Anirudh Mannattil’s Reviews > Poe's Children: The New Horror > Status Update

9. Leda - 1.5 / 5

Satirical modern retelling of the "Leda and the Swan" Greek myth, with some commentary on the psychological effects of sexual assault on the victim and her spouse, the media's insensitive reaction etc. Though as a whole, felt too familiar for it to be effective at a deeper level.

7. The Sadness Of Detail - 2 / 5

Straightforward short, perhaps the most straightforward of the entire lot. Though, in my view, it's a little too straightforward with virtually no real value apart from examining the role of fate in our lives and the possibilities of subverting terrible destinies, and bringing God into the discussion for good measure.

7. Louise's Ghost - 2 / 5

A rather beautiful exploration of female friendship (and love?), though the whole journey was rather gimmicky and rough with virtually no plot progression. Especially liked how both Louises were characterized on opposite ends, and their conversations and banter.

5. The Voice of the Beach - 3 / 5

Unique entry among the shorts thus far, especially with the focus on cosmic horror. Really liked the vivid descriptions, though the pacing could have been tighter as a whole. Perhaps the entire short is an allegory of mankind taking over nature, and nature's response?

4. The Great God Pan - 2 / 5

A serviceable, albeit dreary and dull, extension of Arthur Machen's groundbreaking 1894 novella of the same name. Would be a rather confusing read standalone; without the context of the original.

3. The Man on the Ceiling - 2.5 / 5

Beautifully written but ultimately rather confounding tribute to the art of writing. Loved how they brought about the transformation of a family as life progresses, with the gorgeous prose adding color and life to the places and people.

2. Cleopatra Brimstone - 3.5 / 5

Okay,, so what in the world did I just read 😂 A woman turning guys into... well I will keep the suspense then 😅

Seriously though, pretty engrossing short, especially when the focus was on Jane's childhood. After that, the pacing dips a bit.

I didn't understand the ending but regardless seems like a banger 🔥

First review in a long while. Will update this progressively as I finish the stories.

1. The Bees - 5/5

Traditional run-of-the-mill 'past comes back to haunt protagonist' short but two key points:

- That germ of an idea seems to always work.
- Positively surprised by how well the short makes us feel through minimal events to elucidate everyone's characters