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It’s quite simple really, you had us at “Mike Flanagan.”  When Netflix announced “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and that name was a part of it, we knew we would HAVE to see it.  We’ve LOVED everything he has put out and we are confident that this will be exceptional as well.

His latest project has a lot to live up to.  Following one of our all-time favorite TV series, “Midnight Mass,” and given that the source material is from one of Gothic Fiction’s most beloved contributors, Edgar Allan Poe, the bar has been set pretty high.  That being said, we are chanting, “In Mike we trust!” from the rooftops and we can’t WAIT to sink our eyeballs into this one when it hits Netflix on October 12.

Credit: Eike Schroter – Netflix

There is a new trailer out for the film and you will see why we are eager to venture into The House of Usher universe.  Dark, disturbing and supernatural…all things that Flanagan excels with.  Plus, he is working with many of his favorite actors from past projects and given their past efforts with Mike, this bodes well for the series as well.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” revolves around the enigmatic Usher family. The reclusive and ailing Roderick Usher, played brilliantly by Flanagan’s frequent collaborator, Henry Thomas, invites his childhood friend, Jonathan (played by Ewan McGregor), to the Usher family estate. Upon arrival, Jonathan discovers a house that seems to be decaying alongside its inhabitants. Roderick’s twin sister, Madeline, portrayed by Victoria Pedretti, adds to the intrigue as she appears to be suffering from a mysterious ailment.

As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a web of dark secrets, crumbling sanity, and a house that seems to have a malevolent will of its own. Flanagan masterfully builds tension and suspense throughout, as the house’s history and the Usher family’s tragic past are revealed piece by piece.

One of Flanagan’s greatest strengths as a filmmaker is his ability to create an immersive and foreboding atmosphere. In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” he excels in this regard. The Usher estate, a character in its own right, is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The haunting architecture, the gloomy interiors, and the constant presence of decay create a sense of unease that permeates every frame.

The cinematography, led by Flanagan’s frequent collaborator Michael Fimognari, deserves special mention. The use of dark, rich colors and clever camera angles enhances the unsettling atmosphere. Flanagan also employs long, uninterrupted takes, allowing the tension to build slowly, ensuring that viewers are kept on the edge of their seats.

Mike Flanagan’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” on Netflix is a stunning example of how classic literature can be reimagined for modern audiences. With its masterful storytelling, haunting atmosphere, and exceptional performances, it is a testament to Flanagan’s prowess as a filmmaker in the horror genre. This adaptation not only pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe’s original work but also adds layers of psychological complexity and modern sensibility that make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and fans of literary adaptations alike.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” stars: Carla Gugino, Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Annabeth Gish, Zach Gilford, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, Samantha Sloan, Mary McDonnell and Mark Hamill.  The mini series releases exclusively on Netflix on October 12.