Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, gross horror serves up cursing, smoking, sex, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Horror of Dolores Roach
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
From the creator of M3GAN comes THE HORROR OF DOLORES ROACH, a horror series about an ex-con who goes from being an up-and-coming masseuse to a notorious New York City serial killer. Sixteen years ago Dolores Roach (Justina Machado) was incarcerated for a crime committed by her boyfriend. Upon her release, she returns to Washington Heights penniless and with no where else to go. Luckily she runs into Luis (Alejandro Hernandez), an old friend who is running the Empanada Loca, a local Puerto Rican eatery once owned by his father. Now living in the basement of his shop, Dolores starts working as an unlicensed masseuse in hopes of starting a new career. But when the landlord (played by Marc Maron) threatens to close both her and Luis down, it sets off a chain of events that quickly spin out of control.
Is It Any Good?
Adapted from a podcast of the same name, the series combines drama, dark humor, and gruesome horror to create a viewing experience that is both entertaining and stomach-churning. The story is told as a detailed flashback from Dolores' point of view, and effectively uses dramatic irony (allowing the audience to know more about what is really happening than most of the characters) to create a compelling narrative in which Dolores and Luis attempt to paint a morally gray picture of their activities. As viewers negotiate this, they also get to enjoy guest appearances by celebs like Cyndi Lauper and Judy Reyes. But The Horror of Dolores Roach isn't for the faint of heart, and some folks may have a hard time digesting what it has to offer. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a fun, well-written series that's as diverting as it is ghastly, you'll certainly find it here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way viewers are supposed to feel about Dolores and Luis. How do they justify their criminal behavior? Are audiences supposed to take their reasoning seriously?
The Horror of Dolores Roach is adapted from a podcast, which is based on a one-woman play. What are the challenges of adapting the story for such different media? Does it work for TV?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 7, 2023
- Cast : Justina Machado
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 22, 2024
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