Netflix keeps betting on more and more fiction. Among the new series it produces and the great movies it retrieves, its catalog continues to expand. However, it still sticks to its authenticity marks, and among all of them, there is a horror series that has delighted the platform for years: Mike Flanagan’s series.
The director of “Gerald’s Game” has already released four series, some better than others but all very well received. He has just premiered the latest one of them all before moving to Amazon Prime Video (where he received an offer he couldn’t refuse): “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
A series worthy of the best of Flanagan
The title of the series might sound familiar as it is based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. However, as Flanagan often does, the series is a twist on this tale, bringing it into modern times and exploring it far beyond its original boundaries. The synopsis of the series is as follows:
Siblings Roderick and Madeline Usher have turned a pharmaceutical company into an empire of wealth, privilege, and power. However, secrets come to light when the heirs of the Usher dynasty begin to die.
As if it were a mix between “Succession” and a horror film, “The Fall of the House of Usher” boasts the best elements of Flanagan’s cinema, and for that reason alone, it’s worth watching. It’s quite different from his other series like “The Haunting of Hill House” as it delves much deeper into the characters’ internal struggles and personal desires rather than focusing solely on the paranormal aspect (although that element is present too). However, it manages to blend all its ingredients into a clever cocktail, serving as a satisfying farewell from the director to Netflix.
Once again, the series’ standout feature is its cast. The director brings back his usual actors and actresses, adding a few new faces to the mix, each playing a truly intriguing role. Undoubtedly, the chemistry they maintain throughout the entire narrative is reminiscent of the best films by Scorsese, which is a significant asset in a story like this.
