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Chapelwaite
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| Chapelwaite | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror drama |
| Based on | "Jerusalem's Lot" by Stephen King |
| Written by |
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| Starring |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Production locations | Nova Scotia Maritime Canada |
| Running time | 46–60 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Epix |
| Release | August 22 – October 31, 2021 |
Chapelwaite is an American horror television series loosely based on the short story “Jerusalem's Lot” by author Stephen King. It was written by Peter and Jason Filardi, and premiered on Epix on August 22, 2021, and concluded on October 31, 2021. In February 2022, the series was renewed for a second season; however, in November 2023, it was announced that MGM+ had decided not to move forward with a second season.
Premise
[edit]In 1850, following his wife's tragic death at sea aboard a whaler ship, Captain Charles Boone (Adrien Brody) and his children return to the small town of Preacher's Corners, Maine, where a dark family history haunts them until confronted.[1]
Cast and characters
[edit]- Adrien Brody as Captain Charles Boone
- Emily Hampshire as Rebecca Morgan
- Jennifer Ens as Honor Boone
- Sirena Gulamgaus as Loa Boone
- Ian Ho as Tane Boone
- Eric Peterson as Samuel Gallup
- Christopher Heyerdahl as Jakub
- Julian Richings as Phillip Boone
- Steven McCarthy as Stephen Boone
- Gord Rand as Minister Burroughs
- Trina Corkum as Mary Dennison
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title [2] | Directed by | Teleplay by [3] | Original release date [2] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Blood Calls Blood" | Burr Steers | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | August 22, 2021 | |
|
In 1850, Captain Charles Boone inherits his wealthy cousin's estate and relocates his family to small-town Maine; the Boones encounter prejudice, hostility and murder as Charles begins a dangerous journey of self-discovery. | |||||
| 2 | "Memento Mori" | Burr Steers | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | August 29, 2021 | |
|
A child in town dies of a mystery illness and on her deathbed, credits Stephen Boone; hysterical townsfolk demand that Charles dig up his cousin's grave; Charles refuses, but in private opens the grave and is shocked by what he finds. | |||||
| 3 | "Legacy of Madness" | Jeff Renfroe | Scott Kosar | September 12, 2021 | |
|
Charles continues to hear rats behind the walls, despite assurances there are none; his search for answers leads to an insane asylum where his worst fears are realized. | |||||
| 4 | "The Promised" | Jeff Kosar | Declan de Barra | September 19, 2021 | |
|
Charles prepares to commit himself to the asylum for treatment but Tane discovers something disturbing in the barn that may help reveal Chapelwaite's secrets; a creepy cadre of emaciated Acolytes arrive with a message. | |||||
| 5 | "The Prophet" | Rachel Leiterman | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | September 26, 2021 | |
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The mysterious Jakub lures Charles to Jerusalem's Lot and he discovers that his madness is connected to an ancient book; the children are stunned and betrayed when Loa finds Rebecca's secret writings about the Boone family. | |||||
| 6 | "The Offer" | Rachel Leiterman | Scott Kosar | October 3, 2021 | |
|
Charles is overwhelmed with grief and anger after his family is dealt a devastating blow; Stephen and Uncle Phillip come to Charles with a surprising proposition. | |||||
| 7 | "De Vermis Mysteriis" | David Frazee | Declan de Barra | October 10, 2021 | |
|
Overwhelmed with madness, Charles is driven to the church cemetery where he unearths a hidden book; once in his hands, he has an apocalyptic vision of the vampire future. | |||||
| 8 | "Hold the Night" | David Frazee | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | October 17, 2021 | |
|
Charles and his family defend Chapelwaite with the help of Constable Dennison and Minister Burroughs; the night tests each character to their emotional limit. | |||||
| 9 | "The Gathering Dark" | Michael Nankin | Scott Kosar | October 24, 2021 | |
|
Charles and company try to enlist men in town to fight in Jerusalem's Lot and retake the book. | |||||
| 10 | "The Keeper" | Michael Nankin | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | October 31, 2021 | |
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Jakub and his army come out of the dark and attack Charles and his fighters; Charles must make a decision to free his family of the ancient book's curse. | |||||
