Philip Gelatt’s ‘FIRST WORD ON HORROR’ (2025) – Review

Being a short horror story author, I was eager to screen First Word on Horror. I had certain expectations going in, but I can say I was taken on a ride I wasn’t prepared for. There is nothing that makes First Word on Horror stop. Like a freight train, it runs right over your expectations. Though most would find documentaries about authors dull, I can promise you that you will walk away from First Word on Horror fulfilled in life.

Let’s dive in!

Synopsis

First Word on Horror features 15 episodes, each spotlighting one of five authors in the horror genre. The film takes a fresh look at storytelling, involving the authors reading one of their short stories. Each author has three parts in their episode, explaining their inspirations and back stories. The film is an intimate look at what it takes to create fiction mixed with reality.

The Rundown

My best takeaway was how intimate and vulnerable the author became. You saw a struggling face that has faced defining moments in their lives, sometimes tragically. The series features work from Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez, who are all New York Times best sellers and have won various awards. These are people that I look up to, the people that really make that story creep into your brain. I draw a lot of inspiration from short story authors. This documentary inspired me to get out of the writer’s block I suffered from.

First Word on Horror pulled me right in, they were speaking my language. Each episode is set just far enough to keep your attention, almost as if they are playing Russian roulette. From a different point of view, you may find their stories interesting, however, I jumped right into them. These people were an inspiration to me from a young age. I was learning about moments in their lives that moved them or influenced them.

The series is full of great conversation while each author tells one of their short stories. It’s like a two-for-one deal just by watching. For me, I knew most of the names. I always imagined them being eclectic, and I was not proved wrong. However, they are the good kind of eclectic, not the ones sitting in their one-bedroom apartment trying to lure in chicks by being “profound.” These people are real, with real stories that encourage people to pick up a pen and let their nightmares loose.

In The End

First Word on Horror is a documentary series for any writer, whether it be a profession or a hobby. If you are struggling, hearing their stories might make you feel comfortable; they may inspire you to keep working. That’s what happened to me. Since watching, I have so much more clarity after struggling for a few months. Let the series inspire you to the very core. Even if you are not a horror writer, these are real stories to work with. Creativity is a lost art because we let it be. Be yourself; don’t let them force a mold on you. Let all that frustration out like a giant monster who goes after pirate ships.

First Word on Horror is currently on Substack.