Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Southeast Asian kid-horror series is spooky, not scary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters
What's the Story?
While America had the Goosebumps books, Southeast Asia had a similar line of mega-popular 1990s horror novels for kids called Mr. Midnight, now adapted into MR. MIDNIGHT: BEWARE THE MONSTERS. The series takes place in Indonesia and follows four classmates who explore regional ghost stories and folk legends, posting their findings online using their masked social media persona "Mr. Midnight." Rather than debunking these scary legends, they discover there's truth to them -- and what's more, that their teen ringleader Tyar (Idan Aedan) is a dukun: a type of spirit medium who walks between the worlds of the living and the dead. In each episode, the kids work together to uncover a new paranormal mystery, all building toward a bigger, spookier cliffhanger at the end.
Is It Any Good?
For kids craving something to watch that's "scary" -- but not too scary -- this horror-lite Southeast Asian Scooby Gang series is a pretty safe bet. The acting and special effects are just average, but the kids are likable enough and it's interesting to learn about different cultures and their legends. Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters is an offbeat entry in a familiar genre, a fine choice for families who like their scares with a side of humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about different cultures, and how they handle concepts like life, death, and the afterlife. What do you think of the supernatural concepts the show touches on, like Tyar being a dukun?
Kids: Talk about the relationships between the main characters. Did any of their personalities or friendship dynamics remind you of yourself and your friends? How do their actions demonstrate teamwork and cooperation?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 24, 2022
- Cast : Caleb Monk , Idan Aedan , Chen Yixin
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 14, 2024
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