Summary
Critics are unanimously praising Netflix's The Fall of the House of Usher, calling it a grisly and fantastic adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's work.
The series has drawn comparisons to Succession, a popular show known for its dark and deadly portrayal of a powerful family. The performances of the returning Mike Flanagan and the newcomers in the cast, including Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood, have been highly acclaimed.
Netflix's The Fall of the House of Usher has received rave reviews. Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe's renowned story, this upcoming horror show marks the return of creator Mike Flanagan and features a talented cast, including familiar faces from Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House, The Midnight Club, and The Haunting of Bly Manor, along with the addition of Star Wars legend Mark Hamill.
Before its official premiere on October 12, critics have been given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the miniseries. And so far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Linda Codega from Gizmodo describes it as "a macabre performance showcasing Poe's greatest, most unusual, and unsettling tales."
Why Critics Are Loving The Fall of the House of Usher
Many have lauded the miniseries, comparing it to the popular HBO show Succession, which recently concluded. Keith Phipps from TV Guide describes the show as a version of Succession where the "Sacklers replace the Murdochs with a higher casualty count (and significantly more blood)." Amelia Emberwing from IGN urges readers to "envision watching Succession and witnessing each of the show's miserable characters meet their demise in the most fatal manner possible."
Alongside the new additions to the cast, the returning stars of the Mike Flanagan show are also receiving acclaim. Carla Gugino, known for her role in Gerald's Game, stands out for her portrayal of the shape-shifting villain Verna, with Gena Radcliffe from The Spool describing her as "enigmatic" and one of "Hollywood’s most underrated actors." Bruce Greenwood, a newcomer to Flanagan's work, is also receiving widespread praise, with Amy West from Total Film dubbing his performance as "remarkable."
Critics are analyzing The Fall of the House of Usher as Flanagan's last Netflix horror show under his current deal. Its position within Flanagan's body of work is being evaluated, but critics are cautious to claim it as his finest. According to Joshua Rivera of Polygon, the show maintains Flanagan's compassionate and sincere approach to horror. Lacy Baugher Milas from Paste also weighs in, characterizing it as a harsher and more conventional offering compared to his recent shows.