The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells explores the darker side of the author’s imagination, bringing his lesser-known tales to life in a chilling four-part Sky Arts series, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
TITLE: The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells
CREATOR: Graham Duff
CAST: Michael Gambon, Luke Treadaway, Camilla Beeput, Paul Putner, Graham Duff
ORIGINAL RELEASE: 28 January 2016 – 18 February 2016 (Sky Arts)
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 4
Few names are as synonymous with science fiction as H. G. Wells, whose imaginative tales have gripped readers for over a century.
While many know him for classics like The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine, lesser-known but equally chilling works were brought to life in The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells.
Premiering on Sky Arts in January 2016, this four-part series delves into the darker side of Wells’ storytelling.
It includes adaptations of his haunting tales such as The Late Mr. Elvesham, The Devotee of Art, The Moth, and The Purple Pileus.
With its atmospheric settings and unsettling narratives, this series honours Wells’ birth centennial, offering viewers a taste of his genius in a format that is both classic and contemporary.
In each episode, a different tale unfolds, showcasing Wells’ talent for exploring the more sinister and speculative aspects of human nature.
The series features strong performances from an impressive cast, including the ever-brilliant Michael Gambon.
The result is a captivating mix of period drama, psychological horror, and dark fantasy.
The Late Mr Elversham
The series kicks off with The Late Mr. Elvesham, where we meet the enigmatic Egbert Elvesham, portrayed with chilling charisma by Gambon.
He offers a struggling young medical student, Edward Eden, a life-changing deal: to inherit his fortune in exchange for assuming his name.
But nothing is as it seems in Wells’ world. Elvesham has darker motives, leading to a Faustian body swap that traps Eden in a nightmare of stolen identity and revenge.
The Devotee of Art
The Devotee of Art follows Alec Harringay, a mediocre artist driven to madness by his ambition.
Desperate to create a masterpiece, he makes a dark pact with a supernatural entity, trading his soul for artistic genius.
But this newfound talent comes at a devastating cost, leading to murder and his inevitable downfall.
The Moth
In The Moth, we enter a world of academic rivalry and obsession.
After the death of his nemesis, Professor Pawkins, Dr. Hapley becomes convinced that a moth haunting him is a reincarnation of his deceased rival.
As his paranoia deepens, so does his descent into madness.
The Purple Pileus
The final episode, The Purple Pileus, is a grimly comic tale of marital strife and hallucinogenic misadventure.
Shopkeeper James Coombes, frustrated with his overbearing wife, accidentally discovers the mind-altering effects of a strange mushroom.
Initially, he uses them to cope with his domestic woes, but things soon spiral out of control when his wife consumes the entire supply.
Wells’ stories are known for their exploration of human psychology and social issues through a speculative lens, and The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells captures this essence admirably.
Filmed at West London Film Studios, the series combines period-appropriate settings with a touch of the surreal, creating an eerie atmosphere that complements Wells’ writing.
Graham Duff, who serves as both the series’ writer and executive producer, succeeds in capturing the essence of Wells’ vision.
The narratives are character-driven and steeped in psychological horror. T
he series pays homage to the classic elements of Wells’ storytelling while adding its own unique twist. Duff even makes an appearance in the first episode, further underscoring his commitment to the project.
As a Wells enthusiast, I found The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells to be an engaging and faithful adaptation of his short stories.
The casting is particularly commendable, with Michael Gambon delivering a standout performance as the sinister Egbert Elvesham.
Luke Treadaway also impresses as the unfortunate Edward Eden, bringing a desperate intensity to the role.
The show is refreshingly old-fashioned, relying on story and character rather than contemporary horror’s penchant for jump scares or gore.
It is clear that the creators aimed to honour Wells’ literary style, and in doing so, they have crafted a series that feels like a love letter to his work.
While it may not have the visceral impact of modern horror, it compensates with a creeping sense of dread and richly developed characters.
The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells is a dark, evocative tribute to one of England’s greatest storytellers.
It’s a series that rewards patience, offering a more cerebral kind of horror that will appeal to fans of classic Gothic fiction and period drama.
Though not as flashy or intense as some contemporary horror offerings, it delivers a unique viewing experience – one that lingers like the eerie fog Wells often described in his tales.
Give it a go – you might just find yourself haunted by these nightmare worlds long after the credits roll.
Have you seen The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
