In the world of entertainment, true masterpieces are rare, but 2023 has a remarkable gem that has captivated audiences worldwide. Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher stands as a testament to the heights storytelling and filmmaking can reach, transcending time and genre to deliver a profoundly captivating and haunting experience.
Director Mike Flanagan’s (The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass) adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic tale is a revelation, a tour de force of drama, suspense, and psychological intrigue. A single season of awe-inspiring brilliance, it defies easy categorization but falls somewhere between a macabre symphony and a psychological thriller.
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Each episode is a finely crafted piece of art, loosely based on a Poe short story, intricately designed to send shivers down your spine and leave you contemplating the deepest corners of the human psyche.
This macabre story begins with C. Auguste Dupin (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s Carl Lumbly), the Assistant United States Attorney who wants to bring the ruthless Usher pharmaceutical empire, to justice. He responds to a desperate letter from his friend, Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood), who complains of illness and seeks his companionship.
As Dupin arrives at the Usher house, he is struck by the eerie and decaying atmosphere. The house itself is afflicted, with a crack running from the roof down the front, creating a foreboding presence. Within the house, he discovers Roderick, the last surviving member of the Usher family.
Without giving too much away, Roderick begins to detail to Dupin, how each of his six children met grisly deaths over the past week. Together, the two confront Roderick’s and twin sister, Madeline’s (Mary McDonnell) dark past.
Carla Gugino, who stars in the series as a mysterious bartender named Verna, described it as “batshit crazy in the best possible way.” And she is right as the limited series features dark humor and touches the soul. Watch her in the trailer below:
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The casting choices are nothing short of inspiring. Fans of Flanagan’s previous works will find a mix of familiar and new faces in Usher. In addition to Greenwood, McDonnell and Lumbly, the ensemble cast includes Willa Fitzgerald, a devilishly sinister Mark Hamill, ET’s Henry Thomas, Crystal Balint, Kyliegh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Matt Biedel, Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Daniel Jun, T’Nia Miller, Paola Núñez, Sauriyan Sapkota, and Ruth Codd.
Every character comes to life with a depth and nuance that draws you into their world. As Roderick Usher, the enigmatic and tormented owner of the decaying mansion, Greenwood’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. His descent into madness is portrayed with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to feel his turmoil.
But the true brilliance of The Fall of the House of Usher lies in its ability to transport the viewer seamlessly between timelines into worlds that feel both ethereal and disconcertingly real. The cinematography is a visual masterpiece, with every frame meticulously composed, and the house itself becoming a character in its own right. Its decaying, shadowy halls and crumbling chambers create a sense of foreboding that hangs heavy throughout the series.
The plot twists and turns with a dark elegance, leaving you perpetually on the edge of your seat. As the mysteries of the house unravel and secrets are unearthed, you are drawn deeper into the labyrinthine minds of the Usher siblings. The storytelling is a symphony of suspense and dread, punctuated by moments of profound emotional resonance. You’ll find yourself questioning reality and grappling with the boundaries of sanity.
The score created by The Newton Brothers, hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric, envelops you in an aura of dread, accentuating the brooding atmosphere of the Usher estate. It serves as the perfect complement to the visual and narrative excellence displayed throughout the series.
BOTTOM LINE: The Fall of the House of Usher is a work of art that transcends time and genre, a modern masterpiece that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. If you seek a deep, thought-provoking, and spine-tingling experience, look no further. This series is a haunting symphony of suspense and psychological exploration that will leave you both shaken and spellbound.
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The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
