Tales from the Darkside: “Inside the Closet” (S1E07)
Inside the Closet is one of the most iconic early episodes of Tales from the Darkside, and for good reason. With its classic haunted house vibe, claustrophobic atmosphere, and one of the series’ most effective creature reveals, this entry leans heavily into traditional horror territory and absolutely delivers. It might be short and simple, but its tight pacing and creepy payoff make it a standout for fans of monster-of-the-week storytelling.
Plot Summary
The episode follows Gail Aynsley, a college student who rents a room in the gothic, creaky home of Dr. Fenner, a strange and vaguely hostile anatomy professor. The room is tucked away in the attic, and while it seems spacious enough, there’s something off about it, particularly the tiny locked door embedded in the wall.
Dr. Fenner insists that the door is merely a leftover piece of the house’s quirky architecture. But almost immediately, Gail begins experiencing strange occurrences: noises in the night, personal belongings being moved or tampered with, and an increasing sense of being watched.
Gail grows more paranoid and agitated, and Dr. Fenner remains dismissive, bordering on condescending. The tension builds until the final sequence, where the door creaks open to reveal a grotesque little creature—a malformed humanoid thing that attacks Gail. The story ends on a grim note as the creature claims its next victim, with Dr. Fenner seeming oddly unfazed, suggesting he may know more than he lets on.
What Works
Atmosphere and Setting
Director Tom Savini (yes, that Tom Savini) crafts a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere using practical lighting, sound design, and effective set decoration. The attic room feels increasingly unsafe as the episode progresses, and the tight framing keeps the viewer feeling boxed in, much like Gail herself.
Creepy, Practical Creature Design
The reveal of the creature is one of the most memorable in the series. The puppet or suit might be low-budget by today’s standards, but it’s wonderfully effective in its brief, jarring appearance. It’s not overexposed, which helps maintain its scariness.
Tension and Pacing
At just over 20 minutes, the episode doesn’t waste time. Every scene builds toward the inevitable confrontation, with red herrings, unnerving noises, and just enough doubt to keep the viewer guessing. Is Gail imagining it? Is Dr. Fenner gaslighting her? Or is something truly in the closet?
Performance by Roberta Weiss
Roberta Weiss gives a solid performance as Gail, especially considering how much of the episode rests on her shoulders. She sells the slow unravelling of fear and frustration convincingly, and her reactions feel genuine throughout.
What Doesn’t Work
Thin Characterisation
Dr. Fenner is a classic archetype: the grumpy, know-it-all landlord who clearly has something to hide. He doesn’t get much depth beyond that. A little more ambiguity or moral complexity could have made the ending hit harder.
Unanswered Questions
Who or what is the creature? Where did it come from? Why is it living in the closet? The episode leaves these questions wide open. While ambiguity can enhance horror, the lack of any lore or hint of motivation makes the final reveal feel slightly abrupt, as if the episode is more concerned with the scare than the story.
Dated Aesthetic
For modern audiences, some of the effects and dialogue might feel a bit corny. The synth-heavy score and early ’80s styling are very of their time. That said, these elements may also add to the charm for viewers who love retro horror.
Themes: Isolation, Paranoia, and Secrets
At its core, “Inside the Closet” explores the fear of being disbelieved. Gail is isolated, both physically (in the attic) and emotionally (no one believes her). That classic horror trope of the ignored victim works well here, especially in the context of a young woman dismissed by an older authority figure.
There’s also a deeper suggestion about domestic horror—the idea that behind the walls of an ordinary home (or in this case, inside the closet), something monstrous could be lurking, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
And let’s not overlook the possibility that Dr. Fenner might be feeding people to the creature. The subtle suggestion that he’s complicit adds a deliciously dark edge to the final scene.
Final Thoughts: A Creepy Classic Done Right
Inside the Closet is simple but incredibly effective. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just tells a tight, creepy story with a solid buildup and a satisfying scare. It’s exactly the kind of tale that makes Tales from the Darkside so enjoyable: a small, self-contained nightmare that leaves you checking your closet before bed.
It may not have the emotional depth of episodes like “Mookie and Pookie” or the philosophical bent of “Slippage,” but for pure monster-movie thrills, it’s hard to beat.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of classic creature features
- Viewers who love haunted house/locked door mysteries
- Anyone who appreciates 1980s practical effects and horror pacing
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Viewers looking for detailed mythology or lore
- Fans of more psychological or emotionally complex horror
- Anyone who prefers subtle horror over jump scares and monsters
Final Verdict: Keep That Door Locked
With a great buildup and a solid creature reveal, “Inside the Closet” is one of the more memorable and frightening entries in Tales from the Darkside. It proves you don’t need elaborate effects or a big cast to deliver a spine-tingling story—just a creepy little door and the right kind of darkness.
