Unraveling the Horror Magic of Mike Flanagan's Universe: A Superior Rivalry to 'American Horror Story'

The Big Picture

The horror series American Horror Story had a significant influence on audiences, especially in its earlier seasons such as Murder House and Asylum. These seasons became well-known for their compelling scripts and distinct narrative style.

The show experienced a decline in its later seasons, losing its enchantment and facing challenges when it came to maintaining its previous level of quality and capturing the interest of viewers. The departure of well-loved actors and the show's attempt to tackle a multitude of ideas within a limited time frame were identified as contributing factors to its decline.

Mike Flanagan, renowned for his horror projects such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, solidifying his position as the new master of horror TV. Flanagan's exceptional storytelling, acting, and directing have pushed the boundaries of the genre, resulting in mesmerizing and unforgettable series infused with unique themes and atmospheres.

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If you were present during American Horror Story's early years, you surely recall its tremendous impact. It transformed the landscape of Twitter and Tumblr, as fans became deeply attached to the relationship between Tate (Evan Peters) and Violet (Taissa Farmiga) in Murder House, quoted Jessica Lange's every line as Fiona Goode in Coven, and were captivated by Sarah Paulson's unforgettable final-girl scream. As the show progressed, the frenzy gradually diminished, and by 2021, American Horror Story had evolved into something entirely different.

However, in the mid-2010s, horror enthusiasts began taking notice of Mike Flanagan's chilling creations. His films, such as Oculus, Gerald's Game, and Hush, left viewers impressed and terrified, establishing Flanagan as a notable figure in the genre. Then, in 2018, he debuted his first series, The Haunting of Hill House, which cemented his reputation as a master of horror. Since its release on Netflix, Flanagan continues to prove his projects are formidable contenders. The recent positive reception of The Fall of the House of Usher further solidifies this, signaling the inevitable: American Horror Story has been surpassed by something even more remarkable. While Ryan Murphy's anthology series and Flanagan's burgeoning horror universe share similarities, it is the critical differences that make one surpass the other.

'American Horror Story' Was Once Hugely Impactful

American Horror Story has been on the air for over a decade, with its 13th season now available to stream. However, its prime years were in the beginning. The show became widely popular and recognized for its impressive writing and unique concept of having the same actors return to play different characters each season.

The earlier seasons, such as Murder House and Asylum, were straightforward horror stories rather than deeper metaphors. However, they were incredibly successful in captivating and unsettling audiences. The show fearlessly explored and depicted taboo subjects in shocking and unconventional ways, through disturbing visuals and even bizarre musical numbers. This approach to horror storytelling was unprecedented in the genre, as the show followed a new storyline each season, setting it apart from other anthology series like The Twilight Zone and Goosebumps.

Additionally, the combination of the premiere of Murder House and the rise of social media proved to be highly influential, solidifying its place in popular culture during the 2010s.

When Did 'American Horror Story' Go Downhill?

Image via FX

Seasons following the first always brought something fresh, be it aliens, ghosts, witchcraft, or vampires. The consistent return of actors, alongside the addition of veterans like Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates, kept viewers eagerly anticipating each storyline. While some mid-seasons received mixed reactions, like Roanoke in the sixth season, they have since gained a dedicated following. Cult, which delved into real-life events without relying on the paranormal, also achieved success.

Pinpointing when American Horror Story started to decline is difficult, as fans will have varying opinions. Some argue that the departure of Jessica Lange after season 4, Freak Show, marked a decline in quality. Others may point to the unconventional Roanoke as the first stumble. The eighth season's Murder House/Coven mash-up, Apocalypse, which was the first official crossover season, had its highlights but often felt like pandering to fans. Regardless, the show's popularity remains strong, with the current season, Delicate, ranking as the seventh most streamed series in the United States during its premiere week.

