Here we are, in the month of October — Spooky Season, as we have named it — and Mike Flanagan takes his rightful place as King with his latest, The Haunting of Bly Manor. The Netflix series is beautifully adapted from the stories of Henry James. Instead of going into a spooky mansion, it takes us into the hearts of the characters at Bly Manor.
Similar to The Haunting of Hill House (dubbed the top bingeable Netflix original horror series today), the writing is the strongest aspect of the series. Each episode is perfectly written, which allows the viewer to connect the dots themselves. And while that is taking place, you are caught up in the midst of a heartfelt story.
No, really. You do not realize you are registering the tiny hints set in each episode until it flourishes. This series will captivate you. From the moment The Haunting at Bly Manor begins, you will get lost inside the story until the very end.
Bly Manor’s Deep Roots
The Haunting of Bly Manor is deeply rooted in the idea of … love and what it truly means to love someone. What’s the extent you would go to for the one you love? Do you know how to properly love them? How valuable is time with the one you love?
“This is less a tale of horror and more one of gothic romance that highlights the immense loss one can feel and how everyone grieves differently. It explains the many versions of love and the perception a person can project, for what they truly want.”
~Manda
The beauty of the series lies in the small details in each episode. Every aspect of the series is perfectly placed and structured incredibly well. Both The Haunting series’ are brilliant pieces for Netflix, especially with Flanagan at the helm.
He is incredibly gifted at telling these stories and showing audiences the finite truths of life through a lens. The framing composition, cinematography, lighting and camera movements — they all come together to create a perfectly splendid atmosphere for the characters.
And More Depth from Bly Manor
Victoria Pedretti as Danielle Clayton
This was the first time, in a very long time that I have been fully immersed in a series. Not since The Haunting of Hill House have I seen such fantastic performances.
The cast, primarily Victoria Pedretti and Oliver Jackson–Cohen, continued to blow me away with their talent throughout the series. Every member of the cast in The Haunting of Bly Manor is perfectly splendid and exhibited such wonderful chemisty. You will remember their names and fall in love with their stories.
The Haunting of Bly Manor is beautifully haunting and rich in gothic romance conventions. The impending doom that rests upon the roof of Bly Manor is felt through every nook and cranny. Everything is crafted with precision. Truly, this is one of the best series to come out this year.
So settle in and listen closely…to a love story. This has many surprises and an ending so beautiful that it will stay with you, long after you’ve finished.
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