Quick Info
If you’re up for a moody, slow-burn historical drama with a chilling twist, The Terror is one of those shows that quietly flies under the radar. Set in the 1840s, it fictionalizes the real-life doomed Arctic expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, slowly enveloping you in bone-chilling cold and even colder interpersonal tensions. The show gradually goes from a period survival drama into something much darker and more unsettling, weaving together history and folklore in a way that you truly don’t see coming.
The performances are fantastic — Jared Harris, in particular, brings both gravitas and vulnerability to his role as Captain Crozier. The supporting cast doesn’t miss either; there’s this constant sense of tension and mistrust, heightened by how isolated and desperate everyone slowly becomes. The writing is careful and detailed, never rushing things, which works beautifully for the atmosphere but might feel a touch slow for anyone wanting big action beats.
What really stands out to me is the cinematography. The vast white expanses of the Arctic are starkly beautiful, and the claustrophobic ship interiors feel almost coffin-like as the crew’s situation deteriorates. The visual style leans into dread, making every creak of the ship and every flickering lantern feel ominous. It’s really impressive how the show uses the setting to reflect the characters’ crumbling hopes.
Not everything lands — some of the more supernatural elements might feel like a strange fit if you’re after strict historical accuracy, and a couple of character arcs get a little lost amid the sprawling cast. The show demands patience: it takes its time building the tension, and sometimes episodes can feel like they're inching forward. But if you like stories where the setting is as much a character as the people in it, this one’s worth sticking with.
You would enjoy this if you like dark, atmospheric historical dramas with strong ensemble acting and don't mind a bit of slow-burn storytelling. Fans of shows like Chernobyl or films like The Revenant will probably find a lot to love here, especially if you appreciate a true story steeped in atmosphere and a touch of the unknown.
