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[Review] Despite Evidence to the Contrary, You Should Watch Hulu’s ‘Helstrom’

Helstrom seems as if it’s Marvel’s forgotten son. After all, the word “Marvel” was literally dropped from the logo. In fact, the only evidence that this is even a Marvel character is it stating once that it’s Marvel in the opening credits. Funny enough, the show kind of works better with Marvel completely acting as if it doesn’t exist. I know you’ve probably seen the trailer – the posters. Everyone’s told you to toss this show away, so you’ve decided not to check it out. I’m here to tell you you’re wrong. If you’re looking for an on-the-edge-of-your-seat creepy horror show that keeps you guessing, watch Helstrom.

Slight Spoilers

Helstrom was originally meant to be part of a Marvel world on Hulu called Adventure into Fear. We were going to have Helstrom, Ghost Rider, and others. The Ghost Rider project got axed and Helstrom serves more as a standalone series. Which, does make me a little disappointed. As much as I love the MCU, Kevin Feige has to realize that having variety within the Marvel universe is a good thing. Have your darker shows on Hulu and keep the more PG series on Disney+.

Now, Helstrom is no American Horror Story. There’s no gratuitous sex scenes or wild curse words thrown out. There are demon possessions, adult themes such as suicide, and blood. Not a crazy amount, but it’s there. Despite Marvel wanting to distance itself from Helstrom, you can tell they still watered down some aspects of the character. For instant, he doesn’t have a Pentagram on his chest as he does in the comics. Although, I believe; the show was well-made; I do wish they had a slightly bigger budget. I really wanted to see some crazy demonic, firey scenes that the show touched upon. I wanted them to completely let go. There are great scenes within the main characters and some cool fight scenes. I just wanted a little more.

The Show Kept Up a Great Pace

Still, I cannot say that this show didn’t keep me guessing. Any time there was a brief moment of happiness, I kept expecting something bad to happen – because it usually did. Unlike other Marvel shows, Helstrom rarely had a filler moment. Everything was working towards a mission and all of the characters served a purpose. I never felt bored and I enjoyed every character.

The Helstrom siblings are like Ward and Joy Meachum from Iron Fist, except Ana Helstrom isn’t annoying. In fact, Sydney Lemmon’s Ana (Satana Hellstrom in the comics) is a f*cking queen. She’s fashionable, deadly, and doesn’t take shit from anyone. Despite her and Damian (played by Tom Austen) having a less than ideal sibling relationship, they do eventually come together against the greater good. And learn how to love each other in the process. Ana, despite not liking many people; is more outgoing than Damian. And they both share a flair for sarcasm and general “doneness” with people.

Interesting Characters in an Interesting World

Helstrom does survive on the assumption that everyone in the inner circle knows about demons and such. There’s really no outside “shock” moment – it seems everyone knows about these creatures. Even though Ariana Guerra’s Gabriella Rosetti is introduced to this hellish world, she doesn’t seem all that mortified by it. But, I didn’t really mind – I actually liked not having the cliche character who simply squeals the entire time because everyone else is so calm around something supernatural happening.

All of the additional characters are great too. Robert Wisdom as Caretaker, June Carryl as Louise, Elizabeth Marvel as Victoria/Mother, and Alain Uy as Chris Yen really helped make this series as special as it was. I know the popular thing right now is probably to drag on Helstrom, but I really enjoyed it. I want to see more of Damian, Ana, and everyone else. And with the way they ended the season, I really am dreading Marvel announcing they’ve decided not to move forward with a season two. It was so intense and the perfect season finale reveal.