The Haunting of Bly Manor’ Review: A Perfect Blend of Romance and Horror
While not quite as frightening as its predecessor, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” is still a perfectly splendid ghost story to celebrate Halloween.
In this follow up to Netflix’s hit horror series, “The Haunting of Hill House,” young au pair Dani (Victoria Pedretti) finds herself caring for two children (Amelie Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) on an English estate, where she begins to experience supernatural phenomena. Taking place in the 1980s, Dani plunges into a chilling journey of self discovery, all in the wake of the disappearances of the chauffeur and former governess.
The Haunting of Bly Manor is loosely based on Henry James' 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw. Source: "Netflix Logo" by theglobalpanorama is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
A New Spin on an Old Classic
“The Haunting of Bly Manor” is based on Henry James’s 1989 novel “The Turn of the Screw,” a story about a young, unnamed governess who begins to suspect that spirits lurk the halls of Bly Manor while taking care of its two young tenants, children Flora and Miles. But showrunner Mike Flanagan, whose recent works include the film’s predecessor, “The Haunting of Hill House,” and “Doctor Sleep.” He didn’t limit himself only to “The Turn of the Screw” when writing the series; in fact, every episode shares its title with another work of gothic fiction by James. For instance, the episode “The Romance of Certain Old Clothes” uses the premise of James’s short story of the same name to provide the exposition for why and how Bly has been struck with such a ghoulish fate.
This isn’t the first time “The Turn of the Screw” has been adapted for the big or small screen. From the acclaimed 1961 film “The Innocents” to the recent 2020 film “The Turning,” starring Finn Wolfhard from “Stranger Things,” “The Turn of the Screw” has been adapted and readapted over a dozen times. So, rather than retelling a story told so many times before, Flanagan opted to tell multiple spooky stories. Another direct adaptation of the novel would be pointless, because, according to Flanagan, “you’re not going to do it better than ‘The Innocents’ anyway.”
Hidden Secrets, Hidden Love and Hidden Ghosts
With so many tales to cover and weave together, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” may not live up to its first season, nor is it as detailed and advanced. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth the slow burn leading up to the series’ final revelation. From Dani’s insecurities to Hannah Grose’s heartbreaking backstory to the mysterious Lady of the Lake, “Bly Manor” is packed with chilling mysteries accompanied by shocking conclusions.
Most important to the story, however, is the many romantic relationships that form and dissolve throughout the series, each representing a distinct dynamic. With takes on toxic relationships, guilty adulterers, forbidden love and learning to love again, by the end of “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” viewers will ask themselves, “Is it truly a ghost story, or a love story?”
That doesn’t mean that the ghosts of “Bly Manor” are to be ignored, however. Fans of “Hill House” will be happy to know that “Bly Manor” once again incorporates hidden ghosts into its background shots. With over 80 hidden ghosts to be spotted throughout only nine episodes, viewers will be hitting the ten-second-rewind button to make sure they catch them all (and they certainly won’t, no matter how hard they try!).
Too Scared to Watch? Don’t Be!
While “Bly Manor” is chock-full of ghosts, ghouls and some gruesome imagery, it is not nearly as dark or horrific as “The Haunting of Hill House.” With very few jump scares and almost no blood and gore whatsoever, “Bly Manor” is perfect for viewers who are just a bit too anxious to deal with the truly frightening, but still looking for a macabre, eerie tale to send chills down their spines.
“The Haunting of Bly Manor” isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re a fan of the terrifying visuals and heart-pounded suspense of “Hill House.” But if you’re looking for a chilling tale of love and loss, with haunting secrets and creepy spirits lurking around every corner, then “Bly Manor” is the perfect binge for the Halloween season. With great performances from the whole cast, fans of both horror and drama will be on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next big clue to the mystery of the manor or just looking out for a hidden spectre or two.
Just be warned that after watching, you may cry yourself to sleep –– not out of fear of monsters hiding in your closet, but from the gut-punch that “Bly Manor” hides in its bittersweet ending.