Netflix has once again unleashed a mesmerizing horror series upon its subscribers, and this latest entry has made a chilling debut on Rotten Tomatoes, sporting an impressive Tomatometer score of 95 percent. Over the past half-decade, viewers have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a slew of spine-tingling horror shows conjured from the mind of acclaimed creator Mike Flanagan.
The eerie journey commenced in 2018 with the release of the supernatural drama “The Haunting of Hill House.” Two years later, fans were delighted with the second installment in Flanagan’s anthology series, “The Haunting of Bly Manor.” In 2022, the 45-year-old showrunner graced audiences with “The Midnight Club.” Now, horror enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of the new gothic horror drama series, “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Adapted from the works of macabre maestro Edgar Allan Poe, particularly the story of the same name, the series boasts an impressive cast, including Carla Gugino, the iconic Mark Hamill of “Star Wars” fame, and Kate Siegel, among others. The official Netflix synopsis sets the stage: “To secure their fortune – and future – two ruthless siblings build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one.”
Prior to the premiere of “The Fall of the House of Usher” on Thursday, October 12, TV critics have been sharing their insights on the esteemed review site Rotten Tomatoes. As of the time of this writing, the series has garnered 41 reviews and boasts a certified Fresh rating of 95 percent.
In their review, a writer from Vanity Fair exclaimed, “By the end of ‘House of Usher,’ we feel we have made our way through something dense and rich. This is not flimsy, forgettable TV. Flanagan’s ardent belief in the power of monologue and melodrama, of complex storytelling and florid style, is infectious.”
A representative from The Hollywood Reporter chimed in, describing the series as “Half creative writing project tied to a freshman seminar on Edgar Allan Poe, half horror-filled karmic catharsis. Flanagan’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ is a bluntly entertaining exercise.”
While “The Fall of the House of Usher” is garnering well-deserved accolades, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first adaptation of Poe’s tale. In 1960, director Roger Corman brought forth a gothic horror film, featuring the illustrious Vincent Price as Roderick Usher and Myrna Fahey as Madeline Usher. This cinematic endeavor, dubbed American International Pictures’ “most ambitious film to date,” currently holds a slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score of 84 percent.
In the present day, fans of Mike Flanagan and horror aficionados have taken to social media to express their excitement for this updated version of the harrowing tale. One Twitter user raved, “This cast is going to absolutely take my breath away; I can just feel it in my bones.” Another chimed in, “Exciting news! Can’t wait for ‘The Fall of the House of Usher,’ premiering on October 12. Mike Flanagan always delivers top-notch horror.” A third commenter hailed it as “the ultimate Halloween highlight this year.”
Prepare for a bone-chilling journey, as “The Fall of the House of Usher” is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
