This sequel to Netflix Original Series – The Haunting Of Hill House – which is loosely based on Henry James’s 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw caught my eyes right from its trailer and I was eagerly waiting to get spooked. But when I watched it, it turns out that it’s more than a regular ghost story.
What are ghosts anyway but the residues of the past, the bygone souls. And what does the past hold but memories. The Haunting Of Bly Manor represents these memories of the dead that haunt them.
There has been a notable criticism about the series for not being spooky enough. But well, I happened to love it. This series is for those who have loved truly and deeply and have the tendency to revisit their time with their loved ones. There are scenes that will jolt you a bit but then you won’t be actually scared of the dead.
We see a lot of interesting characters in the series and I feel that each one of them has been like Flora Wingrave (Amelia Bea Smith) says ‘perfectly splendid’. Starting with the narrator, Carla Gugino who plays the old Jamie (gardener of Bly Manor), her voice will totally mesmerize you. I felt like sitting in the same room and listening to the story just because of her tonality. And oh! She is gorgeous. I liked her clothes too!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGIIr5_BK3a/
Next, we meet the Au Pair played by Victoria Pedretti who serves as a governess to the orphaned kids at the manor. Victoria carries herself so beautifully in the character that you really feel for her. You feel her horror, her pain, her loss, her love, her sacrifice, everything. She lingers inside your mind like a memory that you root for. And again, she is another pretty lady. Her beautiful transition in finding her true orientation is worth praising.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEj-pCYCJYL/
The Au Pair is appointed by Uncle Henry played by Henry Thomas who goes by the same name in reality. Henry has done his part right and spooked me greatly with his alter ego. Don’t we have all have a hidden monster within us?
Next in line comes Owen Sharma played by Rahul Kohli. This very character is truly the one that is beautifully crafted and played. Owen is the representation of a caring, understanding, emotional man in the kitchen. #equality alert. You cannot help but fall in love with him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmzbArgZ31/
Then we meet Mrs.Gross played by T-Nia Miller who takes care of the manor. One can hardly guess that she plays a ghost until the final episodes. She was very warm and great as Gross though I was jealous for Owen loved her.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxeDXMlyqp/
Now we are going to talk about the most ‘perfectly splendid’ character – Flora played by Amelie Bea Smith. The 9-year-old carries the load of all the ghosts and their stories so bravely. Whoever watches this series is going to take home the phrase – perfectly splendid – all thanks to her. She plays such a beautiful and understanding little girl that your heart will surely melt.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGII8FqIZD5/
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Miles irritates you just as his role was written. His weird actions will make you think that he has some mental problems. You need to be patient until you watch till the end to make your judgment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CESGCF4Bgkc/
Here comes the most exciting and outgoing character – young Jamie played by Amelia Eve. Amelia is the embodiment of strength in heart and character. She is a great friend, a fierce lover and you feel her. She gets to your bones literally as she doesn’t just nurture plants but souls.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEWsoyInXi7/
Tahirah Sharif as Miss Jessel makes you doubt that she is the cause behind all the haunting. She is so convincing as the terror in the beginning. Nah…I won’t reveal the plot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLALnLpGGG/
The other important character is Viola played by Kate Siegel. I first thought it was Angelina Jolie. You can find the resemblance for sure. She is who the whole manor revolves around.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNpF5eJRt1/
Rest Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Peter makes me want to beat him. He is so convincingly selfish.
All other characters that I have missed have been so, so good.
Though you might lose a bit of patience while watching the intercepting memories, if you keep your head straight you will actually get it all. It’s a wonderful addition to the Halloween season – 4 stars out of 5, from my side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tykS7QfTWMQ