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In December 2019, it was reported that Epix had given a 10-episode straight-to-series order for an adaptation of "Jerusalem's Lot", with Jason Filardi and Peter Filardi set to write, and Donald De Line producing under De Line Productions.[4] In February 2022, Epix renewed the show for a second season.[5] In November 2023, it was announced that MGM+ had decided not to move forward with the second season.[6]
Casting
[edit]In December 2019, Adrien Brody was cast in the leading role of Captain Charles Boone.[4] In March 2020, Emily Hampshire joined the cast, set to play Rebecca Morgan.[7]
Filming
[edit]Chapelwaite was set to begin production in April 2020, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but it had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming began in Halifax on July 5, 2020.[7][8]
Release
[edit]Chapelwaite premiered August 22, 2021, on Epix in the United States and CTV Sci-Fi Channel in Canada.[9][10] In India, it is streaming on SonyLIV.[11] In the UK, it is available on Paramount+.[12]
Reception
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 60% of 20 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.20/10. The website's consensus reads, "Chapelwaite's drab proceedings are stretched a bit thin over ten episodes, but those looking for an atmospheric whodunit with a few genuine frights could do worse".[13]
Notes and references
[edit]- ^ "Breaking News – Emily Hampshire to Star in EPIX Drama "Chapelwaite" | TheFutonCritic.com". The Futon Critic. March 4, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ a b "Chapelwaite – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
- ^ "Chapelwaite". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (December 19, 2019). "Adrien Brody To Star In 'Jerusalem's Lot' Epix Series Based On Stephen King Short Story From Epix Prods". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 4, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
- ^ Hailu, Selome (February 3, 2022). "Epix Announces Billy the Kid Premiere Date, Releases Development Slate". Variety. Penske Media Corporation.
- ^ Navarro, Meagan (November 3, 2023). "Chapelwaite – Season 2 of Stephen King Horror Series Not Moving Forward Per Showrunner". Bloody Disgusting.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (March 3, 2020). "Emily Hampshire To Star In Epix Drama Based On Stephen King's 'Jerusalem's Lot'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
- ^ Dorsey, Kristina (November 22, 2020). "Mystic natives Peter and Jason Filardi are showrunners for a TV series based on Stephen King short story". The Day. Archived from the original on December 13, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
- ^ Squires, John (June 29, 2021). ""Chapelwaite": EPIX's Adaptation of Stephen King Story 'Jerusalem's Lot' Premiering in August". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
- ^ "The Wonder Years, The Big Leap, and The Cleaning Lady Lead New CTV Series for 2021/22 Season" (Press release). Toronto, Ontario: Bell Media. June 3, 2021. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
- ^ https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/chapelwaite-1700000780[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Paramount Plus - Stream Live TV, Movies, Originals, Sports, News, and more".
- ^ "Chapelwaite". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
External links
[edit]- Chapelwaite at IMDb
Chapelwaite
View on GrokipediaBackground
Literary origins
"Jerusalem's Lot" is a short story by Stephen King, first published in his 1978 collection Night Shift.[7] Written in an epistolary format consisting of letters, diary entries, and other documents, the narrative is presented as correspondence between the protagonist and a friend.[1] Set in 1850 in the town of Preacher's Corners, Maine, the story centers on Captain Charles Boone, who inherits the family's ancestral estate, Chapelwaite, from his late cousin Stephen Boone and relocates there with his manservant, Calvin McCann. There, Boone grapples with unsettling family secrets and a vampire curse originating from the nearby abandoned village of Jerusalem's Lot, involving ancient rituals and supernatural horrors that threaten his lineage.[8] The story serves as a prequel to King's 1975 novel 'Salem's Lot, establishing the origins of the vampire infestation in the titular town and connecting the Boone family's curse to later events in the larger narrative.[9] It incorporates prominent Lovecraftian elements, such as references to ancient cults, forbidden tomes like the Mysteries of the Worm, and cosmic horror stemming from otherworldly entities, blending traditional vampire lore with eldritch abomination themes inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. These influences underscore King's early experimentation with gothic and supernatural fiction, drawing on tainted ancestry and inexorable descent into madness to heighten the atmospheric dread.[10] Unlike the expansive multi-episode television adaptation Chapelwaite, which transforms the material into a serialized drama, the original story is a concise novella-length piece confined to its documentary-style structure, limiting the scope to Boone's personal discoveries and revelations without extended character arcs or subplots.[8] This epistolary approach emphasizes psychological tension through fragmented accounts, contrasting sharply with the visual and narrative expansion of the series format.[11]Premise
