The television series Pretty Little Liars has a long history of captivating audiences with its mix of mystery, drama, and suspense. After the original show concluded in 2017, fans were eager for more of the world created by Sara Shepard. In 2022, a new version of the show, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, was released. This new installment promised a fresh twist on the familiar story, with darker themes, newer characters, and, most importantly, a scarier vibe. But is the new Pretty Little Liars actually scary? In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the show both thrilling and terrifying, while also comparing it to the original series.
What Is Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin?
Before answering whether or not Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is scary, it’s important to understand what the new series is about. The story follows a new group of teenage girls who find themselves being haunted by a mysterious figure. The show is set in the small town of Millwood, where a tragic event from the past begins to affect the present day. As the girls uncover secrets from their past, they are stalked and tormented by an unknown villain who wants to make them pay for a mistake they didn’t even commit.
The series builds on the themes of the original Pretty Little Liars, which was also about a group of friends being stalked by a mysterious figure known as “A”. However, Original Sin adds a much darker tone, focusing on trauma, horror, and fear in a way that makes it stand out from the lighter, more drama-focused elements of the first show.
The Horror Elements in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
One of the first things you’ll notice about Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is its shift toward horror. While the original series had its share of thrilling moments, it was mainly a mystery-drama that focused on the personal lives and secrets of the characters. Original Sin takes a more gruesome and psychological approach to storytelling.
Here are some of the key elements that contribute to the scary atmosphere of the show:
1. The Mysterious Stalker
In both shows, the main source of tension comes from the mysterious figure stalking the characters. In Original Sin, the stalker is known as “A”, just like in the original series. However, this version of A is far darker and more threatening. The killer uses various tactics, including threatening messages, surveillance, and even physical violence, to keep the girls in constant fear. The character of A feels much more dangerous in this show, and their actions are not just creepy—they’re genuinely terrifying.
2. Psychological Horror
Original Sin doesn’t just rely on jump scares or graphic violence. The horror in the show is often psychological. The girls are haunted by the past and forced to relive traumatic events. They struggle with the emotional weight of their secrets, which creates a sense of unease that builds throughout the show. This kind of horror, where the mind is pushed to its limits, is what truly makes Original Sin scarier than the original.
3. The Setting and Atmosphere
The setting of Millwood also contributes to the unsettling atmosphere. The small, isolated town is filled with dark alleys, abandoned buildings, and misty forests. These locations are perfect for the eerie encounters that the characters experience. The show uses lighting, sound, and camera angles to build tension. At times, it feels like the characters are being watched even when there’s no one around. This sense of dread, combined with the creepy setting, makes the world of Original Sin much scarier than that of the original show.
4. Disturbing Imagery
Another element that adds to the scare factor of Original Sin is the use of disturbing imagery. From bloody scenes to ominous symbols, the show doesn’t shy away from unsettling visuals. These images stay with you long after you’ve watched the episode. The use of horror film tropes, like masked killers and body horror, creates a sense of dread that’s often missing in the more glamorous world of the original Pretty Little Liars series.
5. Themes of Trauma and Revenge
At the heart of the story is the theme of revenge and how past trauma can shape a person’s actions. The characters are dealing with the aftermath of an event that has scarred them emotionally. This psychological depth adds to the horror because you begin to wonder: Is the killer just a mindless villain, or is there a deeper, more personal reason for their actions? As the series progresses, the lines between victim and villain blur, making it even harder to predict what will happen next.
How Original Sin Compares to the Original Pretty Little Liars
The original Pretty Little Liars had its share of suspenseful and scary moments, but it was primarily focused on mystery, relationships, and the secrets of its characters. Original Sin, however, focuses much more heavily on horror elements. While both shows feature a mysterious antagonist and revolve around a group of girls uncovering dark secrets, the tone of Original Sin is much darker.
Here are a few ways the new series differs from the original:
1. Dark Tone and Horror Influence
As mentioned earlier, Original Sin has a much darker tone. It’s more directly influenced by horror films and shows, while the original series leaned more toward teen drama. The horror is more front and center in Original Sin, which gives it a unique atmosphere that makes it stand apart from the original show.
2. Grim Storylines
While the original Pretty Little Liars had its share of twisted storylines, Original Sin takes things a step further. The characters in Original Sin are dealing with far more serious and disturbing situations. The show explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the effects of violence on young people. In contrast, the original series had its share of emotional moments but focused more on the dramatic twists and turns of the girls’ lives.
3. Higher Stakes
In the original Pretty Little Liars, the characters were constantly at risk, but the stakes were never as high as in Original Sin. The new series makes it clear that the consequences of the characters’ actions could be deadly. The girls aren’t just facing humiliation or public exposure—they are at risk of being harmed or killed by their stalker. This creates a heightened sense of danger and fear that makes Original Sin scarier than its predecessor.
What Makes Original Sin Scary?
So, is Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin actually scary? Yes, it certainly is. The show uses a combination of horror elements, psychological tension, and dark themes to create a truly chilling experience. The characters’ journey into uncovering secrets, facing their pasts, and being stalked by a violent figure keeps you on edge throughout the series.
While the original Pretty Little Liars was more of a mystery-drama, Original Sin turns up the horror factor by creating an atmosphere filled with dread, suspense, and fear. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and horror, you’ll definitely find Original Sin much scarier than the original show.
Conclusion
In the end, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin takes the familiar formula from the original series and adds a dark, terrifying twist. With its horror influences, disturbing imagery, and psychological depth, it offers a much scarier experience than fans of the first show might expect. If you love a good mix of mystery and horror, Original Sin is definitely worth watching. It brings a new level of suspense, terror, and emotional intensity to the Pretty Little Liars universe, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a show that will keep you up at night, wondering what happens next, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is the one to watch. Just be prepared for a much darker and scarier experience than the original series ever delivered.
