"Midnight Mass" is a series where there is a lot of controversy about religion and little horror

The horror series Midnight Mass is released on September 24 on Netflix. His script was written by Mike Flanagan, he personally directed all the episodes and acted as a producer. In recent years, this author has already established himself from the very best side among fans of unhurried and aesthetic horror tied to drama. He directed The Haunting of Hill House, as well as Doctor Sleep and Gerald's Game. But all of his most successful projects have been based on famous books. Now Flanagan is shooting on his own idea.

And the new series turned out to be no worse than the director's previous works. Perhaps there are not many frightening scenes in Midnight Mass. But superbly written characters and an abundance of dialogues turn the plot into an ambiguous drama with arguments about religion and humanity.

The Lost People Story

Once upon a time Riley Flynn (Zach Guildford) had an accident drunk, as a result of which the girl died. He served in prison and is now returning to his parental home - on the islet of Crockett Island with a population of only 127 people.

In this quiet place, life goes on without incident. Sheriff Hassan (Rahul Koli) doesn't even carry a gun. After all, the worst thing that can happen is a local drunkard will try to break the window. And after the rowdy will simply fall asleep in the open chamber of the site.

Together with Riley, a young priest comes to the island - Father Paul (Hamish Linklater), who must replace the local pastor who fell ill during the pilgrimage. It is with the arrival of Paul that the settlement is amazingly transformed: people are healed of diseases and are getting younger before our very eyes. However, it gradually becomes clear that behind this is not only good: all residents are in danger.

In his author's work, Flanagan continues to use moves from classic horror and thrillers. The hero arrives in a small village with friendly residents, and the inexplicable begins to happen there. This has already happened in Day Three with Jude Law, in the classic Wicker Man, and even in Ari Astaire's Solstice. But this technique is good because it can be used endlessly - and every time in a new way. Moreover, "Midnight Mass" does not dwell on one character. The serial format allows you to tell about many residents, here it is even difficult to specifically single out the main character.

Initially, Riley is given a lot of time, and this partly leads to a topic that Flanagan is clearly interested in. In his films, the characters often return to their traumatized parental home. This was the case in The Oculus, and in Haunting of the Hill House, and even partly in Doctor Sleep, although the plot was different in the original Stephen King novel. This idea, by the way, makes the author related to the aforementioned Ari Astaire. He and in "Reincarnation" and in "Solstice" talked about attempts to escape from the bondage of family ties.

But then it becomes clear that for Flanagan Riley is not the main character, but only an outside observer, with whom it is easier for the viewer to associate himself. The permanent residents of Crockett Island have equally interesting fates. And for most of the season, the show turns into an exploration of the stories of different characters and their relationships. There is a girl here who got a disability due to an oversight of a neighbor, who then drank himself. There is a Muslim sheriff and his son who are trying with all their might to become "theirs." And even a female doctor who watches the fading of her mother's mind.

Such characters are as far as possible from the flat types of slashers: they clearly came from the drama. And even if all hints of horror are removed from the "Midnight Mass", it will still be interesting to watch the life of a small village. The heroes talk endlessly during walks, or even can talk for 10 minutes of screen time about what will happen after their death.

They all look very different. But many of the characters have one thing in common: Flanagan again talks about people who can't find their place. Such were the heroes of The Haunting of the Hill House, and there, too, by the way, for half the season they simply talked about their lives. Literally every inhabitant of Crockett Island is lost. Those who tried to break free and escape returned with nothing. The rest understand how monotonous their everyday life is, but they have no idea what can be done about it.

Most seem to find salvation in religion. But this very topic turns out to be very controversial.

Discourse on God, Goodness and Purpose

Father Paul is the brightest and most interesting character in Midnight Mass. Thanks to him, a lot of interesting thoughts related to religion are heard in the series.

The dialogue with Riley about alcoholism is one of the strongest dramatic scenes of the entire season. One claims that it is faith in God that allows people to stand aside and do nothing while evil is happening. The other responds with a wise thought, which followers of many confessions too often try to ignore. “There is nothing in Scripture or in the world at all that would suggest that God denies personal responsibility,” says the pastor.

Moreover, the author of the series deliberately avoids the temptation to take sides with regard to faith. In "Midnight Mass" there are characters for whom the church becomes a real salvation. And there are obsessed extremists who justify any crimes with religion.

Perhaps the most controversial statement on this topic is the scene in which a Muslim explains at length and reasonably why it is not possible to study the Bible in a public school. And immediately followed by an equally detailed answer why this still needs to be done. There are equal arguments for any worldview. And here everyone can choose for himself which thoughts are closer to him.

Although the main stumbling block is the ability of Paul's father himself. His powers help those around him, but there is a fine line between good and temptation. Moreover, it is Linklater's game that allows you to convey the whole range of emotions. The hero is incredibly touching and sincerely believing in his words.

At the same time, Paul constantly talks about salvation and support, but from a certain point he follows purely selfish motives. Unless it operates with the hands of obsessed fanatics. And this again makes the idea of the series related to reality.

Beautiful shots and too unhurried horror

The only ones who can get upset with Midnight Mass are the impatient fans of classic horror movies. The thing is that the show will start to really scare you somewhere in 4 hours. In the first episodes, screamers and generally scary moments will appear once or twice per episode, simply reminding that this is not only a philosophical drama.

The series seems to illustrate the dogma that patience is an important virtue. From the fifth episode, the action begins to accelerate, turning into a full-fledged horror by the end.

Moreover, the author cannot be accused of wasting time. A long introduction helps to feel empathy, and even love for the heroes, so the fate of everyone looks really tragic. It is unlikely that someone would have caught the death of a character who flashed on the screen for a couple of minutes. And for the inhabitants of the island, who have already become native, it is scary.

But even before Mike Flanagan starts tossing his favorite screamers and monsters, there is a lot to see on the show. Connoisseurs of his previous work have already seen that the director knows how to shoot very aesthetically.

He loves long shots during dramatic scenes. True, there will not be a half-hour scene without gluing, as in "The Haunting of the Hill House", but there are also enough leisurely passages. Even the creepy moments Flanagan presents beautifully: the scene with cats on the coast seems both disgusting and very graceful. And the combination of visions and reality and turning the camera on its side seemed to come from the "Doctor of Sleep". Moments like this can literally feel the anxiety of the characters.

As a result, "Midnight Mass" becomes a leisurely and very aesthetic series based on dialogues. The project is mesmerizing with its visuals and makes the viewer join in thinking, and even in discussing controversial topics. And by the end, it also gives out a portion of adrenaline in the form of a good horror movie.