The subsequent season of the Haunting of the Hill House has dropped and how! It has all the spooky elements to stand out among all the horror stories available right now.
There is a rehearsal dinner in progress; we have the bride and groom, with few of their selected guests. Then comes she, mysterious and quite; just in time to get a silent nod from another old family friend.
Dinner finished, guests relaxing with their drinks of choice and soaking in the atmosphere of their supposed haunted surroundings. It’s about time when the conversation drifts towards supernatural presence and ghost stories. Well, as it turns out, our mysterious lady knows a ghost story by heart (which she heard somewhere, of course) and will like to share with these wedding guests.
That story is of an au pair who comes to Bly Manor as an escape from her own horror story; to be employed by a certain Lord Wingrave and looking after his wards full-time. An American; a foreigner really in the English country and class system, understanding old family manors to typical English customs is quite a challenge for her to begin with. There is Mrs. Hannah Grose, full-time house keeper; Owen Sharma, the family chef and then there is Jamie, the gardener with those magical hands.
The mansion looks magnificent during the daytime but it’s murkier, sinister side comes up as the night falls. The Bly Manor is hiding a secret for centuries upon centuries; which is presented in much dramatic, nuanced details in episode 8 of the series. But before that, we could see only the glimpse of that horrible history and it is pretty scary. There are multiple shocking moments like whatever happens to Peter Quint. And there are goosebumps filled moments when Hannah sees a particular cracking pattern in the walls.
Having said that and with fear of giving away most of the story; it is suffice to say that there are enough jump-scares and shock-&-awe scenes to keep you glued till the end. All the nuances and myriad subplots fully covered; each acting like a string from balls of yarn, ready to pop out with a memory like Flora’s miniature manor with its dolls.
Although, it’s a second season following the Haunting of the Hill House; the series has it’s own independent storyline and can be called as an separate plot with few similarities connecting the two. Like its predecessor, this is an anthology of stories being adapted for the screen. These stories have been written by renowned writer Henry James; which were published during early 20th century and much known to the fans of supernatural sagas. Although, some of these stories have already been adapted for screens in various forms -either in films or series; this is perhaps the first time when an entire series has been conceived by combining his famous and also, not-so-famous works. The later, by any means is no substandard work; it’s as captivating in its scary grip like the rest of the lot.
Talking about direction and acting; all are top notch. Here, special mention has to be given to Amelie Bea Smith who plays little Flora and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth playing Miles. They have shouldered most of the storyline on their tiny shoulders with much strength in acting department. Their vulnerability, sensitivity and helplessness in the face of such sheer horror is all praises. I have to say ‘perfectly splendid’.
Although, episode 8 is the one which has received much attention and most talked about as of now; still, my personal choice lies with episode 9. The penultimate episode in the series, not only holds you in the grip (literally) but also gives that last jolt to your heart. Oh, those last few minutes staying with the story of that enigmatic storyteller is all worth it.
So, as the bride mentions after the story reaches it’s (supposed) end that it’s not a ghost story but rather a love story.
Whichever you think it is; ghost story or not, it’s definitely worth a watch.