Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Curious Camera” (S3E09)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Curious Camera” (S3E09)
Plot Summary
This episode brings a chilling twist to the idea that curiosity can be deadly. The story follows Matt, an awkward teenager who feels invisible to everyone around him. His luck seems to change when he discovers an old camera at a local shop run by a mysterious proprietor. The shopkeeper warns him that the camera is not for sale, but Matt insists and takes it anyway.
At first, the camera seems harmless, even fun. But soon, every picture Matt takes predicts disaster: a friend’s injury, a smashed mirror, a toppled statue. Worse still, the victims’ fates match the photos exactly. When Matt tries to destroy the camera, he discovers that it has a mind of its own, and it’s turning its deadly lens on him next. To stop the curse, he must confront the camera’s supernatural power before it captures his own demise.
Highlights:
- A clever homage to classic cursed-object horror like The Twilight Zone.
- The concept of the camera predicting doom is executed with real tension.
- Strong moral theme about vanity and obsession with control.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Some of the acting feels over-the-top during the panic scenes.
- The camera’s origin is never explained, leaving loose ends.
- The ending, while creepy, arrives abruptly.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Curious Camera” is one of the most memorable episodes of the series, blending supernatural horror with a moral warning about fate and hubris. Its mix of mystery and irony makes it stand out, offering a story that’s both eerie and thought-provoking—a perfect reminder that some things are better left unseen.
