Netflix has plenty of top-tier horror shows to choose from, as the streaming service has spent years cultivating unique genre entries from lauded talent. Shows like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Wednesday put a new spin on old classics. Others cultivate sci-fi elements to terrifying effect on their way to global fandom, like Stranger Things. Even Locke & Key was based on the works of Joe Hill, Stephen King’s equally talented son. Still, many tout Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House as Netflix’s greatest horror series to date, and for good reason, as it packs emotional devastation and fear in equal measure. However, the show’s closest rival is another must-see masterpiece, and it happens to be from the same creator.
Flanagan is a noted horror auteur with a flair for the genre, continually impressing audiences with films such as Doctor Sleep and Oculus. Yet many know the writer and director from his acclaimed TV work, where he has pushed the medium’s limits, delved into emotionally moving horror, and delivered award-worthy performances. For those same reasons, one of Flanagan’s most beloved miniseries became Midnight Mass, which sees a small, tight-knit community on a remote island rocked by miraculous events that quickly shift from glorious gifts to ever-growing sources of terror.
‘Midnight Mass’ Puts a Horrifying Spin on Miracles
The remote community that lies at the heart of Midnight Mass is completely cut off from the mainland, only accessible via boat. Every citizen who resides on Crockett Island seems to know each other, with occupations like the police relegated to a single person. Therefore, when the town’s priest dies, it becomes big news, sparking plenty of prying eyes when a charismatic young priest arrives to take over duties at the church.
While the church acts as a focal point for the island, the eclectic population keeps it thriving, featuring older citizens set in their ways, a town doctor, the Sheriff’s rebellious young son, and even a romance between characters who can never be together. The new priest’s arrival shakes things up for everyone, as healing powers seem to accompany him, with house calls to dying residents suddenly seeing them make miraculous recoveries. However, what many initially see as a gift from god quickly turns into a nightmare as the priest’s fiery sermons eventually reveal the source of the town’s miracles, presenting an unthinkable scenario of pure terror.
Beyond the stellar mix of heart and horror in Midnight Mass, the show features phenomenal performances. While Flanagan’s muse Kate Siegel delivers an impressive turn as always, Hamish Linklater plays the town’s new priest, Father Paul, and it may well be a career-best performance. When the Netflix series isn’t terrifying audiences, it’s hitting them with Flanagan’s well-crafted sermons being delivered by Linklater, adding one more reason why the show is an absolute masterpiece.
Mike Flanagan Channels Stephen King’s Work in the Best Way
Flanagan flexes his chops, presenting fully developed characters within a community that feels tangible while also hitting viewers with horrific imagery they won’t soon forget. Anyone who’s seen Midnight Mass can easily recall Riley and Erin’s chat on the boat or the first time they laid eyes on the source of the miracles, as the show excels at an engrossing, often jarring juxtaposition and social commentary that may force audiences to question beliefs about the inherent status of public figures. The violence and religious fanaticism woven throughout won’t put many at ease either.
Given Flanagan’s history of adapting Stephen King’s work, like Gerald’s Game and The Life of Chuck, many have compared Midnight Mass to Salem’s Lot. The director hasn’t shied away from his inspirations, noting King’s influence in much of his work. Flanagan has even said that Midnight Mass was heavily influenced by King’s Storm of the Century, which also features a small, cut-off community up against supernatural elements. King has influenced many artists over the years, with Flanagan having honed what makes the author’s work capture audience attention. Midnight Mass is a prime example of the director’s talent, delivering an intense horror experience worth watching at least once, even for fans who don’t normally venture into the genre.
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