How Mike Flanagan’s Horror Universe Became the Better ‘American Horror Story’
In the world of horror television, there are few franchises as iconic and beloved as "American Horror Story." Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the anthology series has been thrilling audiences for over a decade with its unique blend of psychological terror, supernatural suspense, and campy humor. However, in recent years, a new horror universe has emerged to challenge "American Horror Story"’s dominance: Mike Flanagan’s "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass" series.
Mike Flanagan, a horror filmmaker known for his work on "Oculus" and "Hush," has built a reputation for crafting complex, emotionally charged stories that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. His Netflix series, "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass," have not only received widespread critical acclaim but have also captivated audiences with their thought-provoking themes, well-developed characters, and expertly crafted scares.
So, what sets Flanagan’s horror universe apart from "American Horror Story"? For starters, Flanagan’s series are notable for their focus on character development and emotional depth. Unlike "American Horror Story," which often prioritizes shock value and sensationalism over storytelling, Flanagan’s series take the time to build complex, relatable characters that audiences can root for.
In "The Haunting of Hill House," for example, the Crain family’s traumatic experiences in the haunted Hill House are expertly woven into a narrative that explores themes of grief, trauma, and the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. The series’ focus on character development and emotional resonance makes it a more satisfying and emotionally impactful viewing experience than many episodes of "American Horror Story."
Another key difference between Flanagan’s series and "American Horror Story" is their approach to horror. While "American Horror Story" often relies on jump scares and gore to frighten its audience, Flanagan’s series use a more subtle, psychologically driven approach to horror. In "Midnight Mass," for example, the supernatural events that unfold are used to explore themes of faith, morality, and the human condition, rather than simply to shock or disgust the audience.
Flanagan’s series also benefit from their serialized storytelling approach, which allows for a more nuanced and complex exploration of themes and characters. Unlike "American Horror Story," which often feels like a collection of loosely connected episodes, Flanagan’s series are designed to be watched in sequence, with each episode building upon the previous one to create a cohesive, thrilling narrative.
Finally, Flanagan’s series have been praised for their thoughtful, respectful approach to representation and diversity. In "The Haunting of Hill House," for example, the series features a diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and individuals with disabilities. The series’ thoughtful exploration of these characters’ experiences and struggles adds depth and nuance to the narrative, making it a more inclusive and welcoming viewing experience for audiences from all backgrounds.
In conclusion, Mike Flanagan’s horror universe has emerged as a worthy challenger to "American Horror Story"’s dominance in the world of horror television. With their focus on character development, emotional depth, and thoughtful exploration of themes and representation, Flanagan’s series offer a more satisfying and impactful viewing experience than many episodes of "American Horror Story." As the horror genre continues to evolve and adapt to changing audience tastes, it will be interesting to see how Flanagan’s series continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of horror television.