Stephen King’s novel The Outsider was picked up for a series even before its release in 2018. Premiering on HBO in early 2020, it quickly became apparent why this decision was made. Out of the numerous Stephen King adaptations, The Outsider is undoubtedly the strongest miniseries to date. With a mix of psychological horror and crime, the show stars Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo, taking viewers on a journey that starts as a murder case and unfolds into something far more supernatural. The performances are outstanding, and the world-building goes beyond what’s in the book, making this HBO show a must-watch.
The miniseries begins with the gruesome death of a young boy in the woods. All evidence points to Terry Maitland, a local baseball coach. Detective Ralph Anderson publicly arrests Maitland at a game. However, it soon becomes clear that Maitland has a solid alibi and appears on security cameras at the same time. This leads to the introduction of Holly Gibney, a recurring Stephen King character, who explores the possibility that a monster is the true culprit. The interactions between Mendelsohn and Erivo are the miniseries’ highlight. Ralph’s refusal to believe anything beyond reason clashes with Gibney’s openness to supernatural possibilities. This clash represents a major theme of the show: coming to terms with the existence of monsters, regardless of one’s pride.
Mendelsohn expertly weaves the character’s past, including the loss of his young son, into his present endeavors. His character’s pride, grief, and logical thinking meet their match in Gibney, who explores every possible explanation, even those deemed impossible. Erivo’s portrayal of Holly Gibney is a standout, as she delivers information about the supernatural in a matter-of-fact manner. Her bravery in the face of skeptics challenges the notion of rationality, making the case for accepting the existence of monsters that need to be stopped.
The miniseries also explores the opposing theories of Ralph’s wife Jeannie and Terry’s wife Glory. Jeannie, though not directly involved in the investigation, challenges her non-believer husband and reminds him that the enemy is something supernatural. Glory, on the other hand, is confronted with the bizarre circumstances of the case when her daughter starts encountering a dark figure. Both Mare Winningham and Julianne Nicholson give memorable performances, bringing depth to their characters and highlighting different ways of coping with loss.
While some critics argue that the series deviates from the novel, especially when it comes to the supernatural elements, it’s important to acknowledge its ability to expand on the source material. Adapting Stephen King’s stories is no easy task, given his unique storytelling and use of otherworldly elements. Although the series struggles to fully depict the creature, it excels in capturing the gray area between reality and mysterious possibilities. The monster’s ability to change its appearance and identity, shedding skin and taking on the blood of others, adds a new layer to its character. The series also delves into the creature’s past, revealing how it has ruined lives in various locations. These additional stories show the extent of the monster’s terror and raise questions about how many innocent people may be wrongly imprisoned.
The series expands on the tone of the novel by incorporating urban legends and myths. After conversations with victims of the creature’s shape-shifting, Gibney investigates the legend of El Cuco, the Spanish and Portuguese boogeyman equivalent. The series builds upon these myths, creating an atmosphere grounded in horrifying legends. The visual elements, such as the hooded figure with a deformed face and the manifestation of past traumas, add to the sense of foreboding and the idea that terrible things will continue to happen.
The Outsider is not just another Stephen King adaptation. As the mystery unfolds and the characters grapple with their own demons, solving the crime becomes just as important as finding peace. The success of recent adaptations, like It and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, has increased anticipation for upcoming projects, such as the new Salem’s Lot. However, it’s clear that more adaptations should follow in the footsteps of The Outsider.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
