American Gothic (2016)

American Gothic is a riveting drama series broadcast by CBS in 2016. The show, a unique blend of mystery and family drama, spins a tangled web of secrets, crime, and intrigue within a seemingly model upper-class family based in Boston.

American Gothic is centered around the sophisticated, wealthy Hawthorne family, who pride themselves on their societal standing, reputation, and successful business ventures. At the outset, the Hawthornes appear to be the embodiment of American success, however, the Summer of 2016 marks the beginning of their descent into a spiral of dark revelations and ominous secrets.

This 13-episode series opens with the return of prodigal daughter Alison (played by Juliet Rylance), who aims to continue the legacy of power and influence etched by her forebears, by running for Mayor of Boston. As a backdrop to her ambitious political campaign, the family deals with the failing health of their patriarch, Mitchell (played by Jamey Sheridan).

Simultaneously, the investigation into a series of unsolved murders, popularly known as the Silver Bells murders, is reignited. The Boston law enforcement dives back into this cold case, with the Silver Bells killer remaining elusive for over a decade. This chilling mystery, left dormant for many years, emerges as a profound threat, making its presence felt within the polished walls of the Hawthorne household.

The Hawthorne family's reactions to these dramatic unravelings vary vastly, each revealing glimpses of their complex personalities and hidden layers. Eldest child Garrett, portrayed by Antony Starr, returns home after a mysterious 14-year absence, adding to the intrigue of the series. Rounding off the quartet of siblings are artist Cam (Justin Chatwin), struggling with a drug addiction and a splitting marriage, and Tessa (Megan Ketch), the youngest and seemingly most innocent Hawthorne. Virginia Madsen also impressively takes on the role of the family matriarch, Madeline.

As the show progresses, the clear line defining the Hawthorne family fades, caught amidst a whirlpool of suspicion and doubt. The storyline expertly weaves through shadowy secrets, indistinct loyalties, and mute threats, instigating viewers to question who is keeping secrets and who is truly innocent. The family dynamics take a dramatic turn, becoming more tense and strained, fuelled further by the riveting mystery of the Silver Bells killer that dances around the edges of the family portrait.

American Gothic dabbles with elements of sorrow, trust, love, lies, cover-ups, and betrayal, mixing in splashes of humor sporadically, giving viewers a breath before pulling them back to the edge of suspense. Viewers are drawn even deeper into the mystery, attempting to discern the convolutions of the Hawthorne family destiny, and guessing who the possible killer in the distinguished family could be.

The show, created by Corinne Brinkerhoff, features exceptional performances from its ensemble cast, along with a smartly constructed storyline and well-timed dramatic twists. American Gothic’s atmospheric setting and the nuanced performances of its characters fuse effortlessly, painting a murkily compelling picture against the backdrop of an affluent, influential family torn apart by secrets and lies.

Adding to its allure, the show contains subtle nods to iconic works of American Gothic literature and culture. The title itself references not only the dark content of the series but Grant Wood’s iconic painting, American Gothic.

American Gothic offers viewers a high-stakes family drama, intertwined with a psychological thriller. The allure lies in the journey of uncovering the truth - a family’s tumultuous journey into their hidden past, with remnants of horror that challenge the audience to distinguish the innocent from guilty. While the serene exterior of the family remains unchallenged, lurking beneath are echoes of betrayal and moral ambiguity embedded in the heart of the family's relationships.

In a nutshell, American Gothic (2016) is a deft, chilling exploration of the lengths individuals go to keep their closely held secrets vaulted, starkly contrasting the radiant picture of societal elegance with gruesome horrors hidden... just below the surface. From its compelling narrative structure to its well-rounded characterizations, American Gothic stands out as a captivating series that masterfully combines familial drama with a chilling whodunit narrative.