Chapelwaite is an American horror television series set in the 1850s in the small town of Preacher's Corners, Maine, where Captain Charles Boone inherits his family's ancestral estate, Chapelwaite, following the death of his wealthy cousin Stephen Boone.[1] After the tragic loss of his wife at sea, Boone relocates there with his three children—daughters Honor and Loa, and son Daniel—to start anew, only to encounter deep-seated prejudice and hostility from the local townsfolk due to his mixed-race family and the infamous Boone lineage.[12] As they settle into the decaying mansion, the family begins uncovering long-buried secrets tied to their heritage, including involvement in witchcraft, vampiric cults, and a curse plaguing the nearby abandoned village of Jerusalem's Lot.[13] The series introduces key themes of isolation, the inescapability of inherited evil, and supernatural horror within a historical context, as Boone grapples with protecting his children from these emerging threats while navigating the estate's ominous atmosphere and the town's simmering antagonism.[5] These elements build a narrative of family dynamics strained by grief and discovery, emphasizing Boone's determination to break free from his ancestors' dark legacy amid growing supernatural perils.[13] Adapting Stephen King's 1978 short story "Jerusalem's Lot" from the collection Night Shift, the series expands the original epistolary tale—told through letters from a solitary Boone—into a serialized format by incorporating his family unit and developing interpersonal relationships, mysteries, and escalating conflicts over multiple episodes to heighten the tension and emotional stakes.[13]Production
Development
Chapelwaite was created by writers and executive producers Peter Filardi and Jason Filardi, with Donald De Line serving as an additional executive producer. In December 2019, Epix announced a straight-to-series order for the 10-episode limited series, adapting Stephen King's 1978 short story "Jerusalem's Lot" into a gothic horror drama set in 1850s New England.[14] The project was initially announced as an adaptation titled after the short story, with the Filardi brothers tasked with expanding the epistolary narrative of the original story, which follows a man's discovery of supernatural horrors in his ancestral home.[15] The adaptation significantly expands the source material to fill 10 episodes, introducing deeper backstories for key characters like Captain Charles Boone and his family, while amplifying Lovecraftian influences such as ancient cults and eldritch entities to create a more intricate mythology connected to King's broader universe.[16] This approach allowed for a prestige television format emphasizing atmospheric horror, family drama, and supernatural intrigue, distinguishing it from the concise, letter-based structure of the short story. Academy Award winner Adrien Brody was attached early to star as Boone, a sea captain relocating his daughters to the foreboding Chapelwaite estate. Development progressed with scriptwriting in late 2019 and early 2020, culminating in a greenlight for full production, though the COVID-19 pandemic postponed filming from its initial April 2020 start. Epix positioned the series as a high-caliber horror entry, drawing on King's early Lovecraft-inspired work to appeal to fans of prestige supernatural television.[17]Casting
In December 2019, Oscar winner Adrien Brody was announced as the lead, portraying Captain Charles Boone, a widowed sea captain who relocates his family to his ancestral Maine estate amid supernatural threats.[15] The following March, Emily Hampshire, known for her role in Schitt's Creek, was cast opposite Brody as Rebecca Morgan, a local teacher and aspiring writer who becomes entangled in the Boone family's dark secrets.[18] Supporting roles filled out the ensemble, including Steven McCarthy as Stephen Boone, Charles' estranged brother whose posthumous letter draws the family to Chapelwaite; Christopher Heyerdahl as the enigmatic Jakub; and Eric Peterson as the prejudiced local Samuel Gallup, with additional actors like Jennifer Ens, Sirena Gulamgaus, and Ian Ho portraying Boone's three children.[19][20] To reflect the 1850s setting's social dynamics, the production incorporated diverse casting by depicting Boone's children as mixed-race, highlighting themes of prejudice and xenophobia in the isolated Maine community.[21]Filming
