South of Hell

South of Hell is a riveting horror drama series, aired on WE tv in 2015. The scenic town of Charleston, South Carolina, known for its grand plantations and hospitality, becomes the eerie battleground in the fight between good and evil in this one-of-a-kind show. It examines the underbelly of southern charm, revealing darkness where one least expects it.

The gifted and Academy Award nominee, Mena Suvari, who has an eye for choosing distinct roles, stars as the series' protagonist, Maria Abascal. A complicated character, Maria, is a skilled and relentless demon-hunter with her own set of personal demons to contend with. Being a demon-hunter isn't something she came upon by chance; it's an inherited family business that takes a toll on her personal life but adds layers to her character. While dealing with the supernatural, Maria also grapples with human greed, temptation, and sin; this blend of conventional and supernatural evils forms the heart of South of Hell.

Maria's brother, David (Zachary Booth), plays the emotional anchor to Maria's tumultuous life. He supports her, providing much-needed stability as she battles the diabolical forces. Concurrently, he assists Maria in their mutual cause of hunting and exorcising demons lurking in the picturesque city.

As if the daily dance with demonic forces wasn't enough, Maria carries her own resident demon, Abigail, who feeds off Maria's purges. Abigail is an entity living within Maria, feasting on the energy of the evil spirits Maria expels. It's a toxic symbiotic relationship that compels Maria into an unending cycle of hunting down possessed victims.

The sight of Abigail, portrayed by Lyndon Smith, is hauntingly beautiful and treacherous, delivering chills while remaining captivating. Abigail's existence poises Maria on a tightrope walk between being the hunter or becoming the hunted, adding a substantial degree of suspense and intensity to South of Hell.

The series is an exquisite blend of Southern Gothic aesthetics with elements of horror, offering a multilayered and nuanced interpretation of the eternal battle between good and evil. The narrative, brimming with horror and dread, is intricately crafted and filled with turns that keep the audience hooked. The imposing old buildings, gloomy alleyways, and the play of shadows and light superbly complement the dark and twisted atmosphere of South of Hell.

The pilot episode, directed by the legendary horror filmmaker Eli Roth, sets a high bar for the series and successfully draws viewers into this hellish world. Roth’s master storytelling, combined with Suvari's electrifying performance, makes South of Hell a must-watch for fans of supernatural dramas.

Throughout the series, South of Hell does an exemplary job of balancing frights with a deep exploration of each character's flaws and virtues. Viewers will find themselves sympathizing with Maria's inner turmoil. The torque of the storyline keeps tightening, augmented by the eerie gothic setting, leaving you begging for respite that rarely comes.

Furthermore, the chemistry between the cast is electric and plays a huge influence on the narrative's believability. Mena Suvari demonstrates a bewitching range of emotions, convincingly displaying Maria's constant internal and external struggles. Her performance, complemented by a strong supporting cast, infuses life into this terrifying yet intriguing plot.

South of Hell does not shy away from presenting brutal truths about human nature and the irresistible allure of darkness that lurks within every soul. This unique approach to its subject matter differentiates it from many of its supernatural horror counterparts. As viewers watch Maria navigate a world mired in the ultimate existential battle, they are bound to reflect on their own inner demons.

In conclusion, South of Hell is a raw and gripping supernaturally-infused drama that masterfully marries convention and innovation. With its eloquent storytelling, formidable acting, and southern-gothic atmosphere, the series invites its audience into a world where evil takes a new form at every corner. Through fear, suspense, and a bit of terror, South of Hell forces viewers to confront their darkest fears and question their own moral ambiguity.

Whether you're a horror fan, a thriller enthusiast or a seeker of thought-provoking narratives, South of Hell offers a slice of supernatural drama that is hard to resist and harder to forget. With its primary season aired in 2015, viewers can only hope for further seasons to continue this hauntingly thrilling journey.