From Is a Horror Series That’s Actually About Purgatory

From Is a Horror Series That's Actually About Purgatory

As a devoted fan of horror series who has been following From since its debut, I must say that the latest season 3 premiere on MGM+ has truly taken my fascination to new heights. The shift from the American Township to Camden, Maine and the exploration of the town as a purgatorial allegory for lost souls is both intriguing and chilling.


In simple terms, the third season of the engrossing sci-fi horror TV series “From” started airing on MGM+ on September 22, 2024. Instead of the action taking place in the enigmatic heart of American Township, it shifted to a hospital in Camden, Maine. As Tabitha Matthews (played by Catalina Sandino Moreno) realizes how far she’s moved from her familiar surroundings, there’s a growing sense of mystery surrounding the eerie, hellish environment the characters find themselves stuck in.

From my perspective as a passionate movie enthusiast, I, alongside Tabitha’s husband Jim (Eion Bailey), venture beyond the boundaries of Township in pursuit of her whereabouts, accompanied by Mayor Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau). As we delve deeper, it seems this peculiar town functions like a purgatorial realm, trapping lost souls between heaven and hell. Their spirits are seemingly caught in a gruesome limbo teeming with grotesque monsters and terrifying creatures of uncertain origin. The intriguing query arises: Did the masterminds behind this series deliberately craft Township as a symbolic representation of the afterlife?

What Is From About?

From Is a Horror Series That's Actually About Purgatory

The TV series “From” is an American production that blends science fiction and horror, produced by John Griffin for the Epix network. Originally aired on MGM+’s revamped streaming service during Season 2, the show revolves around the Matthews family: Jim, Tabitha, Ethan (Simon Webster), and Julie (Hannah Cheramy). Upon their arrival in Township, they discover that this enigmatic town in the heart of America has a peculiar ability to imprison those who step foot within its boundaries. Trapped and struggling for survival, Jim and Tabitha seek help from Boyd Stevens, the mayor and chief law enforcement officer of Township, who mourns the loss of his wife Abby (Lisa Ryder).

In my experience as a resident of the Township on that chilling TV horror series, my life took a sinister turn when I found myself under attack by mysterious, lethal creatures that roamed during the night. On the other hand, there existed a separate community residing in Colony House, governed by Donna (Elizabeth Saunders), creating a clear divide between those caught in this horrific setting. Much like Boyd, I too am grappling with the loss of my beloved youngest son, Thomas, just as Jim and Tabitha are dealing with their grief.

In the Township, where death seems omnipresent, we encounter various characters such as Boyd’s son Ellis (Corteon Moore), the haughty and wealthy Jade Herrera (David Alpay), local priest Father Khatri (Shaun Majumdar), Boyd’s dependable deputy Kenny Liu (Ricky He), the Township doctor and EMT Kristi, and numerous others. A cryptic figure in white (Vox Smith) is seen by a select group, hinting at the Township as a transitional realm akin to purgatory.

A Closer Look at The Township

From Is a Horror Series That's Actually About Purgatory

One striking feature of The Township is its timeless quality, appearing as if it’s perpetually frozen in the 1950s. While its images reflect the idyllic values of mid-century Americana, a period characterized by conformity and surface happiness, ominous and threatening undercurrents beneath this sunny exterior create an unsettling contrast.

In this scenario, it isn’t just Boyd, Jim, Tabitha, and others who are stuck, but rather the entire Township seems to be immobilized in a state where neither time progresses nor regresses. Essentially, it resembles a kind of limbo or purgatory, where the deceased and their living relatives can strive for salvation at best, or bid farewell at worst. The terrifying creatures that appear embody their deepest fears and nightmares.

As the seasons unfold, the series playfully teases viewers with veiled suggestions and mysterious puzzles regarding the main setting, implying that the characters are deceased, yet unaware of it. However, regardless of the fate of The Township’s inhabitants, they neither find themselves in heaven nor hell. Instead, they are perpetually confined within the lethal boundaries of the chilling landscape, even after death. When creatures assault, they do not consume their victims but rather torment them to death, further highlighting the brutal, merciless nature of this terrifying realm.

How The Township Functions as a Hellish Purgatory

From Is a Horror Series That's Actually About Purgatory

In simpler terms, we can say that “Additional hints suggest The Township symbolizes a purgatorial realm.” In episode 4 of season 1, titled “A Rock and a Farway,” Kenny tells Jade that The Township doesn’t adhere to a specific geographical position but shifts places. Since it is not bound by earthly constraints like gravity, The Township transforms into an adaptable setting where malevolent creatures can reign unchecked.

In this township, the longest living resident goes by the name Victor (Scott McCord), who gradually unveils hints about the peculiar, liminal environment we find ourselves in. It appears that he might have a connection with the ghostly boy in white who haunts Ethan, hinting at a possible role in his younger brother’s demise and a past sin that may need resolution for him to move on.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, let me share my perspective on the gripping opening episode of Season 2, titled “Strangers in a Strange Land.” The chilling atmosphere swiftly shifts from the familiar to the foreboding as Victor and Tabitha stumble upon an enigmatic tunnel leading to The Township. This forest, teeming with nightmarish creatures, becomes a refuge for a tormented man who warns Boyd that these monsters are merely the ‘point of a spear.’

From is available to stream on Fubo & MGM+.

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2024-09-27 02:31