Principal photography for Chapelwaite commenced on July 5, 2020, in Nova Scotia, Canada, after an initial April 2020 start date was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and wrapped on December 18, 2020.[22][23] The production primarily utilized locations around Halifax and rural areas such as Avondale and Oakfield Provincial Park to depict the fictional 1850s Maine town of Preacher's Corners, with the Mounce Mansion serving as the primary stand-in for the titular estate.[22] Burr Steers directed the pilot episode, while subsequent installments were overseen by David Frazee, Jeff Renfroe, Michael Nankin, and Rachel Leiterman, each handling two episodes to maintain a consistent directorial vision across the season.[24] Under production designer Matt Likely, the team emphasized a gothic aesthetic through practical effects, including artificial fog machines for misty exteriors and custom-built sets for supernatural sequences within the decaying Chapelwaite manor, enhancing the horror elements without heavy reliance on digital enhancements.[25] Likely's approach drew from his prior work on atmospheric projects like The Lighthouse, incorporating weathered wood textures and dim interior lighting to evoke isolation and dread.[25] The shoot encountered logistical hurdles from stringent COVID-19 protocols, including daily testing, social distancing on set, and quarantine requirements for cast and crew, which fragmented the schedule and increased production costs.[26] Additional challenges involved sourcing and maintaining authentic 1850s period costumes amid supply chain disruptions, as well as contending with Nova Scotia's unpredictable autumn weather—frequent rain and cold fronts—that complicated outdoor scenes and required contingency planning for reshoots.[26] Cinematographers Miroslaw Baszak and David Greene crafted a visual style centered on dark, moody lighting schemes, using low-key illumination and high-contrast shadows to amplify the series' horror tone, particularly in night-time sequences involving vampiric threats and family secrets.[27] This approach, combined with wide-angle lenses for expansive estate shots, reinforced the oppressive, foreboding environment central to the narrative.[28]Cast and characters
Main cast
Adrien Brody stars as Captain Charles Boone, the protagonist and widowed sea captain who relocates his three children to the family's ancestral estate in Preacher's Corners, Maine, after his wife's death at sea. Haunted by grief and the isolation of his maritime life, Boone is a determined yet tormented figure who uncovers disturbing secrets about his lineage, including ties to an ancient family curse originating from the nearby abandoned settlement of Jerusalem's Lot. Throughout the season, his arc transitions from overwhelming sorrow and familial duty to resolute confrontation with malevolent forces threatening his loved ones, showcasing Brody's nuanced performance of vulnerability and resolve.[20][29] Emily Hampshire portrays Rebecca Morgan, a forward-thinking local schoolteacher and aspiring writer who serves as Boone's key ally. Educated at Mount Holyoke College and initially drawn back to her provincial hometown from Boston due to creative setbacks, Morgan is intelligent, independent, and empathetic, offering guidance to the Boone children while subtly revealing her awareness of Preacher's Corners' hidden lore. Her development involves forging a deepening bond with Boone, shifting from a professional role to a romantic interest and trusted partner in unraveling the town's occult undercurrents, emphasizing her strength and intellectual curiosity.[30][31] The Boone siblings provide emotional grounding and heighten the stakes of the family's ordeal. Jennifer Ens plays Honor Boone, Charles's eldest daughter, a mature and steadfast teenager who assumes a caretaker role for her siblings, fostering stability amid escalating supernatural perils and local hostility. Sirena Gulamgaus depicts Loa Boone, the middle child and daughter afflicted by a bone deformity that exposes her to prejudice, yet her resilience underscores themes of inner fortitude as she navigates identity and belonging. Ian Ho embodies Tane Boone, the youngest son, whose wide-eyed curiosity and vulnerability amplify the protective instincts of his father and sister, as the children collectively adapt to their foreboding new home while grappling with inherited shadows.[20][32]Recurring characters
