Really well written and acted, with a good story and characters. Thos is everything AHS should have been.
2,299 Reviews
Damn good Horror show.
pnathan2812 October 2018
We need more horror like this!
zakkattackkkk15 October 2018
The Haunting of Hill House is HANDS DOWN the best horror series I've ever seen. It's a meditation on death, grief and trauma. It is equal parts scary and engaging. The best character development I've seen in a long time and a huge leap forward for horror. We need more horror like this. It has disturbed me and moved me. It's portrayal of the supernatural as more of a human experience and less of a "poltergeist" type is revolutionary. It, to me, makes more sense to believe in ghosts than I ever thought was possible
reimagining of the shirley jackson book
davidm-1413 October 2018
Unlike other reviews have indicated, this is not a sequel, prequel or remake of any of the prior film versions or the classic novel. my personal favorite is the 1963 robert wise version, "the haunting". scared the crap out of me as a child - the doorknobs and the bending walls. russ tamblyn from that version even makes a cameo in this version as well, playing nell's therapist.
anyway, what they did was take all the characters from the story and, instead of making them visiting researchers, made them a family (the crain family - yep, they kind of jettisoned the back story of the house as well). this family moves into the house in hopes of selling it after fixing it up. the story jumps back and forth between their time in the house and later, after the kids are grown up and still suffering from their time spent in the house that's haunted by.....well, something.
their father takes them from the house in the middle of the night without explaining why, and they never go back. just like the book, it's not clear if the haunting is real and if the various members of the family have carried forward the traumas they experienced into their adulthoods. and they're all pretty messed up too. they did manage to fit in some of the more memorable events/scenes from the 1963 film into this one, putting them into the context of this version.
the expansion that a 10 hour version gives is amazing, and each family member pretty much gets their own episode (some dovetail into other character scenes shown from the other character's point of view). i started out not liking the massive changes so much, but really settled into the story (ep 6 is amazing, in my opinion).
highly recommended. it's well written and creepy. though it was played a bit for laughs in the 1963 version, you'll certainly never hear the phrase "in the night. in the dark" the same way again.
anyway, what they did was take all the characters from the story and, instead of making them visiting researchers, made them a family (the crain family - yep, they kind of jettisoned the back story of the house as well). this family moves into the house in hopes of selling it after fixing it up. the story jumps back and forth between their time in the house and later, after the kids are grown up and still suffering from their time spent in the house that's haunted by.....well, something.
their father takes them from the house in the middle of the night without explaining why, and they never go back. just like the book, it's not clear if the haunting is real and if the various members of the family have carried forward the traumas they experienced into their adulthoods. and they're all pretty messed up too. they did manage to fit in some of the more memorable events/scenes from the 1963 film into this one, putting them into the context of this version.
the expansion that a 10 hour version gives is amazing, and each family member pretty much gets their own episode (some dovetail into other character scenes shown from the other character's point of view). i started out not liking the massive changes so much, but really settled into the story (ep 6 is amazing, in my opinion).
highly recommended. it's well written and creepy. though it was played a bit for laughs in the 1963 version, you'll certainly never hear the phrase "in the night. in the dark" the same way again.
Yapping at the hill house
perlshop20 March 2019
The first few episodes were good hence the 6 stars. After that it was just yap yap yap. Maybe if you stop talking for a second the ghosts can get a chance too. I slept twice watching the last episode. Only the very brave can watch these talkathons.
I almost cried at the end of episode one
khayatrony12 October 2018
Don't understand the hype
JShaft3314 March 2019
Writing this after 6 episodes and entertaining the idea of quitting right now. I find myself utterly distracted. This is like a gothic version of this is us. Overly dramatic. Drawn out storylines and conversations. Jump scare tactics. I really wanted to like it but it just couldn't hold my interest. I found a lot of the characters insufferable. If you don't care about the family dynamics, there really is not much left.
