Trapped on a farm in rural Georgia, a group of neighbors must put aside their differences and unite in the face of a mysterious and deadly threat.
James Wan’s name attached to a project usually guarantees a thrilling, spine-tingling ride. So, I dove into “Teacup,” expecting a masterclass in horror. While it didn’t quite meet my lofty Wan-inspired expectations, the show still offers an intriguing setup and some genuinely unsettling moments – even if it ultimately falters in its delivery.
The story centers around Maggie and James Chenoweth (Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman), a couple reeling from infidelity and trying to rebuild their lives on a rural Georgia farm. Their world is turned upside down when their son Arlo (Caleb Dolden) goes missing, only to return with bizarre, unexplainable behavior. As strange events escalate – a mysterious man in a gas mask, a malevolent dog, and inexplicable power outages – the family and their neighbors are trapped, with no apparent escape from an encroaching, supernatural force.
The rural setting is vividly realized, and I appreciated the nods to the isolation and rhythms of country life. The show shines as it builds a sense of creeping unease, echoing John Carpenter’s “The Thing” with its themes of paranoia and suspicion. Who can be trusted when an entity can possess and imitate people at will? These are the elements that make “Teacup” compelling.
However, the series stumbles in its revelations. Rather than doling out clues and letting the mystery simmer, an entire episode is dedicated to explaining the threat, leaving little to the imagination. It’s a jarring shift, transforming the show from a nightmarish enigma to a more conventional thriller.
The cast performs well, and the production values are high. There are undeniably chilling moments, particularly in the early episodes when the unknown reigns. Yet, as the truth comes to light, much of the fear factor dissipates.
“Teacup” concludes with an open-ended finale, ripe for a second season. Whether that happens remains to be seen. If you’re a fan of rural horror and can overlook some missteps, “Teacup” might still be worth your time. Just temper those James Wan-infused expectations.
“Teacup” will premiere its first two episodes on Peacock on October 10th
