2,266 reviews
I looooved the Hill house and was looking forward to the same creators producing a new masterpiece, but in my opinion they didn't.
The first 4 episodes are sooo slow and borderline boring, to the point where I almost stopped watching. Glad I didn't, because the 2nd half was way better. But all together it didn't hit a home run for me.
Not bad, just not great.
btw am I the only one who got annoyed by "perfectly splendid"?!
btw am I the only one who got annoyed by "perfectly splendid"?!
- katharina-muellner
- Oct 9, 2020
- Permalink
- mr_bickle_the_pickle
- Oct 11, 2020
- Permalink
I loved this amazing show very much. I was expecting something like Haunting of Hill House, but it's very different. Later I understood that it's a love instead of a horror story and from there on I totally got lost into it. Flanagan has really done a fantastic job, but I think the marketing team messed up a little bit here. It should be marketed differently from the previous one because these two are actually two totally different genre stories.
I can't say much mostly because I am still lost in this beautiful love story and it's so freaking satisfying. I do say that the first 4 episodes could have been shorten into just 2 but it really picked up from episode 5. I also would say that I did miss the Bent -neck lady here but Episode 5 came really close. Last two episodes are real master pieces.
I really have nothing bad to say about this show... People just remember, forget about Haunting of Hill House before you watch this. It's a entirely different story.
I can't say much mostly because I am still lost in this beautiful love story and it's so freaking satisfying. I do say that the first 4 episodes could have been shorten into just 2 but it really picked up from episode 5. I also would say that I did miss the Bent -neck lady here but Episode 5 came really close. Last two episodes are real master pieces.
I really have nothing bad to say about this show... People just remember, forget about Haunting of Hill House before you watch this. It's a entirely different story.
- mubaraktheking
- Oct 9, 2020
- Permalink
I loved Hill House but this isn't Hill House, it's Bly Manor. As soon as I got that into my head I was able to enjoy Bly Manor for what it is.
Yes, the season is a bit of a slow start as the setting is being established and the "rules" for the haunting. But even in its slow start the writers are doing tremendous work and there are some phenomenal performances. Most American actors suck at a British accent, so I can overlook that. Though I do find it hilarious how people were shaming Owen's accent when the actor used his real accent for the role.
As the story picks up and the audience puts the pieces together there are many emotional revelations. Since the characters are so well crafted the ending is both fitting and devastating. If that ending doesn't make you cry, then you're a cold person.
I probably won't be watching Bly Manor again whereas I rewatched Hill House plenty of times but I hope that Netflix will consider renewing the series for another haunting because I really love the work the writers, cast and crew are doing here.
Yes, the season is a bit of a slow start as the setting is being established and the "rules" for the haunting. But even in its slow start the writers are doing tremendous work and there are some phenomenal performances. Most American actors suck at a British accent, so I can overlook that. Though I do find it hilarious how people were shaming Owen's accent when the actor used his real accent for the role.
As the story picks up and the audience puts the pieces together there are many emotional revelations. Since the characters are so well crafted the ending is both fitting and devastating. If that ending doesn't make you cry, then you're a cold person.
I probably won't be watching Bly Manor again whereas I rewatched Hill House plenty of times but I hope that Netflix will consider renewing the series for another haunting because I really love the work the writers, cast and crew are doing here.
- teiixeiral
- Oct 12, 2020
- Permalink
A year ago, I watched and enjoyed "The Haunting of Hill House" so was very happy to find that the spiritual sequel had made it to completion before covid shutdown. Much like last years effort, the scarier aspects are just trappings really, with "Bly Manor" being a tragic, or perhaps a series of tragic, love stories - with ghosts.
Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti) comes to a big Stately home in England to act as Nanny for two small children, who's parents have died. Though the children are charming, both Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) and Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) are prone to spells of absence, or sudden personality shifts. The house is old and has been around for centuries and has many ghosts, both literal and figurative, but Dani has a secret, that she has been haunted by a figure from her past long before arriving in Bly.
