A Review of ‘Teacup’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

TEACUP -- Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) Scott Speedman as James Chenoweth, Caleb Dolden as Arlo Chenoweth, Emilie Bierre as Meryl Chenoweth, Yvonne Strahovski as Maggie Chenoweth -- (Photo by: Mark Hill/PEACOCK)

One would think that the surge of horror that is currently hitting the airwaves and theaters, would dilute its majesty. Because there is always a prevailing belief that there are only so many ideas to go around and that flattery and imitation are always part of popularity surges, and there is merit to that line of thinking. Since we have in the past seen horror make use of similar concepts on a fairly consistent basis. But what’s truly amazing about the genre right now, is that that particular problem simply isn’t coming to light. Because we keep getting refreshing and original horror stories and well, there is good reason as to why the market isn’t flooded with the same ol’, same ol’.
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In that, with there being such high demand for more horror, creative minds everywhere are simply letting loose with ideas, and that is allowing for all kinds of incredible explorations to take place. Wherein we are learning more about the human condition and the fears we carry with us on a regular basis, and the genre truly is taking the time to offer new twists on old fears we tend to not think of in 2024. Such as say, the ones that have us believe that something bad will happen if we are suddenly isolated in the world, or that perhaps those we love could turn on us thanks to external forces, and it just so happens, that a brand-new series on Peacock, explores those more obscure fears in a manner that is genuinely terrifying.

A feat that Teacup accomplishes by introducing us to the Chenowith family at a very precarious time in their lives. For Maggie and James are experiencing marital strife and their family has yet to know how bad that strife truly is, and to make matters worse… they haven’t a clue that something sinister is lurking in the woods around their home. But there is a great evil hiding in the shadows, and it is inching closer and closer to their home, and it finds its way into their walls in the most unexpected way imaginable. Which gives rise, to utter terror for the family, and those, unfortunate enough to be on their property. For this evil brings with it penalties if one tries to escape its might, and to make matters worse… it is eager to toy with them in a manner that rattles trust, and now this family must fight to survive what it doesn’t understand.

Which really is a modern twist on old fears. Because we think in 2024 that isolation isn’t possible with technology and family life, and the trust it engenders, is so deeply cherished in this day and age that we don’t ever think twice that it can falter. But here, isolation is the order of the day, and family life is not what it seems, and trust is nowhere to be found, and that genuinely rattles the viewer and ruins the idyllic setting of this series. Which adds a genuine sour vibe to the story that appears very early on, and it never leaves. If anything, that tension only grows as the show continues along and it often reaches a horrifying fever pitch. One that explodes into shocking moments of terror that genuinely unsettle and, in some cases, result in a touch of nausea for the visuals that come forth.

All of which gives rise, to a magnificent horror series. One grounded in simple fears and it makes use of some real-world moments to truly add to the terror. Since there are hints of pandemic commentary here. All of which comes courtesy of magnificent writing, led by showrunner Ian McCulloch, and amazing acting from a cast that sells the moment. Giving rise to a story that feels real, feels out of control and chills you to the bone as it plays out and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait that long to begin to experience the nightmare that Teacup is. For its first two episodes are streaming now on Peacock and we hope you give it a look and follow along. To see where this titillating tale of terror will take us as, this poor family fights for its very survival against this invisible and utterly horrifying evil.

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