specifically, vinyl records. The premise is as compelling as it is unusual, and the series plays out like a dark love letter to the antiquity of vinyl records. It pays homage to vinyl culture and the increasingly lost art of analog sound while simultaneously descending into the claustrophobic terror of metaphysical horror.

The series nicely maintains a balance between two very opposites- the world of vintage records and chilling horror. The vintage, retro aesthetic is delightfully complemented by a haunting score by Reznik and composer Steve Moore. The meticulously rendered details of the vinyl world, from the terminology to the machines that cut records, give a beautiful yet eerie authenticity to the series. Knitting these realities together is the well-rounded cast of characters that add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

At the center is the fearless Etta Pryce. Hannah Gross delivers a stunningly intense performance, bringing to life the character's quiet determination, turmoil, and expertise. Etta becomes the audience’s window into the mind-bending realities and horrors of Deadwax and is ably supported by a solid cast comprised of Evan Gamble, Chester Rushing, and Ted Raimi, among others. Their performances elevate the already rich narrative, drawing you deeper into the mystery of this unusual, deadly vinyl world.

Each episode of Deadwax builds suspense and piques curiosity, despite its bite-sized runtime. It delves into a cornucopia of genres – from the classic film-noir to psychological horror, suspense thrillers, and detective stories – to create a series unlike any other. The distinct use of sound to create horror and the setting in the obsessively detailed world of vinyl collecting only adds more dimension to Reznik’s twisted playground.

Deadwax stands out as one of Shudder’s most intriguing original series, providing a fresh take on horror and audio-philia. It is a riveting and brilliant fusion of music and fear that reels you in one episode at a time.

The show is a treat for both, the lovers of the vinyl record culture as well as fans of horror, suspense, mysterious thrillers, and crime noir. Its cryptic tale, the gratifyingly sinister atmosphere, and the clever use of sound as a harbinger of horror make Deadwax a must-watch, worth the deep dive into its dark, vinyl world. The undercurrents of obsession, knowledge, and power that course through the narrative add philosophical depth to its intrigue. Be it timely eerie shots, meticulously designed soundscapes, or the well-etched characters, “Deadwax” delivers an unsettling yet captivating viewing experience designed to haunt your senses long after it's over.