In the first of del Toro’s portmanteau series, right-wing war veteran, Nick, buys the contents of an abandoned storage unit, and gets more than he bargained for.

From The Twilight Zone to Tales of the Unexpected to Black Mirror I’m a sucker for a well curated portmanteau series. The structural discipline demanded by the short single drama, makes a welcome break from over-extended series narratives. On the basis of the first of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, I’m going to enjoy tucking into these one-off horror treats.

To be absolutely honest, there’s nothing particularly surprising in Lot 36. Based on a short story by del Toro himself, it’s not hard to guess the demonic nature of the contents of Nick’s newly acquired storage unit, nor how and why he is likely to meet his end, but it’s a pleasurable ride nonetheless. Tim Blake Nelson is on top form as embittered vet, Nick, countered with some diabolical camp from his opposite numbers. Directed by Guillermo Navarro, the production values are flawless. You can feel the grease on your fingers in the seedy, labyrinthine storage facility, and there is a brilliantly rhythmical use of lighting in the build to the denouement.

Verdict: If, like me, you haven’t got round to the Cabinet of Curiosities yet, then I have a feeling that this will make for a satisfyingly spooky advent calendar for your Christmas viewing. 7/10

Martin Jameson

www.ninjamarmoset.com