Plot: Bruce Campbell’s Hysteria television series takes us on a trip back to the 1980s, where a small suburban town becomes the epicenter of supernatural chaos. At first, the story grabs you with a quirky, mysterious vibe—strange disappearances, weird happenings at the local arcade, and an odd experiment gone wrong. The film sets up an intriguing mystery centered around a group of kids who stumble upon an ancient evil lurking beneath their seemingly peaceful town.
But as the movie progresses, the plot starts to take too many detours. While the initial buildup is full of suspense and intrigue, the final act spirals into a confusing jumble of twists and unresolved threads. What begins as a spooky, funny throwback to classic ’80s horror flicks ends up losing its way with a convoluted conclusion that leaves more questions than answers. You’ll probably leave the theater feeling like the writers threw every idea at the wall to see what stuck, and unfortunately, not everything did.
Set Design and 1980s Vibe: This is where Hysteria truly shines! The film nails the ’80s aesthetic, immersing viewers in a world of neon signs, cassette tapes, retro cars, and arcade games. The attention to detail in recreating the decade is spot-on, from the pop culture references to the brightly colored clothes and crimped hairstyles. It’s clear the production team had a lot of fun designing the world, and it’s a treat for anyone who loves the era.
The settings are incredibly atmospheric—the kids ride around on their BMX bikes in perfectly recreated suburban streets, hang out in wood-paneled basements with their Walkmans blaring, and get into trouble at a mall straight out of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The 1980s nostalgia is palpable and one of the film’s strongest features. The cars, in particular, are a fun touch, with a slew of classic models making appearances in chase scenes and key moments.
Music: A standout feature of Hysteria is its fantastic soundtrack, packed with synthwave beats and retro hits that immediately transport you back in time. The music plays a crucial role in setting the tone—each synthy track evokes a sense of nostalgia and adds to the tension and fun throughout the movie. The score feels like a mix of John Carpenter‘s eerie melodies and upbeat tracks reminiscent of classic Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller vibes, keeping things energetic and exciting, especially in the earlier parts of the film.
However, by the end, the music feels out of sync with the increasingly disjointed plot, but it still manages to carry the film through some of its more chaotic moments. Fans of ’80s music will have a blast with the song choices, even if the story starts to falter.
Acting: Julie Bowen is one of the highlights of Hysteria. She brings a sharp, comedic edge to her role as the harried suburban mom, caught up in a situation far beyond her control. Bowen’s delivery is pitch-perfect, blending humor with genuine concern for the ragtag group of kids, adding much-needed heart to the film’s sillier moments.
The young cast is where the movie really shines—each kid brings something different to the table. From the brainy leader to the reluctant hero and the comedic sidekick, these young actors manage to capture the feel of classic ’80s kids’ adventure movies like The Goonies and E.T.. They feel authentic, and their camaraderie is one of the more enjoyable aspects of the film. Despite the plot’s messiness, the kids manage to ground the story with their charm and natural performances.
Directorial Critique: Bruce Campbell steps into the director’s chair with Hysteria, and for the most part, he delivers on the fun, campy promise of the premise. He brings a clear love for the genre and the ’80s era, with nods to horror-comedies like Gremlins and The Lost Boys sprinkled throughout. Campbell’s direction in the first half of the movie is tight, filled with suspense, humor, and just enough scares to keep you hooked.
But as the film progresses, it’s clear that the vision starts to get muddled. The pacing becomes uneven, and what starts as a straightforward supernatural thriller becomes a hodgepodge of subplots and underdeveloped ideas. By the end, Campbell seems to lose control of the narrative, and the final act feels rushed and overly complex, making it hard to follow. It’s as if the film tries to be too many things at once, and in doing so, loses the cohesion that made the first half so enjoyable.
Conclusion: Hysteria is a film with a lot of heart, a great cast, and a killer 1980s vibe that will make you smile. It’s a love letter to the era’s horror-comedy genre, filled with nostalgia, cool music, and fun characters. Unfortunately, the story stumbles in its final act, leaving you with a bit of a head-scratcher rather than a satisfying conclusion. If you’re a fan of retro horror and don’t mind a messy plot, you’ll probably still enjoy the ride.
In the end, Hysteria is a movie that starts off strong but loses its way, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It’s fun, chaotic, and dripping in ‘80s charm—but it could’ve used a tighter script to match its cool aesthetic.
Be sure to catch this original television series on Peacock TV.