My gut feeling is that, particularly after the opening few episodes, "Bly Manor" is less scary than "Hill House" was. So, if being scared is all the worth you're going to attribute to the show, then you'll almost certainly be disappointed. (I do accept that it's not advertised that way and maybe that needs addressing if there's a third version next year). The "secret" ghost idea returns from "Hill House", so much of the fun is spent scanning the backgrounds for the ghosts in various doorways, at the end of corridors and in mirrors, just quietly watching the action unfold.
Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas and Carla Gugino all return from last year. But they're joined by Amelia Eve, Tahirah Sharif and most importantly by the pair of T'Nia Miller and Rahul Kohli as the Manor's housekeeper and cook respectively and the shows most compelling will-they-won't-they-pair.
Admittedly, the show could have done with a few more surprises or, perhaps less predictable twists, along the way. A couple of the shows reveals we had the gist of well before it was actually revealed. For reasons I shouldn't explain, Carla Gugino is attempting a Northern English accent which I feel I want to award points for effort for, even if it's not entirely successful. Henry Thomas' plummy Southern accent is even less so.
I'd have liked scarier, I'd have liked a few more unexpected twists, but ultimately I enjoyed this melancholy, gothic, tragic story and hope to return to the house next year.
Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti) comes to a big Stately home in England to act as Nanny for two small children, who's parents have died. Though the children are charming, both Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) and Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) are prone to spells of absence, or sudden personality shifts. The house is old and has been around for centuries and has many ghosts, both literal and figurative, but Dani has a secret, that she has been haunted by a figure from her past long before arriving in Bly.
My gut feeling is that, particularly after the opening few episodes, "Bly Manor" is less scary than "Hill House" was. So, if being scared is all the worth you're going to attribute to the show, then you'll almost certainly be disappointed. (I do accept that it's not advertised that way and maybe that needs addressing if there's a third version next year). The "secret" ghost idea returns from "Hill House", so much of the fun is spent scanning the backgrounds for the ghosts in various doorways, at the end of corridors and in mirrors, just quietly watching the action unfold.
Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas and Carla Gugino all return from last year. But they're joined by Amelia Eve, Tahirah Sharif and most importantly by the pair of T'Nia Miller and Rahul Kohli as the Manor's housekeeper and cook respectively and the shows most compelling will-they-won't-they-pair.
Admittedly, the show could have done with a few more surprises or, perhaps less predictable twists, along the way. A couple of the shows reveals we had the gist of well before it was actually revealed. For reasons I shouldn't explain, Carla Gugino is attempting a Northern English accent which I feel I want to award points for effort for, even if it's not entirely successful. Henry Thomas' plummy Southern accent is even less so.
I'd have liked scarier, I'd have liked a few more unexpected twists, but ultimately I enjoyed this melancholy, gothic, tragic story and hope to return to the house next year.
- southdavid
- Oct 19, 2020
- Permalink
This story has so many turning points ,just like the hill house and the growth of each character is just "perfectly splendid". You will laugh ,you will fear,and you definitely would love on how gradually and mysteriously the story grows. They actually did save the best for the last . The story has so many folds and yet doesn't loose it's touch of sense and keeps us guessing what's going on . The last 2 episodes joins all the loose ends , solves all the mysteries and answers all the questions that you have in your mind since the 1st episode. You might find yourselves confused about what's happening and how it's happening ,and the show writers have done a great job letting us guess and wonder on what's going ,that even if we are right ,there is another twist to that theory.
This was a show of beautiful writing, beautiful acting and most importantly ,a show that ends with peace .
- bhuwans-94428
- Oct 8, 2020
- Permalink
Very nice and spooky new adaptation of Henry James' classic gothic ghost novel . Well well done! For me a 8,5/10
- imuckenschnabl
- Oct 8, 2020
- Permalink
You know when you attend a 3 day course and you leave at the end thinking we could have achieved that in half a day? Well...
- keithlinstead
- Oct 21, 2020
- Permalink
I don't understand why so many people are rating this poorly? It definitely had its creepy moments and honestly, I enjoyed this storyline more than the last version!
I think people need to stop comparing it to the first season and rate it as it's own thing.
Please do not listen to the bad reviews and give it a go!
