The Terror: Devil in Silver review – this psychiatric hospital horror is scary on so many levels

The acclaimed supernatural anthology series, *The Terror*, has made its return with "Devil in Silver," the latest installment that plunges viewers into the deeply unsettling atmosphere of the New Hyde psychiatric hospital. This new volume arrives after a hiatus, following the series' 2018 debut which offered a chilling, supernaturally charged tale of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated polar expedition, and its subsequent second season set during World War II, which explored shapeshifters from Japanese folklore terrorizing a Japanese-American community in Southern California. "Devil in Silver" now shifts its focus to a malevolent spirit that moves in and out of the bodies of patients within the confines of New Hyde, while simultaneously exposing the more tangible, yet equally frightening, diabolism inherent in the US mental healthcare system.

At the heart of this narrative is Pepper, portrayed by Dan Stevens, an actor widely recognized for his role in *Downton Abbey* but who has since cultivated a diverse career. Pepper finds himself admitted to New Hyde not through conventional means, but because the three arresting police officers, upon catching him in a physical altercation with his girlfriend's controlling ex-partner, opted to commit him to the institution rather than complete the necessary paperwork at the station. This detail immediately underscores the series' critique of systemic failures. Within New Hyde, Pepper encounters a cast of "lost and suffering souls" who have ended up in what is effectively a holding pen, a consequence of chronic underfunding and understaffing that renders it a far cry from a rehabilitative or care facility.

Among these residents is Dorry, played by Judith Light, who is the longest-serving patient. Institutionalized decades prior by her husband due to her persistent "crying fits," her later memories hint at a deeper, more sinister history. Kofi, referred to as "Coffee" by his peers until it is tragically too late, is brought to life by Chinaza Uche. A former structural engineer from Ghana, Kofi now depends on medication to maintain his stability. The narrative also introduces Loochie, portrayed by the non-binary actor b, whose presence within the system is a result of a violent incident involving a sibling. The New Hyde psychiatric hospital itself becomes a character, its dilapidated state and neglect amplifying the horror, serving as a stark commentary on the failings of mental healthcare infrastructure. "Devil in Silver" promises a return to the series' roots, delivering both gory set pieces and effective jump scares, leveraging the inherently frightening setting of a decaying psychiatric ward to explore themes of possession and systemic neglect.