After having thoroughly enjoyed--to the tune of 10/10 stars--The Haunting of Hill House a few years back, I was shocked to see the middling-to-negative reviews of this follow-up anthology effort. After completing The Haunting of Bly Manor, however, I believe I have a much better grasp on what is transpiring: this second effort is not a jump-scare, bump-in-the-night horror show (granted, Hill House was much more than "just" that, too). No, Bly Manor is equal parts mystery and love story. Fortunately, it is every bit as compelling as its predecessor.
For a very basic overview, Bly Manor sees young au pair Dani (Victoria Pedretti) taking on the two young charges--Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) & Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)--of Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) at his family manor. When Dani arrives, however, she is greeted by weirdness of all sorts, from ghostly apparitions to specters of past Bly residents, such as Peter (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and the previous nanny, Miss Jessel (Tahirah Sharif).
First and foremost, one must know right off the bat that Bly Manor does not feature the same atmosphere as Hill House. While that show was all about deep sibling/familial drama and horrifying creatures, this one is a love story at heart. A bit more whimsical or fanciful, at times, but just as biting in the end.
Series creator/writer Mike Flanagan deserves a large share of the credit for making this such an incredible and emotional journey. He clearly knows exactly what he is doing, and is always a step ahead of the viewer (sometimes even openly winking at that very fact!). His ability to manipulate time, space, and emotion to tell a story is truly remarkable. He features a unique style that is like a thumbprint on all his works.
The cast is also fantastic from top to bottom, as many of the Hill House regulars are put back to work here. Besides those already mentioned, other crucial roles are played by Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, and Kate Siegel. Besides some heavy British accents that make close listening a must, the acting is award-worthy almost across the board. I was especially impressed by Pedretti, who graduates from a very supporting role in Hill House to almost the unquestioned lead here.
Another unique success of Bly Manor: Though a show that aches to be binged (simply due to the overall quality present and the desire to see its mysteries played out), each episode stands for something of its own as well. Certain episodes are character-centric, while the penultimate tale (a black-and-white origin story of the Manor) I'd hold up against any TV episode I've seen in quite some time (perhaps since the Bent-Neck Lady in Hill House!). In other words, a nice mix of charge-ahead excitement and reflection.
Going into Bly Manor, I honestly did not think it could top Hill House in terms of overall quality. It may not, truth be told, but the distinction is irrelevant because they are both 10-star achievements. In Bly Manor, you won't get exactly the style of what Hill House provided, but the storytelling, emotion, and acting are every bit its equal.
For a very basic overview, Bly Manor sees young au pair Dani (Victoria Pedretti) taking on the two young charges--Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) & Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)--of Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) at his family manor. When Dani arrives, however, she is greeted by weirdness of all sorts, from ghostly apparitions to specters of past Bly residents, such as Peter (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and the previous nanny, Miss Jessel (Tahirah Sharif).
First and foremost, one must know right off the bat that Bly Manor does not feature the same atmosphere as Hill House. While that show was all about deep sibling/familial drama and horrifying creatures, this one is a love story at heart. A bit more whimsical or fanciful, at times, but just as biting in the end.
Series creator/writer Mike Flanagan deserves a large share of the credit for making this such an incredible and emotional journey. He clearly knows exactly what he is doing, and is always a step ahead of the viewer (sometimes even openly winking at that very fact!). His ability to manipulate time, space, and emotion to tell a story is truly remarkable. He features a unique style that is like a thumbprint on all his works.
The cast is also fantastic from top to bottom, as many of the Hill House regulars are put back to work here. Besides those already mentioned, other crucial roles are played by Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, and Kate Siegel. Besides some heavy British accents that make close listening a must, the acting is award-worthy almost across the board. I was especially impressed by Pedretti, who graduates from a very supporting role in Hill House to almost the unquestioned lead here.
Another unique success of Bly Manor: Though a show that aches to be binged (simply due to the overall quality present and the desire to see its mysteries played out), each episode stands for something of its own as well. Certain episodes are character-centric, while the penultimate tale (a black-and-white origin story of the Manor) I'd hold up against any TV episode I've seen in quite some time (perhaps since the Bent-Neck Lady in Hill House!). In other words, a nice mix of charge-ahead excitement and reflection.
Going into Bly Manor, I honestly did not think it could top Hill House in terms of overall quality. It may not, truth be told, but the distinction is irrelevant because they are both 10-star achievements. In Bly Manor, you won't get exactly the style of what Hill House provided, but the storytelling, emotion, and acting are every bit its equal.