More family drama than horror, but that's fine
tindfoting20 May 2023
THE Mike Flannigan is more famous for directing a bunch of Stephen King movies and series... which means he is competent, since most he did was pretty good for a King adoptation. Hill House is more a family drama, just happened to be set in a spooky mansion. A very disfuctional family, with the whole pack of siblings returning for the funural of baby sis, who commited suicide (or did she?) The show rests on the performances, which are pretty good all over. The dicky brother who wrote a book about the family, and everyone resents. The druggy brother. The sis who resents human contact. And dad, who no one likes. Behind this curtain of hatred, we see (as usual) a house that LIVES (that's a new one!) Very Stephen Kingish, without going all overboard. It's moody, atmospheric, and cleverly stay for the most part away from stupid jump scares. AND really clever at times regarding a certain ghost figure (stolen from a dozen J-horrors). The confirmation to who that actually is, is genious writing. Take notes, M. Night. In the end a very subtle, satisfying show, on par with Flanagans Midnight Mass. And much better than jump scare-galores Midnight Club.
As Perfect As Art Can Be
smileyyanny975 May 2022
Everything about this show was excellent in concept and execution. Writing, casting, acting, directing, cinematography ect... were great. A true tour de force of visual media. The show contains such sensible and intellectual ideas about grief and family that makes it so hopeful in the end, despite being gut-wrenching and terrifying. Although this is supernatural horror, it is well grounded in reality, even more than some "realistic" horror films.
I have re-watched this show about 4 times, and I will be watching it many more times in the future. I can't recommend "The Haunting of Hill House" enough.
I have re-watched this show about 4 times, and I will be watching it many more times in the future. I can't recommend "The Haunting of Hill House" enough.
Overrated
tulsi-das-khan29 July 2019
I'm not saying this show is bad. But best horror show in the history? Are you serious? First of all, it's not horror. It is pure family drama which unfortunately drags for too long. The cinematography is spot on, the acting is great but that's about it. The series blends well with the different timelines but fails to create the required tension. It was a lame attempt by Flanagan to keep the viewers hooked
But the series could've finished easily within 6-7 episodes. The show starts off well, but after 5-6 episodes you'll be yawning half the time. Plus the ending is underwhelming.
But the series could've finished easily within 6-7 episodes. The show starts off well, but after 5-6 episodes you'll be yawning half the time. Plus the ending is underwhelming.
More Poppy!!
slipkorn_samantha29 September 2020
Drama not horror
panos000018 October 2018
Getting horror right by cutting deep
TheVictoriousV18 October 2020
With its wintry color schemes, outstanding performances (exemplifying casting that has kept both acting ability and actor-likeness in mind), and niftily nonlinear storytelling, The Haunting of Hill House adapts Shirley Jackson's gothic classic into the finest horror show of its era. Then again, as a multitude of critics have argued, the word to use might not be "horror" - the word is "terror".
This is a series where the fears and connections among the characters are truly, wholeheartedly the focus; having finished it, I still can't be sure if the paranormal images we see are wholly real, or the result of in-universe coping mechanisms (some defy time and space in such a way that I doubt they're simple dreams). But with a show like this, the threat to our heroes (if that's even a good term for these damaged lifeforms) is real no matter what. At any second, the final straw could land.
The show may not be for the faint of heart, nor the faint of attention. You won't be getting your jump scares and shrieking It clowns to hold your hand every few minutes in this one. This is decidedly more thoughtful and, once we've delved deep into the characters and their states of mind, more genuinely horrifying than what modern horror fans might think of as horror.
Our main protagonists are the Crain family, last known owners of the ominous Hill House manor: father Hugh (Henry Thomas as an adult, Timothy Hutton as an elder), mother Olivia (an angelic Carla Gugino), and the five kiddies; author and ghost-debunker Steven (Michiel Huisman and Paxton Singleton), mortician Shirley (Elizabeth Reaser; Lulu Wilson), drug-addict Luke (Oliver Jackson-Cohen; Julian Hilliard), hedonist and psychic Theodora (Kate Siegel; McKenna Grace), and Nellie (Victoria Pedretti; Violet McGraw), possibly the most haunted of them all. These actors all do stupendously well, child actors included, during even the most lengthy and meticulously coordinated takes.
In terms of convincing older-self casting, this show might rival Netflix's Dark (which cast dozens of crucial characters with a maximum of three performers each) - this one is especially careful to make sure the younger and older selves share similar body language and demeanor. And this is to say nothing of how the characters are written.
