Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a show about the strange things we hold onto. It is a documentary series that asks viewers to look closely at objects, artifacts, and oddities, and then to think about why those objects matter. The series is built around the idea that every object carries a story, and that story is often stranger than the object itself.
The show premiered in 2022 and ran for three seasons. Each episode focuses on a different collection, ranging from the natural world to the supernatural, and each collection is curated by a guest host who knows the material intimately. The series is hosted by Guillermo del Toro himself, who introduces the episodes and guides the conversation.
Trailer, via Netflix.
The Host and His Guests
Del Toro is the perfect host for this kind of show. He has spent decades making films that are full of strange creatures and haunted spaces, and he brings that sensibility to the screen. He is curious, warm, and genuinely interested in the stories around him.
Each episode features a guest host, and the guests range from experts in horror to collectors of rare items. The guest hosts include:
- A horror novelist who writes about monsters
- A collector of Victorian medical instruments
- A historian of the occult
- A curator of a museum of natural history
These guests bring their own passion to the material, and their enthusiasm is contagious. They are clearly excited to share what they know, and that excitement carries over to the viewer.
How the Episodes Are Structured
The format is simple and effective. Del Toro introduces the episode, explains the collection, and then hands over to the guest host. The guest host walks through the collection, tells the story behind each item, and connects the object to a larger cultural or historical context.
The pacing is slow and deliberate, which works in the show’s favor. There is no need to rush. Each object deserves its moment, and the show respects that.
The Objects Themselves
The objects on display are the real stars of the show. Some are beautiful, some are grotesque, and some are simply odd. Here is a selection of the items that stood out across the three seasons:
- A Victorian-era prosthetic hand made of metal and leather
- A preserved specimen of a giant squid
- A collection of antique wax figures used in medical training
- A cabinet filled with taxidermied animals arranged in unnatural poses
Each of these objects is presented with care. The camera lingers on them, and the lighting is moody and atmospheric. The show does not try to explain everything. It lets the objects speak for themselves.
The Writing and Direction
The show is directed by del Toro, and it shows. The direction is confident and stylish, with a visual language that feels distinctly his. The cinematography is excellent, and the editing is tight.
The writing is also strong. The show is scripted, but it feels conversational. The dialogue is natural, and the questions are thoughtful. The show does not talk down to the audience. It assumes that the viewer is intelligent and curious.
“We are surrounded by things that remind us of our past, our fears, and our hopes.”
That line captures the spirit of the entire series. The objects are not just curiosities. They are reminders.
What the Show Adds to the Genre
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is part of a wave of recent documentaries that explore collections. These shows are popular because they offer a window into worlds that most people will never see. They are also deeply personal. Each collection is a reflection of the person who put it together.
What sets this show apart is del Toro’s perspective. He is not just a collector. He is a filmmaker who has spent his career creating strange and beautiful worlds. That background informs every episode.
The show also benefits from the guest hosts. Their expertise is genuine, and they bring a depth of knowledge that a generalist host could not. The combination of del Toro’s charisma and the guests’ expertise creates a dynamic that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Three Seasons
The three seasons cover a wide range of topics. Season one focused on natural history, with episodes about paleontology, taxidermy, and entomology. Season two moved into the supernatural, with episodes about ghosts, curses, and haunted objects. Season three turned to human-made objects, with episodes about prosthetics, automata, and collectibles.
Here is a rough breakdown of the seasons:
| Season | Focus |
|---|---|
| One | Natural history |
| Two | The supernatural |
| Three | Human-made objects |
Each season has its own identity, but the show remains consistent throughout. The tone is always respectful, and the approach is always patient.
The Critical Reception
The show received a critical score of 7.2 out of 10. That score reflects the general consensus. The show is well-made, engaging, and visually striking. It is not perfect, but it is consistently good.
Some critics praised the show for its accessibility. The show explains complex subjects in a way that anyone can understand. Other critics noted the show’s ability to make mundane objects fascinating.
The show has also been compared to other documentary series in the genre. Those comparisons are fair, but the show stands on its own.
Where the Show Falls Short
No show is perfect, and Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities has its flaws. The pacing can sometimes feel slow, even for a show that is designed to move slowly. Some episodes drag in the middle, particularly in the later seasons where the material becomes more abstract.
There is also a risk that the show becomes too niche. While the objects are interesting, some viewers may find the subject matter inaccessible. The show relies heavily on the guest hosts to make the material relatable, and not every episode succeeds at that.
Finally, the show is not for everyone. It is not a show that will appeal to mainstream audiences. It is a show for people who enjoy looking at strange objects and thinking about what they mean.
The Final Word
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a thoughtful, visually stunning show. It is a pleasure to watch, and it rewards attention. The show is at its best when it lets the objects speak for themselves, and it does that beautifully.
The show is a reminder that there is magic in the mundane. The objects we collect are not just things. They are memories, fears, and hopes. They are the physical manifestation of our curiosity.
The show is not essential viewing, but it is highly recommended. It is a show that rewards patience and curiosity. If you have ever stopped to look at an object and wondered where it came from, then this show is for you.
The show is available to stream now, and it is worth your time. It is a quiet, thoughtful show in a world of loud ones, and that quiet is its strength.
Score: 7.2 of 10.
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