Review: FROM – Season 1, Episode 1: Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Introduction
The premiere episode of FROM, titled Long Day’s Journey Into Night, serves as a gripping introduction to a series that blends psychological horror, mystery, and survival drama. Created by John Griffin and produced by the Russo brothers, FROM presents a nightmarish scenario where travelers find themselves inexplicably trapped in a mysterious small town from which there is no escape. As darkness falls, the town reveals its most terrifying secret—monstrous creatures that prey on those who do not seek shelter in time.
With its unsettling atmosphere, strong performances, and a compelling central mystery, Long Day’s Journey Into Night effectively establishes the rules of the world while leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The episode’s eerie setting, slow-burning suspense, and sense of existential dread immediately set the tone for what promises to be an intense and thought-provoking series.
The Story
The episode opens with Sheriff Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau) patrolling the town’s eerie, desolate streets as dusk approaches. The tension builds as the audience is introduced to the town’s most horrifying reality: once night falls, supernatural creatures emerge from the surrounding woods, hunting anyone who remains outside. To survive, the townspeople must retreat indoors and secure themselves behind strange talismans that seem to repel the creatures.
Meanwhile, a family on a road trip—Jim Matthews, his wife Tabitha, and their children Julie and Ethan—find themselves inexplicably caught in a looping road that always leads them back to the town. Their arrival is met with cautious but urgent instructions from the townsfolk, who know that nightfall is fast approaching. The Matthews family’s disoriented reaction mirrors the viewer’s own confusion, making their experience the perfect lens through which to introduce the town’s strange and terrifying rules.
As the episode unfolds, we are introduced to other key residents, including Father Khatri, a pragmatic yet enigmatic priest, and Kenny, the sheriff’s loyal deputy. Tensions rise when an elderly resident, afraid and desperate, refuses to heed the town’s warnings, ultimately falling victim to the nightmarish creatures in a scene that graphically demonstrates the horrifying stakes. The episode concludes with Sheriff Boyd grimly preparing for another long night, reinforcing the sense of inescapable doom that permeates the town.
Themes and Analysis
Fear of the Unknown – One of FROM’s most unsettling aspects is its refusal to explain the nature of the town, the creatures, or the supernatural forces at play. The town exists in a space where normal rules of time and geography do not apply, creating an ever-present sense of unease. This taps into a fundamental human fear—being trapped in a situation that defies logic or reason.
Isolation and Helplessness – The episode effectively builds a suffocating atmosphere of isolation. The road that leads travelers back to the same place symbolizes a loss of control, stripping the characters of their agency and forcing them into a reality governed by unknown and terrifying rules.
Survival and Community Dynamics – In a world where survival depends on strict rules and cooperation, tensions naturally arise. The town is not just dealing with a supernatural threat but also with the psychological toll of long-term confinement. Sheriff Boyd emerges as a leader holding the fragile community together, but the cracks in their system are already visible, hinting at deeper conflicts ahead.
Monsters as Metaphors – The shadowy figures that appear at night, smiling eerily before unleashing unimaginable violence, represent a classic horror trope—the idea that true terror lies not in grotesque appearances, but in the subversion of normalcy. These creatures do not chase their victims; instead, they manipulate, coax, and lull them into a false sense of security before attacking. This makes them even more terrifying, as they challenge the instinctive human trust in friendly, familiar faces.
Strengths of the Episode
Tense and Unsettling Atmosphere – The cinematography, sound design, and pacing work in perfect harmony to create a sense of dread that lingers throughout the episode. The gradual transition from day to night mirrors the audience’s growing realization that something is deeply wrong.
Strong Performances – Harold Perrineau delivers a standout performance as Sheriff Boyd, exuding both authority and vulnerability. Catalina Sandino Moreno and Eion Bailey convincingly portray Jim and Tabitha’s growing panic, while the supporting cast helps flesh out the town’s eerie, lived-in quality.
Effective World-Building – Without overloading the audience with exposition, the episode establishes the town’s rules, dangers, and community structure in a way that feels organic. The use of the Matthews family as newcomers helps guide the audience through these discoveries naturally.
Engaging Mystery – The episode raises far more questions than it answers, keeping viewers hooked. Where is this town? Why are the people trapped? What are the creatures? The absence of immediate explanations encourages speculation and theory-building, making the show deeply immersive.
Weaknesses of the Episode
Slow Pacing for Some Viewers – While the episode builds tension effectively, its methodical pacing may feel too slow for those expecting fast-paced horror. The slow-burn approach focuses on atmosphere and character development, which may not appeal to audiences looking for immediate action.
Limited Character Development in Some Areas – While Boyd is well-established as a leader, some secondary characters, such as Kenny and Father Khatri, receive only minimal development in this episode. However, this is likely intentional, as the show is designed to gradually expand on its characters over time.
Lack of Immediate Explanations – The refusal to provide answers is a deliberate narrative choice, but it may frustrate viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling. Those looking for immediate clarity regarding the town’s origins or the creatures may find the lack of exposition challenging.
Final Thoughts
Long Day’s Journey Into Night is an impressive and chilling debut for FROM, masterfully blending horror, mystery, and survival drama. It introduces a world that is both hauntingly surreal and viscerally terrifying, keeping viewers on edge with its cryptic storytelling and oppressive atmosphere. The episode effectively sets up the show’s central mystery while delivering moments of genuine horror that will leave audiences eager for more.
While its slow-burn pacing and lack of immediate answers may not appeal to everyone, these elements contribute to the show’s immersive and unsettling quality. With strong performances, an eerie setting, and an intriguing premise, FROM has all the makings of a standout psychological horror series.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
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