All summer the world was waiting for HBO’s “Lovecraft” to hit the small screen, and now the time has finally come.
Starring actors Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Courtney B. Vance and Aunjanue Ellis, the series follows a young Black man in the 1950’s as he searches for his missing father. The plot may appear simple at first, but from the first scene alone it’s far from it. Themes of magic, mystery, adventure and racism are forever entwined in this enthralling tale.
Courtney B. Vance plays “George,” the main character’s mentoring Uncle. “I’ve had a terrible time trying to figure out how to explain what the show is about. It’s about so many different things yet it is very specifically about a family.”
Viewers today may notice alarming similarities between “Lovecraft Country” and today. The social struggles of the 50’s juxtaposed with the social struggles and protests of today could be too close to home for some, but the enduring message is: black lives matter.
Aunjanue Ellis who plays “Hippolyta” says it’s rare to see Black stories like this on screen. “The thing about it is that we don’t see African American, black folks, diasporic folks portrayed a lot of times in sci-fi in this way, that it’s our experience that’s centered. We’re not the appendages, so I think it’s exciting.”
With the captivating plot, heartwarming characters and unpredictable twists and turns, season two might be on high demand. Courtney B. Vance believes “Lovecraft Country” could be the start of a new “Game of Thrones” and historic legacy. ”How exciting is that, the potential to be able to explore black lives over multiple seasons. The last time that happened I can’t remember. So we’re on the cusp of something very great.”
Lovecraft Country debuts today this Sunday, August 16, at 9 pm on HBO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvamPJp17Ds
