Jekyll and Hyde is a Devilishly stylish, polished 30's horror drama that hits all the right buttons.
From the storyline to the narrative, special effects, sets and acting Jekyll and Hyde is a real winner. In spite of the fact this series is loosely based on well trodden ground, it still manages to be highly imaginative and original. It takes core elements from the original tale, written by Robert Louis Stevenson and then, in a fusion like blend, adds in intriguing extra's.
For starters there's the very heady 1930's British flavour of the whole series, which recaptures the latter days of the British empire. The whole series is 30's "chick" with a capital "C". Stylish cars, sets and people sit alongside the more worker day aspects of life and times, of the period.
Adding to the mix, are Gothic elements and monsters, reminiscent of any early 20th century horror flick. Not to mention proper "British" secret organizations, both good and bad. Groups that tap into the mystical world these monstrous creatures inhabit. A world that sits just beneath the thin skin of normalcy, most people call reality.
The acting in Jekyll and Hyde is of a high standard and the cast are well chosen. The narrative is intelligent, for the most part, only occasionally overplaying the 30's "thing". The story in spite of its layers of complexity, holds together well too. Its a credit to the writers, director and producers, that they manage to create such a cohesive tale, with so many creative concepts in play.
I love this series, its a remarkably refreshing take on a classic tale. Nine out of ten from me.
