Chambers is a new Netflix series in the horror drama genre. It’s a bit of a slow-burner and unfortunately, it’s simply too slow at times. The cast is interesting and should keep you engaged – for the most part, anyway. Read more in this review and watch Season 1 on Netflix from April 26.

Chambers is a new Netflix series and, on paper, it has a lot of potential. Unfortunate, this drama horror story (with fantasy elements) does not deliver. Or rather, it delivers rather slowly.

In fact, it’s a slow-burner to the point where the first episodes are much more drama than horror. Now, I don’t mind drama at all, but everything just moves too slow here. It feels like the story could have been a strong movie (or maybe a mini-series).

The story in Chambers season 1 takes its sweet time, which makes for an audience struggling to stay engaged. Still, the cast is strong enough that this new Netflix series is worth a shot for many horror fans. Read more in our Chambers review below.

The slow-burn story of Chambers

When I call Chambers a “slow-burner”, I don’t really mean it starts out slow. In fact, we get to the heart (yes, pun intended) of the story rather quickly.

From then on, however, the pace becomes pretty damn slow. As a Netflix viewer, you will guess plot developments way before the characters seem to even consider the possibilities. Okay, to be fair, you will know the plot of the show and realize that you’re watching a horror series. The characters are merely living in what they must assume is a normal world.

And yet, if you’re the new recipient of a donor’s heart and suddenly have abilities that the previous owner of the heart had, would you not question these things?

I mean, we’re talking knowledge of subjects you should not have. Talent in a very specific sport that you first suck at and then suddenly (in a matter of seconds) become a pro at. Also, suddenly using your left hand instead of your right.

Chambers Netflix Review

The cast of Chambers

One thing the new Netflix series really does have going for itself is the cast. Chambers features some awesome actors with Uma Thurman (Kill Bill) and Tony Goldwyn (The Belko Experiment) being some of the most familiar faces. They portray the parents of the girl who had the heart donated to the lead character.

The lead character, Sasha, is played by Sivan Alyra Rose who is a fascinating actor to watch. I can’t fault anything she does really, but I do not care very much for the character. She’s selfish and quite the Debbie-downer in a way that seems off for this character who just got a second chance at life. 

Fortunately, I did really like the character TJ Locklear (Griffin Powell-Arcand) who is Sasha’s boyfriend. He managed to show a more likable side of Sasha. The same goes for her best friend Yvonne who is played perfectly by Kyanna Simone Simpson (Black Lightning).

Now there is a character I wanted to watch a lot more of. And also the actor Kyanna Simone Simpson. We’ll see her again soon though since she’ll be in the Blumhouse horror movie Ma portraying the young version of Octavia Spencer’s title character in the movie.

Other awesome actors in supporting roles in Chambers are Lili Taylor (The Conjuring and Leatherface) and Matthew Rauch (Banshee).

You can watch season 1 of Chambers on Netflix!

I have no doubt that many of you will give Chambers a shot. And you should. I’m sure this new Netflix series will find its audience and quite a few fans. Personally, I loved the diversity of the cast with Native American characters at the heart of the story.

Unfortunately, I just didn’t care too much for the actual story which felt both too forced and too slow. Sometimes even at the same time, which is quite the accomplishment, I suppose.

Chambers was created by Leah Rachel and I do wish the story has been told as a mini-series instead. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more with a tighter story and a faster pace.

The bottom line, as always, is this: If you like horror, drama, and fantasy elements, then give it a chance and decide for yourself if it’s worth your time.

Chambers Season 1 is available globally on Netflix from April 26, 2019.

Details

Writer: Leah Rachel
Stars: Sivan Alyra Rose, Marcus LaVoi, Uma Thurman, Tony Goldwyn, Matthew Rauch, Lili Taylor, Griffin Powell-Arcand, Nicholas Galitzine,

Plot

A young heart attack survivor becomes consumed by the mystery surrounding the heart that saved her life. However, the closer she gets to uncovering the truth about her donor’s sudden death, the more she starts taking on the characteristics of the deceased — some of which are troublingly sinister.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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