About Lovecraft Country

"Lovecraft Country" is a 2020 American drama horror television series developed by Misha Green, based on and serving as a continuation of the 2016 novel of the same name by Matt Ruff. Starring Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, and Michael Kenneth Williams, the series explores the conjunction between the horror fiction of H.P. Lovecraft and Racism in the United States during the era of Jim Crow laws, focusing on the experiences of black people who are subjected to the existing cruelty of white supremacy.

Making / Production

The TV Series was produced by Monkeypaw Productions, Bad Robot Productions, and Warner Bros. Television Studios. Much of the show's filming took place in Georgia and Chicago, with the series creators going to great lengths to authentically capture the landmarks, culture, and overall atmosphere of 1950s America.

Actors

• Jonathan Majors: Played the role of Atticus Freeman, a young military veteran who finds himself battling both literal and metaphoric monsters. Majors brought a distinct sense of determination and bravery to the role.
• Jurnee Smollett: Portrayed Letitia Lewis, an aspiring photographer who battles racism while uncovering dark secrets. Smollett's performance was notable for her blend of toughness and vulnerability.
• Michael Kenneth Williams: As Montrose Freeman, a hard-drinking and secretive man, Williams created a character wrestling with his past and his identity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite being set in Lovecraft's hometown of Arkham, Massachusetts, most of the series was actually filmed in Georgia.
• Producer and writer Misha Green had previously worked on another period drama, "Underground," which also starred Jurnee Smollett.
• The series explicitly tackles the racism of Lovecraft's works, which were a source of controversy during his lifetime and continue to be so.

Awards

"Lovecraft Country" has been nominated for various awards, including a Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Genre, and nominations for its cast at the Critics' Choice Television Awards. Jurnee Smollett also received a nomination for the NAACP Image Awards for her performance.

Quotes

• "Stories are like people. Loving them doesn't make them perfect. You just try and cherish 'em, overlook their flaws." - George Freeman
• "I'm doing this to protect us, our family. It's my job as your father." - Montrose Freeman
• "I'm smarter than they are. They just don't know it." - Letitia Lewis

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by Laura Karpman and Raphael Saadiq.
• The soundtrack includes performances from contemporary artists like Tierra Whack, Courtney Harrell, and Janai Brugger, offering a modern contrast to the show’s period setting.
• Also featured are classic tracks that reflect the 1950s setting, including songs by Etta James and Nina Simone.