Every episode, we alternate between the characters as children and them as grownups, with some additional flashbacks being had in the "future" story, recalling happier times for the characters' adult selves. Early on, the future plotline of each episode is typically leading up to a particular death within the Crain family, while the past plotline is leading up to the final night spent in Hill House - each episode follows a different character up to the two moments; both storylines are then reset for the succeeding episode with a new focal character. This is just the beginning of how the show plays with time.
This choice may seem artsy at first glance, but it's anything but. It allows for some masterful tension-building and cleverly delivered revelations, with a few bits of recontextualization as we get to know more about these people. The aforementioned long takes also do wonders for the suspense and ambiance, heightened by the skillful use of sound, lighting, depth of field, and color.
Alas, even with a horror show this well-made (its creator Mike Flanagan has an interesting track record with Gerald's Game, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Doctor Sleep), some clichés and genre-inherent bits of cheese must persist. There are admittedly a few jump scares in this series, but they make sense in-universe; these people have every reason to get startled by their own shadows. One might also complaints about one of the child performances, though I would offer that it makes sense for the character to emote a bit strangely.
In any event, I will certainly be investigating the Bly Manor follow-up as Halloween draws nearer. I might review that one separately (it's not strictly the same show, but a sequel), so for now, take this recommendation from my insignificant ass for what it's worth.
This is a series where the fears and connections among the characters are truly, wholeheartedly the focus; having finished it, I still can't be sure if the paranormal images we see are wholly real, or the result of in-universe coping mechanisms (some defy time and space in such a way that I doubt they're simple dreams). But with a show like this, the threat to our heroes (if that's even a good term for these damaged lifeforms) is real no matter what. At any second, the final straw could land.
The show may not be for the faint of heart, nor the faint of attention. You won't be getting your jump scares and shrieking It clowns to hold your hand every few minutes in this one. This is decidedly more thoughtful and, once we've delved deep into the characters and their states of mind, more genuinely horrifying than what modern horror fans might think of as horror.
Our main protagonists are the Crain family, last known owners of the ominous Hill House manor: father Hugh (Henry Thomas as an adult, Timothy Hutton as an elder), mother Olivia (an angelic Carla Gugino), and the five kiddies; author and ghost-debunker Steven (Michiel Huisman and Paxton Singleton), mortician Shirley (Elizabeth Reaser; Lulu Wilson), drug-addict Luke (Oliver Jackson-Cohen; Julian Hilliard), hedonist and psychic Theodora (Kate Siegel; McKenna Grace), and Nellie (Victoria Pedretti; Violet McGraw), possibly the most haunted of them all. These actors all do stupendously well, child actors included, during even the most lengthy and meticulously coordinated takes.
In terms of convincing older-self casting, this show might rival Netflix's Dark (which cast dozens of crucial characters with a maximum of three performers each) - this one is especially careful to make sure the younger and older selves share similar body language and demeanor. And this is to say nothing of how the characters are written.
Every episode, we alternate between the characters as children and them as grownups, with some additional flashbacks being had in the "future" story, recalling happier times for the characters' adult selves. Early on, the future plotline of each episode is typically leading up to a particular death within the Crain family, while the past plotline is leading up to the final night spent in Hill House - each episode follows a different character up to the two moments; both storylines are then reset for the succeeding episode with a new focal character. This is just the beginning of how the show plays with time.
This choice may seem artsy at first glance, but it's anything but. It allows for some masterful tension-building and cleverly delivered revelations, with a few bits of recontextualization as we get to know more about these people. The aforementioned long takes also do wonders for the suspense and ambiance, heightened by the skillful use of sound, lighting, depth of field, and color.
Alas, even with a horror show this well-made (its creator Mike Flanagan has an interesting track record with Gerald's Game, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Doctor Sleep), some clichés and genre-inherent bits of cheese must persist. There are admittedly a few jump scares in this series, but they make sense in-universe; these people have every reason to get startled by their own shadows. One might also complaints about one of the child performances, though I would offer that it makes sense for the character to emote a bit strangely.
In any event, I will certainly be investigating the Bly Manor follow-up as Halloween draws nearer. I might review that one separately (it's not strictly the same show, but a sequel), so for now, take this recommendation from my insignificant ass for what it's worth.
