Who Are the Directors of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities?

This October, there are more than enough new movies and shows to get you into the Halloween spirit. Of course, if there’s enough room in the proverbial stomach for more spooky treats, this Netflix anthology could be the one to satisfy. The title is decadent in of itself: Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Releasing two episodes a day, it works as a countdown to Halloween. Director Guillermo del Toro takes on the duty as the anthology’s host. He will welcome audiences into original stories and adapted tales. And with it being del Toro, audiences are in good hands. From Cronos (1993) to Nightmare Alley (2021), he finds the beauty to monstrosity.

Thanks to the director’s touch, ghosts, amphibian men, and other creatures are breathtaking in design and movement. The human characters are often the ones to watch out for. What’s more exciting is the other talent involved. There is a first time director with Guillermo Navarro, who’s done notable film work as del Toro’s cinematographer. There are directors who have done the unusual, like Panos Cosmatos and Vincenzo Natali. Catherine Hardwicke did an adaptation of “Little Red Riding Hood” and will adapt a H. P. Lovecraft short story. On this list, are the movies to watch from each director and the episodes they will give their personal touch on Cabinet of Curiosities.

Guillermo Navarro — Episode 1: “Lot 36” (October 25)

As del Toro’s cinematographer, Navarro has captured many beautiful and horrific images. From their collaborations, The Devil’s Backbone (2001) is a perfect choice to watch. In 1939 Spain, Carlos (Fernando Tielve) moves into a secluded orphanage as the Spanish Civil War begins to culminate. Once there, Carlos is met with many dangers. A giant bomb is within the courtyard, protruding out of the ground. It failed to detonate, a leftover reminder to the active war. Inside the orphanage, Carlos has to deal with a human monster and a lingering supernatural presence, a ghost with a disturbing look. To capture the gothic horror mood, foggy castles are replaced with blue-lit nights, rainstorms, and ominous shadows. For Curiosities, Navarro directs the second of two original works by del Toro, furthering their collaborations.

Vincenzo Natali — Episode 2: “Graveyard Rats” (October 25)

A common trait among these entries is the creativity used. It can be through style, music choices. Or, like in Natali’s film debut Cube (1997), by using a single setting to great, unsettling effect. It’s intricate and minimalist. A group of strangers finds themselves in a cube room. If they can figure it out, they can leave. By moving into other rooms, freedom isn’t guaranteed, encountering lethal traps is more likely. While the rooms and the setup is hellish, the strangers are flawed. Descending into violence is a real possibility. Jumping right into the story, the movie doesn’t waste time on a build up. It starts up, not letting go of the tension until the credits. Let’s see what Natali brings to “The Graveyard Rats.” Actor David Hewlett will…