The Fall Of The House Of Usher: A Hauntingly Hilarious Journey Into Death

Summary

Mike Flanagan's spellbinding Netflix show, "The Fall of the House of Usher," surpasses his previous works, combining Edgar Allan Poe's literary genius with elements of dark humor, profound self-reflection, and a chilling exploration of human arrogance.

The series showcases a talented ensemble cast, including familiar faces from Flanagan's previous works, who delight in portraying the wicked characters of the Usher family.

Although the show incorporates hair-raising moments and unsettling demonic beings, the real horror lies in the deteriorating relationships and the over-the-top violence, which the series approaches in a darkly humorous and twisted manner, leading to a delightfully macabre and laugh-inducing experience.

Mike Flanagan, the renowned horror maestro of Netflix, delivers his finest show yet with "The Fall of the House of Usher." This operatic tragedy draws inspiration from the chilling works of Edgar Allen Poe, skillfully entwining a family's horrific descent into depravity and their inevitable plunge into the depths of hell. Flanagan's collaborations with Netflix have explored a range of haunting narratives, from melancholic ghost tales to terror-filled haunted house experiences and even contemplations on faith intertwined with vampirism. While not every element of the series seamlessly aligns, it undeniably emerges as a bold and captivating horror tale, overflowing with the trademark style and dark humor of one of the genre's top creators.

"The Fall of the House of Usher" seamlessly weaves together various Poe stories, reimagining them in a modern context. These gothic narratives revolve around the Usher family, led by Roderick (played by Bruce Greenwood in the present and Zach Gilford in the past), who presides over Fortunato Pharmaceuticals while facing a lawsuit involving the opioid epidemic's impact. This theme has been explored in multiple recent projects, making it a recurring subject in Netflix productions. Although this particular aspect may be one of the show's weaker subplots, it serves as a framing device within the present-day timeline, where the majority of the story unfolds. Importantly, "The Fall of the House of Usher" does not delve excessively into the effects of the opioid crisis, wisely leaving room for other films and shows that offer a more comprehensive examination of this pressing issue.

The Fall of the House of Usher presents an ensemble cast led by Roderick and his sister Madeline, portrayed by Mary McDonnell in the present and Willa Fitzgerald in the past. Together, they face the threat to their empire, with the treacherous lawyer Arthur Pym, played by Mark Hamill, adding to the tension. As the series unfolds over eight episodes, the audience discovers that each of Roderick's children will meet their demise during this assault, and the manner of their deaths becomes part of the intriguing narrative. The cast, which mainly consists of Flanagan regulars, wholeheartedly revels in portraying these delightfully malevolent characters. Katie Siegel delivers a captivating performance as Camille, the family's fragile in-house PR expert, while Samantha Sloyan, known for her standout role in Midnight Mass, shines as a wannabe-GOOP health guru accompanied by her dim-witted husband. Among the adult Usher siblings, T'Nia Miller's portrayal of Victorine stands out as the most tragic, while Rahul Kohli's Napoleon, Sauriyan Sapkota as Prospero, and Henry Thomas as Frederick all captivate the audience with their equally detestable and fascinating characters. However, it is the versatile Carla Gugino who steals much of the spotlight in this enthralling series.

Like his previous collaborations with Netflix, The Fall of the House of Usher exhibits a discerning focus on the horrors of deteriorating relationships, while also incorporating elements of ghosts and gore. While the film offers plenty of startling moments that could even rival the infamous jump scare in The Haunting of Hill House, it is the Usher family's reaction to the disintegration of their lives that truly instills terror. A backstory is provided to shed light on how this dynastic family reached their current state, attempting to explain the origins of their malevolence and, to some extent, justify their gruesome demise. Personally, I found this aspect to be somewhat unnecessary—why must their wickedness be rationalized through a convoluted subplot? Shouldn't they be allowed to simply embrace evil for its own sake?

Rahul Kohli in The Fall of the House of Usher.

The explanations provided may be lacking, but The Fall of the House of Usher doesn't rely on them to justify its excessive and violent episodes. Fortunately, the series maintains a lighthearted tone and even manages to be surprisingly comedic at times. It embraces the macabre with decadence, offering layers to Flanagan's clever incorporation of Poe's stories and poems. Fans of literature will surely appreciate the various innovative twists the creator applies to these tales, showcasing his Machiavellian creativity.

After enjoying a successful partnership with Netflix for years, it's almost regretful to witness the departure of this horror master from the streaming platform. Now, he finds his new home on Prime Video, a streamer that has struggled in the horror genre. The Fall of the House of Usher serves as a fitting farewell to an era, while also providing a thrilling glimpse into what awaits. Flanagan, alongside his talented collaborators, demonstrates their peak capabilities, and the future appears promising, albeit terrifying.

The Fall of the House of Usher will be released on Thursday, October 12 on Netflix. The series consists of 8 episodes.