- kaelynkhowe
- Oct 11, 2020
- Permalink
Show looks amazing, it has a really good story but it just can't compete with Hill House. Show is mostly based around the horrors of existence, loss, death and love. It doesn't really have a lot of "disturbing" horror aspects like Hill House whom at the times felt really disturbing and creepy. Jumpscares are toned down quite a lot. Story is pretty self explanatory although it does take it's time. I would still recommened it to people.
- sloncarvuca
- Oct 9, 2020
- Permalink
Mike Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House was an absolute masterpiece of a series--a tough bar to set for any successor. Remarkably, The Haunting of Bly Manor comes very near to matching it (and in some ways does in pure emotion).
For a very basic overview, Bly Manor tells the story of young British au pair Dani (Victoria Pedretti) taking on the two young charges--Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) & Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)--of Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) at his family manor. When Dani arrives, however, she is greeted by weirdness of all sorts, from ghostly apparitions to specters of past Bly residents, such as Peter (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and the previous nanny, Miss Jessel (Tahirah Sharif).
The key to appreciating Bly Manor nearly as much as Hill House is to understand that they are fundamentally different endeavors. Whereas Hill House lays out all its cards relatively early and fills in the blanks with ghosts and deep character work, Bly Manor is both a mystery and a love story at heart--saving its big reveals and deepest emotional punches for the final few episodes.
The new approach still works quite well because Flanagan is always a step ahead of the viewer. His ability to manipulate time, space, and emotion to tell a story is truly remarkable--perhaps unmatched. The last three installments here are 10/10 efforts--utterly engrossing.
The cast is also fantastic top to bottom, with many of Flanagan's Hill House regulars back to work here. Besides those aforementioned, other crucial roles are expertly played by Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, and Kate Siegel. I was especially impressed by Pedretti, who graduates from a more supporting role in Hill House to almost the unquestioned lead here.
It pains me to not give Bly Manor the full 10/10--mainly because the final three episodes are so compelling. But there are a few 8/10 efforts here which feature more "setup" than "substance" and don't quite capture the perfect Hill House mix of thriller and character work. So, in total, this is more of an extremely solid 9/10 series.
Going into Bly Manor, I honestly did not think it could top Hill House in terms of overall quality. It did not, but it is far from a disappointment. In some ways, I like the different tone/style from Hill House--Flanagan stretching his storytelling prowess in unique direction. Even so, the storytelling, emotion, and acting are nearly Hill House's equal.
For a very basic overview, Bly Manor tells the story of young British au pair Dani (Victoria Pedretti) taking on the two young charges--Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) & Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)--of Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) at his family manor. When Dani arrives, however, she is greeted by weirdness of all sorts, from ghostly apparitions to specters of past Bly residents, such as Peter (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and the previous nanny, Miss Jessel (Tahirah Sharif).
The key to appreciating Bly Manor nearly as much as Hill House is to understand that they are fundamentally different endeavors. Whereas Hill House lays out all its cards relatively early and fills in the blanks with ghosts and deep character work, Bly Manor is both a mystery and a love story at heart--saving its big reveals and deepest emotional punches for the final few episodes.
The new approach still works quite well because Flanagan is always a step ahead of the viewer. His ability to manipulate time, space, and emotion to tell a story is truly remarkable--perhaps unmatched. The last three installments here are 10/10 efforts--utterly engrossing.
The cast is also fantastic top to bottom, with many of Flanagan's Hill House regulars back to work here. Besides those aforementioned, other crucial roles are expertly played by Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, and Kate Siegel. I was especially impressed by Pedretti, who graduates from a more supporting role in Hill House to almost the unquestioned lead here.
It pains me to not give Bly Manor the full 10/10--mainly because the final three episodes are so compelling. But there are a few 8/10 efforts here which feature more "setup" than "substance" and don't quite capture the perfect Hill House mix of thriller and character work. So, in total, this is more of an extremely solid 9/10 series.
Going into Bly Manor, I honestly did not think it could top Hill House in terms of overall quality. It did not, but it is far from a disappointment. In some ways, I like the different tone/style from Hill House--Flanagan stretching his storytelling prowess in unique direction. Even so, the storytelling, emotion, and acting are nearly Hill House's equal.
