Devil in Ohio

"Devil in Ohio" is a suspenseful limited series that debuted on Netflix in September 2022. The show is based on the book of the same name by Daria Polatin, who also served as the series' showrunner and executive producer. This chilling thriller intertwines themes of mystery, horror, and drama across its eight-part story arc that delves into the dangers and impacts of cults on individuals and families.

The series is set in the seemingly peaceful surroundings of rural Ohio and begins with the unsettling discovery of a young girl who has escaped from a mysterious cult. The girl, Mae, portrayed by Madeleine Arthur, is found with strange symbols carved into her back – the first clear indication of the dark and enigmatic world from which she has emerged. Her escape sets off a series of disturbing events that underscore how far-reaching the effects of the cult's influence can be.

The central character and unlikely protector of the girl is Dr. Suzanne Mathis, a psychiatrist played by the accomplished actress Emily Deschanel. Dr. Mathis comes across Mae during the course of her work, and she quickly becomes drawn into the teenager's troubled and enigmatic life. Sensing that the child is in immediate danger and no safe place is available, she makes the unorthodox decision to bring the girl into her own home, an act driven by compassion but also naive to the possible consequences.

Dr. Mathis’s decision is a catalyst that not only endangers her career but also places a significant strain on her own family dynamics. She is already the mother to three daughters and the wife to a loving husband, and the addition of Mae into this domestic circle generates tension and suspicion. Her oldest daughter feels her position in the family is threatened, and other family members are bewildered by Suzanne's protective instincts over the new guest. This family turmoil is excellently portrayed, highlighting the balance between familial love and the intrusion of an outsider who carries a mysterious and potentially dangerous past.

The show then begins to unravel the dark past of Mae and the cult from which she fled. "Devil in Ohio" gradually reveals the unsettling and horrific truths that lie at the heart of the cult, led by a charismatic and sinister figure whose presence looms over the entirety of the series. The cult's beliefs, rituals, and influence on its members are exposed, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the viewers on edge. Cult practices and rural mysticism are featured prominently in the series, providing the backdrop for the story's unfolding drama and tension.

As the story progresses, "Devil in Ohio" weaves together a complex web of secrets, lies, and psychological terror that threatens to consume the entire Mathis family. The tensions between their public lives, personal relationships, and the dark world of the cult lead to enthralling moments of suspicion and paranoia. The show strikes a delicate balance between the realism of characters' responses and reactions and the theatricality of the cult’s more unsettling and gruesome aspects.

While "Devil in Ohio" delves into the psychological impact of cults and their manipulation of members, it also paints a somber picture of how the aftermath can affect those who left—or were rescued—from them. Mae's character development throughout the series reflects this struggle, tethered between her past trauma and the hope for a normal life. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly of Mae and Dr. Mathis, gives the series emotional weight beyond its thriller mechanics.

The unsettling atmosphere of the series is bolstered by its moody cinematography and tense soundtrack, which adds to the eerie small-town vibe and the unnerving sense of isolation that pervades the show. "Devil in Ohio" compels its audience to question the nature of evil, the strength of family bonds, and the lengths one will go to protect those they consider their own.

Without revealing any twists or finale revelations, "Devil in Ohio" stands as an absorbing tale of mystery and the supernatural, where psychological thrills meet real-world horror. The show masterfully blurs the lines between the fear of the occult and the pure terror of human fanaticism, leaving viewers to grapple with the poignant reminder that sometimes the greatest dangers are those that hide in plain sight or, even more chillingly, those that are invited in.