The Into the Dark series, exclusively on Hulu and in association with Blumhouse TV, is a horror anthology series, with each feature-length episode centered around a specific holiday. Now into Season 2, episode 19, Pooka Lives!, is the first to be made for a fake holiday- Pooka Day. It is a follow-up film to episode 3, titled Pooka!, which has become a fan-favorite within the series. Both titles feature a man-sized furry creature on a murderous rampage. While they are set within the same Pooka universe, they serve as standalone stories.
Synopsis: A group of thirty-something friends from high-school create their own Creepypasta about Pooka for laughs, but are shocked when it becomes so viral on the Internet that it actually manifests more murderous versions of the creature.
One notable change from the first Pooka story is the shift in tone. Directed by Nacho Vigalondo (Colossal), Pooka! follows a man (Nyasha Hatendi) hired to play the titular character as promotion for the toy company surrounding its launch. The Christmas-centric episode is dark, ending on a surprisingly heavy note, and has remained one of the best in the series. Pooka Lives!, directed by Alejandro Brugués (From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series) and written by Ryan Copple (Escape the Night), expands on the mythos, but keeps things highly entertaining in a lighthearted way. As much as this writer enjoyed the first title, the well-executed change is a welcomed one.
Other than the story itself, which a bit reminiscent of the Child’s Play remake during the last act, the stellar cast really drives home the zany fun. Geeks will rejoice in seeing Felicia Day (Supernatural), Wil Wheaton (Star Trek), and Jonah Ray (Mystery Science Theater 3000) all in the same film. Also starring in Pooka Lives! is Malcolm Barrett (Timeless), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Lyndie Greenwood (The Expanse), and Gavin Stenhouse (Black Mirror). All were excellent in their roles and play off each other well.
Another difference is the creepypasta angle, which allows Pooka to take on a life of its own as the internet runs wild with stories and fan art. It changes in appearance, even wearing lederhosen at one point, and takes on different ways to kill. It serves as a creative way to keep characters on their toes while making the creature more menacing (lederhosen and all) as it evolves.
Overall, Pooka Lives! is perhaps the strongest entry for the Into the Dark series to date. It entertains from start to finish, and you couldn’t ask for a better cast. The episode is now available exclusively on Hulu.
Related Article: Binge Blumhouse’s ‘Into the Dark’ Holiday Horror Series on Hulu Now
