Widow’s Bay is the new comedy horror created by Kate Dippold. The story takes place in a struggling small town on an island off of the New England Coast. The mayor has big plans to revitalize the community via the tourist industry. Things begin to take a turn for the better until local superstitions start becoming true.
The series has plenty of fun comedy. The sidetracked conversations and commentary from the peanut gallery have a grounding effect and make the residents feel natural and real. It provides character to the setting too. The gags with the classic board games in the second episode add a bit of playfulness with the titles and the game pieces. They’re simple constructions but enhance the creepiness in a way as well. Even the seemingly harmless game of Daddy’s Home is an omen for things to come.
As entertaining as the comedy is, the horror aspects take Widow’s Bay to another level. It sets the tone early with the opening scene with a slow build. The middle of the night, solitary boat captain on the water, curiously acting birds, and the fog rolling in all create an unsettling environment. Director Hiro Murai really knows how to utilize small disturbances here and there and compound them together to enhance and further the overall tension in general. The use of music is also effective in developing the suspense. However, as impactful is the absence of music with the silence able to stretch out the fearful moments for a little longer.
The series can incorporate jump scares, but is best when it lulls the viewer into a false sense of security. The entire sequence in “Lodging” where Mayor Loftus meets another guest named William at the inn is a complete misdirect. William is a charming person who knows what to say to ease Tom’s personal apprehensions. It has the feel of a fun slumber party with a close friend. But the reveal is so chilling, and in retrospect, it’s so sly how William is able to get the mayor to go where he wants him to. Plus, clowns are always freaky.
Speaking of Tom, Widow’s Bay has already placed him on a compelling journey from skeptic to believer. Matthew Rhys has the arrogant and dismissive attitude down for someone who is so focused on his plan, he can’t let anything get in the way. Yet, his current experiences have him questioning what is really happening. Tom’s not completely convinced, but he definitely has a more open mind than before. Trying to push him more into that direction is Stephen Root’s Wyck. Root and Rhys have an interesting dynamic that’s contentious but seems to be evolving with each strange occurrence.
The two-episode series premiere is an amusing opening to what the show can be delivering both on the comedy and horror sides. It’s a show you should pay attention to because the details make it even more enjoyable.
New episodes of Widow’s Bay release Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
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