The Shivering Truth uses stop motion to turn unconscious nightmares into surreal television parables
In short: Created by Vernon Chatman, this stop motion anthology series blends dark comedy with horror. Using 10-inch puppets, the show explores surreal, loosely connected stories that feel like dream logic. Critics have called it nightmare fuel, noting its unique ability to make viewers laugh and wince at the same time.
The Shivering Truth is an American adult animated series that premiered on Adult Swim in 2018. Developed by Vernon Chatman and directed alongside Cat Solen, the show functions as an anthology of surreal, warped parables. Each episode features multiple stories that are only loosely connected, designed to evoke the feeling of emerging from the deepest parts of the unconscious mind. The production relies on intricate stop motion animation, utilizing puppets crafted from materials like silicone, wool, polystyrene, and resin.
The physical creation of the show is a labor-intensive process. Producing six episodes requires approximately six months of physical production, one month of recording, and two and a half months of post-production. The puppets themselves stand 10 inches tall and rely on wire-based armatures to achieve their movements. The show's aesthetic and tone draw from diverse influences, including the work of Terry Gilliam, the film adaptation of The Witches, and the neuroscience-based writings of David Eagleman, which explore conflicting versions of the afterlife.
The series has faced scrutiny regarding its content. In June 2020, when the show moved to HBO Max, the episode Ogled Inklings was excluded. This decision was made in response to the social climate surrounding the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, specifically due to a scene involving a child character wearing a policeman's cap being referred to as a dirty pig. Despite such controversies, the show has received critical acclaim for its artistry and absurdist humor, with some reviewers describing it as a masterpiece of nightmare-inducing television.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Shivering Truth
- Also: Wikidata — The Shivering Truth · CC0
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