The new Apple TV show Widow's Bay is a nerve-wracking world where something always lurks beneath the surface. Part workplace comedy, part folk horror, this show is remarkably original and irresistible.
Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is determined to turn the island into a tourist attraction, but as he tries to keep the folks in line, something eerie happens. The show is full of red herrings, from a centuries-long history of plague to mammoth clowns, and a sea hag that will try to scratch him and sit on his face.
The balance between horror and comedy is pitch-perfect, and the show's most extraordinary aspect. Even as the situations worsen, the characters react in a way that always feels humane and real.
Each episode is a standalone piece, with standout performances from Betty Gilpin and Kate O'Flynn. The show is acutely written and staged, digging deeper into understanding the characters and their motivations.
Widow's Bay is a show that will scare the daylights out of you, but also make you laugh. It's a terrifying and terrific ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
