Wonderland: Gothic

‘Gothic’ is an enduring artistic and cultural phenomenon. But what exactly is it and where did it come from? This intriguing new documentary looks at the Gothic in all its forms, taking in works as diverse as Dracula, Wuthering Heights and The Night of the Living Dead. It explores the fascinating origins of this counterculture staple, often connected to the marginalized or powerless.

Watch Wonderland: Gothic and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.

Wonderland: Gothic on BBC Select

Episode 1: Gothic Origins
What were the origins of Gothic literature and where did those ideas come from?

When Gothic expression first emerged in the eighteenth century, it was established as a backlash against conformity often from wealthy gay or bisexual young men. They were drawn to the Gothic architecture of the past as well as an interest in dark themes and fears of the future. Out of this era emerged such classics as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights and Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Episode 2: Gothic Forms
Why were stories concerning vampires, zombies and witches abundant in gothic works?

Vampires, werewolves, zombies and witches were central to Gothic works of art. Novels such as Dracula and the sensational penny-dreadful books reflected concerns about the boundaries between the animal and the human. Tales about witches expressed a worry regarding the growing emancipation of women while Zombies and mummies illustrated anxiety about the boundaries between the living and the dead.

Episode 3: Global Gothic
Why do certain parts of the world appear to adopt Gothic works of art more readily?

Certain parts of the world seemed to have adopted the gothic more readily. In American culture, there’s Edgar Allan Poe, HP Lovecraft and The Addams Family. The Gothic is also important in Irish literature, with its traditions of banshees, ghosts and fairies. Scandinavian culture and folklore is full of references to the Gothic supernatural, while the Hindu tradition has Kali, the Dark Mother.

Episode 4: Contemporary Gothic
The Gothic is still a huge cultural force. Why is it so popular and enduring?

Why is the Gothic such a persistent cultural trend? This fascinating documentary explores the resurgence of the Gothic in contemporary culture. Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book was immensely popular with teenagers and young people, as was Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series, where the Gothic fuses with romantic fiction. The phenomenon of ‘Gothic’ feels as modern now as it was 250 years ago.

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