Mike Flanagan’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ Is a Great Netflix Series

by

Though it might not be as widely loved as some of his other work, Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher is actually a very strong series, especially considering it came out over two years ago. Many fans consistently revisit The Haunting of Hill House because of its powerful, gloomy, and emotional story about the Crain family. Others prefer Flanagan’s 2021 series, Midnight Mass, which also explores themes of loss, difficult family discussions, and the meaning of home—all wrapped up in a horror setting.

Following four successful horror series on Netflix that explored themes of ghosts, loss, and emotionally open characters, Mike Flanagan has delivered his final show for the platform. The Fall of the House of Usher launched on October 12, 2023, and brings back familiar faces from his previous work, such as Rahul Kohli, Ruth Codd, Kate Siegel (his wife), and Samantha Sloyan. Despite not being the most talked-about show currently, it’s as compelling and impactful as his other series.

Mike Flanagan’s Netflix Horror Series ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ Still Holds Up


Netflix

If you enjoyed Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, you’ll likely find a lot to like in The Fall of the House of Usher. It’s his most disturbing series yet, filled with shocking and intense deaths. The story focuses on a family torn apart by conflict, the consequences of immoral actions, and the inescapable weight of the past.

When Usher first came out, many viewers immediately preferred other series by Mike Flanagan. Because The Fall of the House of Usher draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, some felt it didn’t fully capture the dark, atmospheric quality of his work. However, more than two years after its release, it’s become clear that this horror series is one of Flanagan’s most impactful, disturbing, and lasting creations.

The story centers around Roderick Usher, the head of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, who experiences the tragic and closely-spaced deaths of his six grown children – each death being particularly gruesome. Beyond the horror, the show is compelling because it tackles timeless and relevant themes that resonate with audiences.

The series The Fall of the House of Usher, starring Zach Gilford as Roderick at different ages, explores themes of right and wrong and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Like other shows from the same creator (Hill House and Midnight Mass), Usher focuses on a family whose members have inflicted pain on one another, driven by loneliness and a relentless pursuit of wealth and recognition. While the show evokes some sympathy for Roderick as he recounts his story, it also draws parallels to real-life individuals who have prioritized success at any cost.

MovieWeb Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Many viewers see parallels between Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher and the story of the Sackler family, who owned Purdue Pharma and were heavily involved in the opioid crisis – a connection explored in the Hulu series Dopesick. Mike Flanagan’s shows, like The Haunting of Bly Manor, are known for their spooky atmosphere and well-developed characters. While you may not sympathize with the Usher family, that’s intentional. Usher differs from Flanagan’s other work, lacking the emotional reunions seen in shows like The Haunting of Hill House. Still, it’s a compelling eight-episode series, and Flanagan continues to deliver captivating horror, with a Carrie adaptation on the way.



5 Questions
Unmasking the Ushers: Test Your Flanagan Horror Knowledge
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-12 02:06