By Madeline Hicks a student submission
A good TV show is hard to come by, and everyone has their own idea of what a good one is. If you are like me, then what makes a show good is an element of mystery and a few ghosts. One show with both these things is “The Haunting of Bly Manor.”
This Netflix series falls under the genres of horror, mystery, drama, and a few other sub-genres. It tells an amazing story full of twists, turns, heartbreak and loss and does not fail to add a few chilling and sinister moments.
However, despite the theme of ghosts and tragedy that is well-presented in this series, my question is, should it fall under the category of a horror show, or is it simply a mysterious and dramatic ghost story?
“The Haunting of Bly Manor” follows the story of a young woman who moves to London and gets a job taking care of a boy and girl who’s only living relative is an often-unreachable uncle.
Right away you can tell that both the woman and uncle are each hiding something. After moving to Bly Manor the woman notices the strange surroundings of the house and its residents. The strange happenings along with the woman’s secret make for an interesting journey ahead.
But the story does not only follow the young woman. Different characters are introduced who all play a key role in the telling of the story and in the making of the tragedies the story builds on. \
These characters also offer comical or intriguing dialogue that works to further bring us into this unnerving world. The actors are also well-chosen as they grasp their roles and bring them to life beautifully.
The show only has one season with nine episodes that are all under an hour. Despite this, a second is not wasted to tell you enough of each character’s story to bring you to the conclusion of the mysteries at this haunted estate.
Going off the ratings alone, the show might not seem worth it. According to Google it has a 3.9 rating, which might not sound promising. But for me, it is all about what you are expecting the show to do for you.
If you are expecting to jump out of your seat from fright, then this might not be for you. However, if you are into biting your nails and wondering what is going to happen next, then this show is perfect.
It even uses a lot of scary images to spin a suspenseful and sinister tale, such as gloomy colors, devastating deaths, and ghosts with various frightening looks.
Overall, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” is a must-watch show with its well-picked cast and complex story that leaves you wanting to know more. What the story lacks in horror, it makes up for with the mix of drama, mystery, and even some romance. And even though it will not leave you horrified; you certainly do not want to watch it alone at night in the dark.
