Creepshow Animated Special 2020 Reviewed

The “Creepshow Animated Special” showcases two chilling stories directed by the talented Greg Nicotero, the showrunner of Creepshow. The animation is brought to life by the renowned Octopie Animation Studio. I was thrilled after watching the fantastic To Your Last Death, and my anticipation for the Holiday-themed Creepshow animated special on Shudder knew no bounds.

With only two episodes, the special features an incredible performance by Keifer Sutherland, who portrays a man stranded on a deserted island and left to face his fate. The second story involves a family road trip that turns out to be anything but boring called Twittering from the Circus of the Dead.

This spine-tingling two-tale special was released on the Shudder platform on October 26th, 2020, and it is an absolute must-watch.

The story starts with this unnamed man sawing his injured foot clean off. Before going any further, we get a background story. Some rough details are described for the boat accident and the body on the island. The words ‘help’ are visible from an aerial shot, the island is small and uninhabited. We are treated to how he smashed up his foot before indulging in some yummy visuals of gull tartar being chomped on by our scruffy and hungry survivor.

“Survivor Type” Stars Keifer Sutherland

The narrative is based on the short story by Stephen King. Since it’s been adapted by Nicotero I knew it would be in good hands. Kiefer Sutherland (24, Designated Survivor) is well versed in survivor-type roles, and here as this man determined to stay alive, his husky voice does an exemplary job. As for the story, it wouldn’t be a Creepshow episode if it didn’t veer quickly off the beaten path and Survivor Type is no exception. Before long it becomes apparent where the narrative is headed and with no special effects to worry about the animation has the gore in spades.

I give “Survivor Type”, part of the Creepshow Animated Special

4 Ladyfingers out of 5

Creepshow Animated Special Episodes 2020 Trailer

And remember, technology is not always your friend, especially if you are twittering from the circus of the dead.

Quote from Creepshow animated series

Twittering from the Circus of the Dead

This time the horror tale starts with Blake as she desperately tries to outrun her growing boredom. Shown in a car with her brother and parents, she is typically un-thrilled with their obvious plans to take the family on a road trip. She blasts the Twitterverse with dramatic tweets about wishing she was dead and other teenage angst statements.

Straightaway in “Twittering From the Circus of the Dead”, there is a subtext about social media played out between tweeted recounts of her trip and arguments between Blake and her mom. Fortunately for this tale, Twittering from the Circus of the Dead doesn’t see Blake with millions of followers. She remarks she only has 40. What sort of road trip would it be if there wasn’t a weird detour? Without reservation, this detour takes the family to a circus called Circus of the Dead. Speaking of Dead Clowns, did you watch Terrifier 3? Read about that here.

Lions and Zombies oh my

The family is ushered inside by a man in a hazmat suit smoking a cigar. Regardless they follow him into the darkness and are seated for the show. As the audience cheers, zombies appear chasing a ring mistress as she begs people to save her. Meanwhile, Blake, of course, tweets about how realistic the show is albeit fairly gross.

The second story in the Creepshow animated special speaks to the disconnect between social media and real life. All in all, it’s really well-told and beautifully illustrated. As soon as the tale ramps up for the final act it dishes the details of the audience’s bloody fate. What’s more, it’s one you shouldn’t miss.

Finally, “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead,” is a story by Joe Hill and adapted by Melanie Dale. It stars Joey King (The Kissing Booth, The Act.) Want another zombie movie right now? Watch Zombie With A Shot Gun or Overlord.

I give Twittering from the Circus of the Dead

4 pyramids of the dead out of 5

Watch Realm of Shadows for an anthology that is more recent next.