Too slow and repetitive
jhmoondance28 January 2019
Far to slow, predictable and frustrating waiting for the end! Good grief! It could have been condensed to an hour and a half perhaps a 2 hour movie!
Hype is hype n this was dragged out to the nth degree!
Disappointing after advised by other user critics to watch it
Overhyped
liam_nb24 February 2019
When someone says something is absolutely brilliant and it's not it kinda let's what could have been enjoyable down when your asking where's what everyone is talking about every minute, if you go into this ignoring all the hype pretty good but when your expecting the best horror rv show ever you'll be very dissapointed
Truly chilling, intense, beautiful and sad
ten-thousand-marbles26 April 2022
This is one of the best things I've watched in recent memory. There are times it is legitimately scary with goosebumps and all, and times it is touching and may raise a tear. It caught me quickly and kept me engaged til the end.
This would have been a 10/10 had they cut back on the dysfunctional soap opera drama that at times, took control of the story. In hindsight, it's easy to get past.
An odd casting choice: nothing against Henry Thomas or Timothy Hutton. They both dishes out a fine performances. I have to wonder why they didn't choose one actor and use a little make up for aging effects. The two look similar, but either one could have pulled off the forty to sixty look necessary for the part.
But I digress. Watch the show!
This would have been a 10/10 had they cut back on the dysfunctional soap opera drama that at times, took control of the story. In hindsight, it's easy to get past.
An odd casting choice: nothing against Henry Thomas or Timothy Hutton. They both dishes out a fine performances. I have to wonder why they didn't choose one actor and use a little make up for aging effects. The two look similar, but either one could have pulled off the forty to sixty look necessary for the part.
But I digress. Watch the show!
Came for the horror, almost stayed for the drama...almost.
abs-ghosh7 January 2019
I generally tend to be weary of TV shows, due to their pretentious and bloated nature they try too hard to cater to the wider demographic and generally end up ruining novel concepts with generic tripe. But hey if people are watching why fix it? However, unlike AHS or Supernatural, this show almost broke the curse... almost.
I am not going to bother with a synopsis, its really late and I want to watch something to wash out the cheap aftertaste the final episode of this series has left in my mouth before I go to sleep. Likewise, I am not going to bother with correcting my grammar either... I mean who am I trying to impress?
Anyway this show is more about family drama than horror but the drama wasn't actually half bad. The layer of horror did add to the mystery and kept me intrigued all the way till the final final episode which really left me in a sour mood. Its amazing how one episode can change your entire outlook of a show, I initially was going to rate this much higher but man that finale was offensively bad. Was there some re-writes or replacements of writers? Because the final act devolved into a high school stage play. Long awkward monologues and cheapening twist seemed like I accidentally tuned into the wrong show partway. Pity, had potential but the last act really made it quite forgettable. If there is a season 2, I really hope the writers learn the meaning of modesty and keep the show lean and without pointless meandering towards the end of the of the show. I really wish I had not wasted the last hour by watching the final episode... could have been a lot better if it ended by episode 6.
I am not going to bother with a synopsis, its really late and I want to watch something to wash out the cheap aftertaste the final episode of this series has left in my mouth before I go to sleep. Likewise, I am not going to bother with correcting my grammar either... I mean who am I trying to impress?
Anyway this show is more about family drama than horror but the drama wasn't actually half bad. The layer of horror did add to the mystery and kept me intrigued all the way till the final final episode which really left me in a sour mood. Its amazing how one episode can change your entire outlook of a show, I initially was going to rate this much higher but man that finale was offensively bad. Was there some re-writes or replacements of writers? Because the final act devolved into a high school stage play. Long awkward monologues and cheapening twist seemed like I accidentally tuned into the wrong show partway. Pity, had potential but the last act really made it quite forgettable. If there is a season 2, I really hope the writers learn the meaning of modesty and keep the show lean and without pointless meandering towards the end of the of the show. I really wish I had not wasted the last hour by watching the final episode... could have been a lot better if it ended by episode 6.
9 great episodes, episode 10 is also horror, but in another sense
HLEYE19 October 2018
Such a great horror show, with good acting (except the oldest girl - shirley), interesting plotting and character developments and interacting, nice occasional scares etc etc. Very good, until the walt disney corney sentimental ending. That was the biggest horror...
