Premiered: May 11, 2014

On: Showtime

Starring: Reeve Carney, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Danny Sapani, Harry Treadaway, Helen McCrory, Simon Russell Beale, Olivia Llewellyn, Alex Price, Lorcan Cranitch, Robert Strange, Olly Alexander, Graham Butler, Noni Stapleton, Alun Armstrong, Hannah Tointon, Gavin Fowler, Stephen Lord & David Warner

Combining iconic horror characters from the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein & The Picture of Dorian Gray, Penny Dreadful is an instant macabre series that will suck you in with its story and style.

Malcom Murray (Timothy Dalton) recruits the help of sharpshooter Ethan Chandler (Josh Harnett) and Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) when he and Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) intend to rescue his daughter Mina (Olivia Llewellyn) from a mysterious creature.

Green gives a haunting and grossly underrated performance as Vanessa. She’s able to deliver sex and intrigue, while also experiencing possession. Though there are many characters to follow, she’s the one you won’t stop thinking about.

The London scenery and costumes are muted in color, which reflects the darkness surrounding the storyline. You instantly feel the horrors.

Final say: A brilliant combination of gothic icons. ★★★★★