Hannibal (2013)
created by: Bryan Fuller @BryanFuller
genre: psychological horror, crime drama

a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece of television
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There are so few truly unique tv shows—ones that break the mold of what we know and expand our understanding of the genre or form it takes.

Hannibal is one of these shows.

Part procedural, part psychological horror, part twisted love story. It uses our own familiarity with crime dramas to lure us into something more — a show with the visuals of art house cinema and the depth of the ocean.

What is most impressive about this show is probably how deep it dives into itself. Many shows hesitate to explore the deeper repercussions it creates. Hannibal explores its own terrifying landscape with gusto, making for a truly rewarding viewing experience.

The visuals in this show are horrifyingly stunning. Gruesome murders are somehow portrayed beautifully—which adds to their horror.

The same strategy is used in depicting the food Hannibal Lecter serves. It is so appetizing despite knowing that he is cooking people.

Probably the jewel at the center of Hannibal’s precious crown is the performance of its two leads. Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen sink their teeth into this story and throw their heads back in animalistic glory.

It’s terrifying to watch how good they are onscreen.

This is the kind of show that you can devote your life to. It rewards multiple viewings and, even after that, still has a lot left to tell. This is a show where everything is important. It does not throw a single word away.

“God tier” is the best way to describe this show.

As a final note, Hannibal is probably best enjoyed by indulging your own depravity. One of the gifts of fiction is its ability to give us a safe space to explore the darker aspects of our being. Hannibal gives us that gift in spades. Enjoy it. Savor it.