With a more mature and gutsy ending i might have given a 9, or at least 8, now i can't...come on Flannegan, man up next time!
The last episode was bad, bad, bad.
jkp-309-2589748 November 2018
I don't watch many horror shows, but gave this a try. It kept me interested and there are some creepy and scary moments. I personally thought the character development was well done and the drama unfolding made me come back for more.
The last episode, though, was a wordy, agonizing mess. The dialogue was painful. The way it is wrapped up makes you shake your head and ask, "Why?" It could have been good, but the way it is wrapped up is truly horrific.
The last episode, though, was a wordy, agonizing mess. The dialogue was painful. The way it is wrapped up makes you shake your head and ask, "Why?" It could have been good, but the way it is wrapped up is truly horrific.
Starts well...then gets dull.
pete-dunne1 November 2018
Absolutely amazing
Calicodreamin1 April 2020
Everything about this show is amazing. The acting is superb, the cinematography breathtaking, and the story captivating. And to top it off, still manages to deliver some great scares. The character depth makes the interactions between siblings feel so real. The way the story unravels between the past and present is beautifully done. Great show.
Monster House
jack_o_hasanov_imdb25 September 2022
I love it.
I had heard the name of this series a lot, and it was said to be one of the best series on Netflix. First of all, congratulations to the director. Everything was pre-planned. The script is very good. Technical work has been very good. The acting is simply perfect. The kid actors and actresses played perfectly. Adults played perfectly. Carla Cugino is the star of this show. Casting is excellent. The childhood and adult versions of the acting have been very good both in terms of acting and in terms of face type. It was very good hoor series. It was also a very good sad drama as an addition to the horror series. I liked it very much. A very good, cleverly executed series. Congratulations ! ! !
I had heard the name of this series a lot, and it was said to be one of the best series on Netflix. First of all, congratulations to the director. Everything was pre-planned. The script is very good. Technical work has been very good. The acting is simply perfect. The kid actors and actresses played perfectly. Adults played perfectly. Carla Cugino is the star of this show. Casting is excellent. The childhood and adult versions of the acting have been very good both in terms of acting and in terms of face type. It was very good hoor series. It was also a very good sad drama as an addition to the horror series. I liked it very much. A very good, cleverly executed series. Congratulations ! ! !
Oh, those monologues.
KlattMJessica13 October 2018
Monologues for days. Just so, so many "poignant" monologues. So, so many self-reflective, melodramatic monologues.
Long speeches aside, the production value is great. The child actors are fantastic. The story is intriguing, though it tends to only creep along. Quite good, but not perfect, as it's high rating suggests.
Overhyped and overrated
geekgirl1014 November 2020
Like so many Netflix Originals this is just another overhyped series. The story is not in any chronological order with it flip-flopping between past and present from various perspectives and nightmares that drag the story on, so it is very difficult to follow and just feels like lazy writing. I found it far too frustrating after a couple of episodes.
As for the fear level there honestly wasn't much of it. A few jump scares here and there and a couple of creepy buildups that went nowhere. It was really lacking.
As for the fear level there honestly wasn't much of it. A few jump scares here and there and a couple of creepy buildups that went nowhere. It was really lacking.
Captivating
Salamalad12 October 2018
A series of a family that got f'd up in a haunted house, and you just want to find out why and what really went wrong. Each episode is captivating and you cant help but keep watching. horror/thriller/drama, good job netflix its always a 50/50 but this series is good
Revised review-really can't get into it.
Q-Man14 November 2018
I really can't get into this show at all. I have struggled to get through seven episodes, because so many people say how good it is. Actually it is incredibly slow moving, relentlessly depresssing, and not scary in the least. All the characters in the disfunctional Crain family speak in a monotone at all times. They can't stand to be around each other, and I can't stand to be around them. It is hard to believe that Timothy Hutton actually won an Oscar. His acting is mostly annoying. Some if the others are good, considering the material they have been given.
I give it two stars basically for the sets and some good acting. If you are interested in watching a long, drawn out show about a disfunctional family, then this is it. If you are looking for a scary haunted house story, then watch the 1963 movie "The Haunting". It is far better.
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