Unleashing Unmatched Terror: The Unforgettable Jump Scare in Mike Flanagan's Astonishing Show

Summary

The Haunting of Hill House has the best jump scare of the last decade, with Nell's ghost suddenly appearing in the car scene between Theo and Shirley.

The jump scare in The Haunting of Hill House is extremely terrifying due to the combination of the surprise element and the presence of the characters. It surpasses all other jump scares, including the record-breaking ones in The Midnight Club, particularly the iconic car jump scare.

Mike Flanagan, the director of several Netflix horror shows, achieved his best jump scare in his first offering, The Haunting of Hill House. Adapted from Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel, this series follows the Crain family as they move into the infamous Hill House, only to discover its haunting presence. Olivia, the mother, and Nell, the youngest daughter, are particularly sensitive to the supernatural occurrences within the house. Tragically, Olivia's life ends in connection to these paranormal events. More than twenty years later, Nell's sudden death forces the Crain siblings to confront their lingering grief and emotional scars.

Among the siblings, Luke, the twin brother, struggles the most in dealing with his sister's passing. Meanwhile, Steven, a renowned writer, and Shirley, who owns a funeral home, each develop their unique coping mechanisms, or lack thereof. As The Haunting of Hill House nears its climax, the siblings are compelled to return to their childhood abode. On their journey, Theo, now a child psychologist, and Shirley experience one of the most intense jump scares in the past decade.

The Haunting Of Hill House's Car Scene Is The Best Horror Jump Scare Of The Past Decade

In episode 8 of The Haunting of Hill House, titled "Witness Marks," Theo and Shirley set aside their personal arguments to accompany a troubled Luke to Hill House. Despite her difficulty forming connections with others, Theo has been residing in the in-law unit of Shirley's house, unwilling to leave her sister's side. Shirley suspects that Theo, who has not revealed her homosexuality, is involved in an affair with her husband.

During their drive, The Haunting of Hill House delivers a perfectly timed jump scare. This moment is particularly terrifying because both characters are together, the atmosphere is mundane, and no one is experiencing solitary fright. As the camera focuses on the sisters, their faces framed by the car, Nell's ghost suddenly appears, screaming, between them. This unexpected scare not only highlights the excellence of The Haunting of Hill House, but also contributes to its reputation as Mike Flanagan's most chilling series.

The Midnight Club's Record-Breaking Jump Scares Still Can't Compete With Hill House

Mike Flanagan's The Midnight Club has achieved the remarkable accolade of featuring the highest number of jump scares in a single television episode. Throughout its series premiere, there are an astounding "21 heart-stopping moments that will jolt you out of your seat." This makes the series, aimed at a young adult audience, significantly distinct from the slow-building, psychological horror of The Haunting of Hill House. However, despite this remarkable achievement, The Midnight Club fails to deliver anything as genuinely terrifying as the iconic car jump scare in The Haunting of Hill House. By intentionally avoiding the overused horror tactic to generate an intense feeling of dread and terror, Flanagan effectively maximizes the impact of the few jump scares, leaving a lasting impression on viewers for years to come.