I have been completely obsessed with the new HBO Sci-Fi series Lovecraft Country and I couldn’t keep the adrenaline to myself. If the name doesn’t entice you, then the opening scene will immediately grab you. Lovecraft Country was originally a book published in 2016 labeled as a dark fantasy horror novel by Matt Ruff, exploring the conjunction between the horror fiction of H. P. Lovecraft and racism in the United States during the era of Jim Crow laws, as experienced by black science-fiction fan Atticus Turner and his family. In 2020, the book was adapted by director and writer Misha Green who is best known for creating the series ‘Underground’, and executive produced by Jordan Peele. The main cast consists of Jonathan Majors (Atticus Freeman), who fought in the Korean War and keeps his head in a book, Courtney B. Vance (George Freeman) , his uncle who raised him and is responsible for his love of books, and Jurnee Smollett (Leticia aka Leti), a hustler and a badass, who deserves ALL her flowers for the longevity of her career. Lovecraft Country takes place in Chicago during the 1950s. As the characters travel in search of Atticus’s father, they soon learn that white people aren’t the only monsters they’re facing in the world. One could discover many things by examining the subliminal of the story line. From the white antagonists creating an illusion that the monsters aren’t real, from the ingrained idea that white people have been experimenting on Black folks for centuries in secret societies. We could also dive into the colorist aspects of Leti and her sister Ruby, a talnted musician always getting the short end of the stick while Leti gets over on her and lives her own dreams, but that deserves a conversation of its own. As the journey continues, the theme is taking back the bloodline. Literally.

Science Fiction is the most non-Black genre in the business. If I’m being honest, the last time I indulged in any of kind of Black fantasy was while reading Octavia Butler. If you’re a fan, then you know this show is a quiet win for Black culture. Only 4 episodes in and I have laughed, cried and celebrated. The costumes for me are always a key component when creating something that’s reflecting a previous era, and costume designer Danya Pink DID THAT. My favorite aspect of the series despite its many wins is the love story. Atticus and Leti are a dream, a developing love story I am anticipating. Their mutual love for science, information and adventure is refreshing to say the least.

Simply put, I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds and continues to grip me by my ears. To those who don’t particularly enjoy fantasy, try something new and fresh and watch how your world expands. Check out the trailer below: