Mike Flanagan Brings the House Down: A Gory Delight
Horror aficionados, get ready for a spine-tingling journey as we delve into the world of acclaimed director Mike Flanagan’s latest creation, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Known for his haunting tales and emotional depth, Flanagan takes a unique and dark turn in this eight-episode miniseries that marks the culmination of his collaboration with Netflix. The series is a departure from his earlier works, replacing sympathy with contempt and compassion with gleeful horror.
The Transition of Mike Flanagan
In previous projects like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” Flanagan showcased his ability to elicit empathy for the characters and their suffering. However, in “The Fall of the House of Usher,” we witness an uncharacteristic shift in tone. Flanagan’s signature dense and moody storytelling takes a grisly and furious turn. The series, which is out now, abandons the belief in togetherness and compassion, instead serving up contempt for the wealthy and a macabre delight in their increasingly gruesome fates.
The Unconventional Setup
The premiere episode, “A Midnight Dreary,” introduces us to a complex narrative structure. It features flashbacks, flash-forwards, fake news footage, a funeral eulogy dripping with Poe lines, and an intense interview between Roderick and Dupin. This demanding episode sets the stage for what’s to come, with its shifting perspectives and timelines, keeping viewers on their toes.
A Dark Connection to Poe’s Works
Subsequent episodes cleverly link members of the Usher family with specific Poe works. Each episode tears apart their vanity, cruelty, and disregard for others, sometimes quite literally, using Poe’s most famed methods. The series doesn’t hold back on grotesque imagery, evoking the styles of directors like Dario Argento, M. Night Shyamalan, and Matt Reeves.
A Dash of Dark Humor
Despite the dark and intense narrative, “A Midnight Dreary” maintains a sense of humor. Characters casually recite bits of Poe’s poems in everyday conversation, and reanimated corpses make unexpected appearances, adding a touch of campiness. This dark humor complements the story’s midnight-black tone, making it engaging and entertaining.
The Usher Family’s Awful Secrets
The Usher children are portrayed as thoroughly awful, shaped by their wealth and power. Their unburdened and unapologetic behavior allows the talented ensemble of actors to shine. From insecure eldest son Frederick to Gwyneth Paltrow’s wannabe Tamerlane, each character brings their unique brand of chaos to the story.
Standout Performances
Carla Gugino and Mark Hamill deliver standout performances in “A Midnight Dreary.” Gugino plays a mysterious figure from Roderick and Madeline’s past, while Hamill portrays their lawyer. Their scenes add depth and contrast to the series, balancing out its otherwise frenetic pace.
A Haunting Experience
The series excels in creating a haunting atmosphere, from its sound design to its Egyptology-inspired set decoration. It explores the caustic effects of unchecked ambition and unchallenged success, delving into what self-affirming blinders can create. The story reflects uniquely American stories, much like the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe himself.
A Unique Social Commentary
While the series offers a clear argument against unchecked affluence and corporate monopolization, it maintains a level of mystery around Poe himself. This unique blend of social commentary and horror is a departure from Flanagan’s previous works, adding a new layer to his storytelling.
A Fearless Departure
Mike Flanagan’s “A Midnight Dreary” is a fearless departure from his earlier Netflix series. It takes big swings in critiquing contemporary issues like big tech, AI in art, and political figures. This satirical approach adds a fresh perspective to his body of work.
A Different Ending
In contrast to his previous Netflix series, which often concluded with empathetic resolutions, “A Midnight Dreary” refuses to give its characters any peace. The catharsis is reserved for the viewers, who witness a satire that rains catastrophe on the seemingly untouchable.
Flanagan’s Netflix Legacy
“The Fall of the House of Usher” serves as Flanagan’s final project for Netflix, concluding a five-year collaboration that carved a niche for the streaming giant in the horror genre. Flanagan’s Netflix series has been primarily spooky, melancholic, and introspective, and this miniseries is no exception. Visually, they are known for their elaborate designs and immersive cinematography.
Literary Inspirations
Flanagan’s works draw inspiration from literary giants like Shirley Jackson, Henry James, Christopher Pike, and Edgar Allan Poe. These series mirror the structure of literary narratives with lengthy character arcs unfolding amidst intricate world-building. They immerse viewers in the experiences of the central characters and rely on in-series storytelling to create a meta experience. The intention is clear: these episodes are meant to be binged, allowing the traumas, pain, and growth of each hour to flow seamlessly into the next.
A New Direction
While there have been jump scares, ghosts, monsters, and vampires in Flanagan’s previous works, his horror ethos has always been more about self-exploration and healing. In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Flanagan takes a different approach. Instead of offering grace, he delivers punishment. Although familiar elements, such as a central dysfunctional family and returning actors, make an appearance, the tone is vehement, and the violence is discordant. Unlike shows like “Succession,” where characters receive empathy and redemption, there is no such treatment for the characters in “Usher.”
The Ushers: A Modern Parable
The series uses Edgar Allan Poe’s words and aesthetics to tell a story ripped from the headlines of the 21st century. The Usher family, ludicrously wealthy and casually unethical, serves as a stand-in for real-life figures like the Sacklers. Led by twin geniuses Roderick and Madeline, they oversee their company, Fortunato. Their painkiller Ligodone has made them and Roderick’s six children billionaires, all while launching a widely damaging opioid epidemic. The Ushers have managed to evade prosecution until now.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Auguste Dupin hopes to change that. Bolstered by an informant from inside the family, he aims to finally bring the Ushers to justice. But when Roderick and Madeline offer a $50 million bounty for the collaborator, a series of gruesome events unfolds, and the Ushers’ decades-long control starts to slip.
In a departure from Flanagan’s usual style, “The Fall of the House of Usher” offers a stark and intense exploration of wealth, power, and the consequences of greed.
Conclusion
“The Fall of the House of Usher” is a remarkable departure from Mike Flanagan’s earlier works, as he embraces a darker and more gruesome tone. The series offers a captivating exploration of wealth, power, and the consequences of greed, using Edgar Allan Poe’s dark aesthetic to tell a modern parable. Flanagan’s Netflix legacy, known for its introspective and immersive storytelling, culminates in this intense and unapologetic series.
If you’re a fan of horror that challenges your emotions and preconceptions, this is a must-watch.
FAQs
- Is “The Fall of the House of Usher” suitable for all horror fans, or is it more intense than Flanagan’s previous works?
- “The Fall of the House of Usher” is more intense and gruesome than Flanagan’s earlier works, making it a thrilling watch for those who love darker, more intense horror.
- What sets “The Fall of the House of Usher” apart from other horror series on Netflix? This series stands out for its unique blend of dark storytelling, emotional depth, and intense exploration of wealth and power.
- Are there any connections between “The Fall of the House of Usher” and Edgar Allan Poe’s original work?
- Yes, the series uses Poe’s words and aesthetics to frame a modern story, creating a unique connection to the classic tale.
- Who are the standout actors in this miniseries?
- Bruce Greenwood and Mary McDonnell deliver outstanding performances as the leaders of the Usher family.
- What should viewers expect from the ending of the series?
- Without giving away any spoilers, the series offers a conclusion that is both surprising and thought-provoking.