Local opposition is embodied by Constable Dennison, enacted by Hugh Thompson, who acts as the enforcer of Preacher's Corners' prejudices against the Boone family. As a recurring authority figure, he investigates suspicious incidents and hinders Charles' efforts to integrate, underscoring themes of isolation and xenophobia in the narrative.[20] Minister Burroughs, portrayed by Gord Rand, functions as the town's religious leader and antagonist, promoting fear and superstition tied to the Boone lineage. His sermons and confrontations with the family amplify the communal resistance, reinforcing the story's exploration of faith versus the encroaching supernatural evil.[20] Ann Morgan, portrayed by Allegra Fulton, is Rebecca's widowed mother and an influential resident of Preacher's Corners who distrusts the Boone family due to their cursed lineage, embodying the town's bigotry and social tensions.[20] Supernatural entities, such as the reanimated vampire ancestors Stephen Boone (Steven McCarthy) and Phillip Boone (Julian Richings), recur as spectral harbingers of the curse. These figures drive the horror forward by manifesting the family's tainted bloodline, compelling Charles to confront inherited damnation and blending vampiric lore with cosmic dread.[33]Episodes
Season 1 overview
The first and only season of Chapelwaite consists of 10 episodes that aired weekly on Sundays from August 22 to October 31, 2021, on Epix (later rebranded as MGM+), with breaks after episode 4 and episode 8.[34] The season's total runtime is approximately 516 minutes, or about 8 hours and 36 minutes.[35] Each episode runs between 46 and 60 minutes, delivering hour-long installments that blend elements of mystery, horror, and drama in a period setting inspired by Stephen King's short story "Jerusalem's Lot."[2] The season was directed by a team of filmmakers, including Burr Steers, Jeff Renfroe, David Frazee, and Michael Nankin, each handling multiple episodes to maintain a consistent atmospheric tone.[19] Viewership data for the premiere episode was not publicly detailed by Nielsen, but audience demand for the series was reported as 2.8 times that of the average TV show in the United States during its airing period, indicating solid niche engagement for a premium cable horror series.[36] In February 2022, Epix announced plans to renew Chapelwaite for a second season, but by November 2023, MGM+ decided not to proceed with production, effectively canceling the series after one season.[4]Episode list
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blood Calls Blood | Burr Steers | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | August 22, 2021 | N/A |
| 2 | Memento Mori | Burr Steers | Jason Filardi | August 22, 2021 | N/A |
| 3 | Legacy of Madness | Jeff Renfroe | Peter Filardi | August 22, 2021 | N/A |
| 4 | The Promised | Jeff Renfroe | Declan De Barra | August 29, 2021 | N/A |
| 5 | The Prophet | David Frazee | Jason Filardi | September 12, 2021 | N/A |
| 6 | The Offer | David Frazee | Peter Filardi | September 19, 2021 | N/A |
| 7 | De Vermis Mysteriis | Michael Nankin | Jason Filardi | September 26, 2021 | N/A |
| 8 | Hold the Night | Michael Nankin | Peter Filardi | October 3, 2021 | N/A |
| 9 | The Gathering Dark | Michael Nankin | Jason Filardi | October 24, 2021 | N/A |
| 10 | The Keeper | Michael Nankin | Jason Filardi & Peter Filardi | October 31, 2021 | N/A |
Episode Synopses
1. "Blood Calls Blood"In 1850, Captain Charles Boone relocates his three children to the foreboding Chapelwaite estate in Preacher's Corners, Maine, following the death of his cousin Stephen. The family immediately encounters distrust and whispers from the pious townsfolk.[37] 2. "Memento Mori"
Charles grapples with unsettling dreams and begins investigating his family's connection to the town, while his children adjust to their new, eerie surroundings at the decaying mansion. A child dies of a mystery illness blamed on the Boones.[38] 3. "Legacy of Madness"
As tensions with the locals escalate, Charles uncovers disturbing letters from his ancestor, revealing a legacy of isolation and rumored curses tied to Chapelwaite. He visits an insane asylum.[39] 4. "The Promised"
Charles seeks help from the local pastor amid growing suspicions, while a mysterious figure from the town's past emerges, hinting at deeper secrets. Tane discovers evidence in the barn.[40] 5. "The Prophet"
Jakub lures Charles to Jerusalem's Lot, where madness is linked to an ancient book; the children find Rebecca's writings revealing secrets.[41] 6. "The Offer"
Charles grieves a family loss; visions of Stephen and Uncle Phillip offer a proposition to confront the evil. Strange occurrences intensify.[42] 7. "De Vermis Mysteriis"
Overwhelmed by madness, Charles finds a hidden book in the cemetery, glimpsing a vampire future and allying with a town resident.[43] 8. "Hold the Night"
Charles and the family defend Chapelwaite against threats with help from locals, facing emotional tests in the night.[44] 9. "The Gathering Dark"
Charles tries to enlist townsfolk to fight in Jerusalem's Lot and retake the book amid rising peril and revelations.[45] 10. "The Keeper"
In the season finale, the Boones confront the full implications of their heritage, leading to a climactic stand against the shadows haunting Chapelwaite, as Jakub attacks with his army.[46]
