The Haunting of Bly Manor hit Netflix on October 9th, and, as you can guess, people are watching and whispering and posting with vague words and emotional phrases.
As soon as I saw the trailer, I couldn’t wait.
And now, it’s here!
I’ve watched the first five episodes, and I like it! Creepy. Mysterious. Atmospheric. And the stories are unfolding at just the right pace.
As I watched the first episode, I immediately connected this to the recent movie The Turning, which showed in theaters at the beginning of 2020. The tale of two kids, Miles and Flora, and their new nanny as they wander a great haunted mansion. I liked the movie, but I did wish for a bit more character development, because the end was weird…not a bad thing, but a bit too vague for me.
Anyway, I looked it up and, behold, both The Turning and The Haunting of Bly Manor were inspired by the 1898 horror novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. (I haven’t read the novella, though after, seeing the movie, I want to.)
As I realized that the two shows were inspired by the same words, I panicked. Is the Netflix show going to be too similar? Might I know how the show will end?
My panic disappeared rather quickly. Are the movie and show similar? Yes. Some of the same characters and stories do appear in both. But The Haunting of Bly Manor has its own mysteries, its own feel and, as much as it echoes the movie, it goes its own way enough that the journey has me captivated.
I’m terribly attached to the characters, and episode five did break my heart a bit, though I fear I’m not prepared for the end. Will it end like the movie or the novella (which I did look up, oh dear)? I have no idea and don’t care. I simply need to watch it.
As with all horror shows, I have heard people ask whether it’s scary, which is a terrible question because scary is different for everyone. I find it creepy. A few scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The dolls. The dollhouse. The lady. The long dark hallways. But it is charming. The people, their relationships and their pasts, drive me to go back and watch more.
Dani…I hope you find a way to get past your guilt and grief, and you rock those 80s jeans.
Miles…surround yourself with adults who will love you and support you in a healthy way. And all those awful things…it’s not you.
Flora…keep an eye on all your dolls, sweet girl. You’re perfectly splendid.
Hannah…find peace. Find your memories. Find you.
Owen…I don’t quite know all your story yet…but I’d like to come have some bangers and mash.
Jamie…hang in there, she’ll figure everything out.
Peter…dude, stop.
Rebecca…you deserved better.
Uncle Henry…*slap*
The lady in the lake…you are scary. I’m waiting to know more about you.
If you’re watching, what do you think?
Cheers and nightmares,
Kathy