It wouldn’t be a new year if it didn’t start off with horror films and movies. Luckily, that’s where Goosebumps: The Vanishing comes in as it revitalizes the Goosebumps reboot that began in 2023. While some might’ve worried that Disney and Sony’s collaboration would be a disappointment, it managed to surpass those odds. Sure, it didn’t follow the same anthological format the original series had. However, its overarching story was able to use those elements to maintain a cohesiveness through Slappy’s mayhem. With its own success that set it apart from the unaffiliated films, Disney+’s Goosebumps felt like a winner.
However, while the first season of Goosebumps was more supernatural-based, Goosebumps: The Vanishing goes deep into the sci-fi genre. This season sees siblings Devin (Sam McCarthy) and Cece (Jayden Bartels) moving in with their father Anthony (David Schwimmer). The two soon discover a threat that could change the world, slowly revealing a mystery that binds past and present together. With the help of some friends, the siblings’ investigation leads them to uncover how the disappearance of five missing teenagers connects to their family’s best-forgotten past.
The initial moments of Episode 1 actually gets off to a hot start through the perspective of said teenagers. It’s a creepy beginning sequence when they first discover the threat: this “spore”-like substance whose black-like liquidity abilities feel very much Venom-inspired. However, much like the first episode of Goosebumps‘s first season, is pure dynamic building with the siblings. With their un-seen aunt in the hospital, Devin and Cece readjust to their previous life. From here, the whole episode feels like a teen drama with Devin getting into a love triangle with his old school friend and neighbor.
This “will they-won’t they” relationship between Devin, his friend Frankie (Galilea La Salvia), and neighbor Trey (Stony Blyden) really lingers throughout the season. While this is mostly contained within the first episode, the bond that develops between Devin and Frankie starts to feel more complex. They both respect each other and want to respect those boundaries. However, they still want to try to make it work. Sure, the dialogue and pacing of certain moments between them feels quick to insert depth. Fortunately, by Episode 4, it actually feels like it’s becoming more realistic, given certain situations.
In the meanwhile, Cece is on her own path as it mostly remains isolated from the overarching narrative until Episode 4. Her arc, while subdued by the main investigation of these paranormal events, is personally impactful. She’s hiding a truth that won’t be revealed later on in the season. The fact it was this emotional for a specific relationship to finally form is actually touching. In a way, it also feels like it improves on the queer tones Goosebumps had since its first season. However, similarly to the love triangle, there are only certain moments that shine through.
The cast of Goosebumps: The Vanishing, as a whole, very much puts their heart and soul into it. The standout amongst them was obviously Friends‘s David Schwimmer, who is so introvertedly charming. His off-beat dad mannerisms make him an interesting character, even when he drops exposition during his botany experiments. Yet, in his hesitancy, his ability to find sympathy with his children is just so sweet to watch. There are specific moments, each from Episode 1 and Episode 2, that really proves how Schwimmer perfectly fits Anthony. He can go from being nervous to being deeply perceptive in an instant, though it’s when the CGI comes into play where he absolutely rocks.
Furthermore, the sibling bond between Devin and Cece is also really naturally forged. Though there are certain scenes, by the season’s midpoint, where it’s purely contextual, it’s all incredibly relatable. Both Devin and Cece really want the best for each other, even though they’re hiding things. Yet, they’re able to have this trust with each other that actually fits what a brother-sister dynamic is like. Being raised with an older sister, I found myself relating to Devin and Cece’s relationship quite a lot. Sure, some dialogue, in Episodes 3 and 4, could’ve used more emphasis. Nonetheless, the sibling perspective was an upgrade from Season 1!
As for the other characters, they do get some development over time. Trey, who would be expected to be the bully of Goosebumps, actually undergoes a very transformative experience. He’s probably one of the more intriguing characters to follow, especially given the events past Episode 3. Oppositely, Frankie’s arc is more side plot-driven, being the love interest of both Devin and Trey, though her background is told more than shown. One character, CJ (Elijah M. Cooper), feels like he’s the comic relief of the group. However, when Episode 5 comes around, he gets the necessary depth needed to understand his perspective.
However, while its characters are a mixed bunch, Goosebumps: The Vanishing‘s scares hold strong. With its premise now sci-fi-based, the show has this certain paranormal tone to it. It mostly relies on thrills and unexpected jumpscares, much like Season 1, but there are certain sequences that change that. These sequences mostly kick in on Episodes 3 and 4 as they’re more action-focused with their “monster-of-the-episode”. Yet, Goosebumps: The Vanishing also takes its time with more intricate scares, like on Episode 2, Episode 5, and Episode 6. These ones were really unexpected, but the thrill of it all just continues to be captivating until the end.
Even though it takes a different approach, genre-wise, Goosebumps: The Vanishing still contains enough thrills, depth, and scares to be a fun experience. The characters here were fun to follow even if the pacing of certain arcs could be improved. Of course, with Goosebumps: The Vanishing reveling in being a horror-thriller, first and foremost, all of it makes for an exciting watch. Though there were only six episodes to few so far, the mystery, and twists within it, certainly prove this season to be very fascinating!
Goosebumps: The Vanishing begins streaming on Disney+ on January 10.
