Goosebumps: The Vanishing | The ULTIMATE Series Review | Hulu & Hotstar

Do you remember the spine-tingling excitement of flipping through a Goosebumps book as a kid? For me, that thrill began in my school library, where I eagerly borrowed every Goosebumps book I could find. At one point, I’d devoured the entire R.L. Stine collection, and my love for the series only grew stronger with the original TV adaptation.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about the new Goosebumps show! Watching it felt like stepping back in time, reliving those childhood memories. While I did miss the eerie charm of the original theme, the new adaptation was brilliantly executed and brought a fresh take on the classic series.

 

About Goosebumps: The Vanishing Series:-

When twins Devin and Cece are sent to spend a summer in Gravesend, Brooklyn with their divorced dad, scientist Anthony brewer, they must band together with new friends to save the neighborhood from a long-dormant threat. 

Goosebumps: The Vanishing Plot

Devin and Cece, twin siblings, arrive in Gravesend, Brooklyn, to spend the summer with their father, Anthony Brewer, a botanist. While Devin is indifferent, Cece is less than thrilled—she’d much rather be focusing on her role as a star member of her school’s debate team and excelling in her studies. Unlike Cece, who is the more scholarly and driven twin, Devin has always felt like the less accomplished sibling, which adds to the tension between them. As they adjust to life in Gravesend, they reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and find themselves swept up in typical teenage antics. But their carefree summer takes a dark and unexpected turn when their curiosity leads them into the eerie tunnels of Fort Jerome, uncovering secrets that could change everything.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing - Main Characters:

Devin Brewer (played by Sam MaCarthy)

Devin is one-half of the twin duo and the more easygoing sibling. He’s not exactly a scholar like his sister, Cece, but he has a knack for adventure and a good heart. Devin often feels like he’s living in Cece’s shadow, but his curiosity and determination play a big role in uncovering the secrets of Fort Jerome.

Cece Brewer (played by Jayden Bartels)

Cece is Devin’s twin sister and the brains of the operation. She’s a member of her school’s debate team and excels in academics, making her the more serious and focused sibling. Cece initially isn’t excited about spending her summer in Gravesend, but her quick thinking and leadership prove invaluable when things take a dark turn.

Anthony Brewer (played by David Schwimmer)

Anthony is Devin and Cece’s father, a botanist who has dedicated his life to his research. He’s a bit of a workaholic, and his relationship with his kids is strained after his divorce. However, as the story unfolds, Anthony becomes more involved in helping his children deal with the mysterious events in Gravesend.

Connection with books:

Goosebumps: The Vanishing is drawing inspiration from several iconic R.L. Stine stories, including Don’t Go in the Basement, The Haunted Car, The Girl Who Cried Monster, The Ghost Next Door, Monster Blood, and Welcome to Camp Nightmare.

For fans of the beloved Goosebumps series, the show is packed with clever references to these classics, making it a delightful trip down memory lane filled with nostalgic surprises.

Performance and Direction:

The Vanishing is presented in such a cinematic and captivating way that it grabs the audience’s attention right from the very first frame. The story is expertly written and directed, with a perfect balance of suspense, emotion, and intrigue that keeps viewers hooked throughout.

The cast delivers exceptional performances, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and depth. Personally, I was particularly impressed by Sam McCarthy, who portrayed his role with incredible conviction and nuance, making his character feel truly believable

FINAL VERDICT:

In conclusion, The Vanishing is a masterfully crafted series that combines stellar storytelling, engaging performances, and a nostalgic nod to R.L. Stine’s classic tales. Its cinematic style and well-paced narrative make it a thrilling watch from start to finish. Whether you're a longtime Goosebumps fan or new to the series, this show is sure to entertain and leave you wanting more. It’s definitely worth adding to your watchlist!