However, it becomes challenging to preserve the allure of the earlier seasons when the series bids farewell to its most beloved characters. There was also a certain charm and effectiveness in American Horror Story when it operated on a smaller, more straightforward scale, placing a greater emphasis on its characters. The show truly excels when it delves into the reactions of ordinary people confronted with terrifying situations. Although later seasons still offer glimpses of this effectiveness, they have attempted to encompass too many themes and ideas within a limited number of episodes. It has become a recurring pattern for the show to leave loose ends untied, a flaw that first became apparent as early as Asylum.

Mike Flanagan Is the New King of TV Horror

Image Via Netflix

Mike Flanagan's first horror miniseries, The Haunting of Hill House, was released in the fall of 2018. Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, the show depicts the experiences of a family in their childhood home, both during and after a series of tragic events. Already renowned in the horror genre, Flanagan's work received widespread critical acclaim and garnered praise from notable figures such as Quentin Tarantino and Stephen King.

The Haunting of Hill House received high praise for its dramatic and heartbreaking nature, as well as its terrifying impact. The exceptional writing, acting, and directing took horror television to new heights, surpassing audience expectations and cementing the miniseries as a timeless classic. A notable example of this is seen in the sixth episode of Haunting of Hill House, composed of five expertly crafted long takes that gave the illusion of being fewer in number. The seamless storytelling, both in the family drama and across all of Flanagan's previous projects, skillfully blurs the boundaries between past, present, future, and the realms of the conscious and subconscious. This distinctive theme, executed with exceptional skill, makes Flanagan's shows and films undeniably captivating.

Flanagan has subsequently built his own horror universe, following the success of Haunting of Hill House. The subsequent projects, including The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher, continue to deliver compelling storytelling. Through the lens of religion or addiction, Flanagan's shows explore various topics in creative and powerful ways that rival the scares themselves. Similar to American Horror Story, Flanagan has assembled a talented cast of recurring collaborators, such as Kate Siegel, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Bruce Greenwood, and Samantha Sloyan. These actors return in new roles and storylines for each series, further adding to the allure. Additionally, Flanagan's series and films draw inspiration from, or adapt source material from esteemed authors like Stephen King, Henry James, and Edgar Allan Poe, always bringing a unique perspective. In an interesting turn, American Horror Story is now following a similar approach in its current season, after many years of basing its characters and storylines on real-life events.

Mike Flanagan's Horror TV Is Superior to Ryan Murphy's

Image via Netflix

Despite the varying quality and quantity, fans of the horror genre are fortunate to have two simultaneous creative and entertaining outlets. However, one surpasses the other at present. Mike Flanagan's works are currently the most captivating horror projects on television.

Although American Horror Story still retains its fan base, it no longer embodies the same essence of horror as it once did, as evidenced by the recent release of The Fall of the House of Usher. This series skillfully portrays each episode and character in alignment with various Edgar Allen Poe stories and poems such as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Annabel Lee. In addition, the show incorporates satire and commentary on the detrimental impact of the pharmaceutical industry, animal testing, and excessive wealth. With a multitude of significant characters (the main character, Roderick Usher, has six children), the cast excels in making each character memorable, leaving no apparent weak links. The atmosphere of the series leans more towards campiness than the typical Flanagan project, emphasizing the gothic elements of Poe's writing through dramatic monologues, elaborate mansions, and masquerade parties. Just when it seems like the show might be overloaded with too many elements, it manages to end on a high note, aligning with Flanagan's consistent success in delivering impactful projects.

The same cannot always be said for American Horror Story or its newer counterpart, American Horror Stories. Recently, the horror anthology has been making a forced attempt to impress, lacking the captivating storylines and talented actors it once boasted. The show clearly aims to regain the buzz it effortlessly generated a few years ago when it became a staple of pop culture. However, amidst shows like Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, as well as adaptations like the highly underrated Doctor Sleep, Mike Flanagan reigns as the uncontested king of horror TV. What sets these horror projects apart is their distinctiveness and unwavering focus on a specific goal, message, or atmosphere, always delivering on their promises. While American Horror Story has lost its touch in recent years, there remains a possibility of a comeback, perhaps even in the current season. It could also be argued that the series played a pivotal role in paving the way for horror shows like The Fall of the House of Usher. Nonetheless, only time will reveal which one will endure in the long run.