The show had the potential to be more intense and memorable, even a lot scarier, and it did fall flat, true. But it deserves more than 2 and 3 stars. It definitely gets boring around the middle as you feel that you are watching the same episode again and again where nothing really happens and you understand no more than you did in the previous one. The last two episodes make up for it though. It ultimately all makes sense and it ends on a hopeful note. Had the scenario been tighter and had the directors not dropped some great opportunities to create some chilling scenes, this show could easily get a 9 or 10 rating.
- anastasia_z-41358
- Oct 16, 2020
- Permalink
This show was "Absolutely dreadful". I felt like I was waiting the entire season for something to happen. I wanted to throw the kids in the stupid lake and call it a day.
- scarolafrank
- Oct 14, 2020
- Permalink
The show is nowhere near as frightening or memorable as it's predecessor, The autopsy scene in that show still gives me nightmares.
While this show does fall short of 'Hill House' it can still stand on its own legs. It's an entirely different story and it seems to have entirely different goals.
The story is tragic and beautiful. The third episode had me nearly in tears. The characters were sympathetic and compelling. I binge watched the whole thing and I loved doing it.
That being said I almost wish the shows creators didn't aim for this type of story a "love story" as they plainly say in the show. I wanted something creepier and this show isn't meant to scare, but rather gut punch and evoke a sense of loss which it does rather well.
The narrative is also a bit convoluted which takes away any sense of progression in the plot. The reliance on flashbacks is interesting (side note-one entire episode is a flashback) but I might have preferred a more linear progression. A lot of plot points are simply abandoned at whim, and threads left underdeveloped for the sake of these flashbacks.
All in all it stands well on its own but in reference to its predecessor it pales in comparison and I find myself wishing that they had made another show.
While this show does fall short of 'Hill House' it can still stand on its own legs. It's an entirely different story and it seems to have entirely different goals.
The story is tragic and beautiful. The third episode had me nearly in tears. The characters were sympathetic and compelling. I binge watched the whole thing and I loved doing it.
That being said I almost wish the shows creators didn't aim for this type of story a "love story" as they plainly say in the show. I wanted something creepier and this show isn't meant to scare, but rather gut punch and evoke a sense of loss which it does rather well.
The narrative is also a bit convoluted which takes away any sense of progression in the plot. The reliance on flashbacks is interesting (side note-one entire episode is a flashback) but I might have preferred a more linear progression. A lot of plot points are simply abandoned at whim, and threads left underdeveloped for the sake of these flashbacks.
All in all it stands well on its own but in reference to its predecessor it pales in comparison and I find myself wishing that they had made another show.
I am writing this review after watching this show for two times in a row in six days. "The Haunting of Bly Manor" is a masterpiece, that's all I have to say. An outstanding cinematographic work, which brings together a great script, amazing setting and dialogues, excellent actors, remarkable music, beautiful cinematography, and everything else that goes into an intelligent first-class movie.
Every episode has a great storytelling, every episode unravels something wonderful and touching, there are lots of amazing details for an attentive viewer to notice (which I am not going to mention to avoid spoilers). The love stories are all very moving and even heartbreaking. All cast is excellent, but Oliver Jackson-Cohen is just unbelievable as Peter. Makes you love the character no matter what. I could go on and on.
Please do not watch this is you expect a horror movie. I didn't even think that "The Haunting of Hill House" was a horror, let alone this one so mistakenly marketed as the second season. This is drama at its core, despite its name and the ghosts, and the supernatural activity that this show contains. I think "The Haunting of Bly Manor" should be watched from a totally different perspective. Please take time and effort to appreciate the show the way it is, and it may become one of the most satisfying movie experiences in your life. Just like it did for me.
Every episode has a great storytelling, every episode unravels something wonderful and touching, there are lots of amazing details for an attentive viewer to notice (which I am not going to mention to avoid spoilers). The love stories are all very moving and even heartbreaking. All cast is excellent, but Oliver Jackson-Cohen is just unbelievable as Peter. Makes you love the character no matter what. I could go on and on.
Please do not watch this is you expect a horror movie. I didn't even think that "The Haunting of Hill House" was a horror, let alone this one so mistakenly marketed as the second season. This is drama at its core, despite its name and the ghosts, and the supernatural activity that this show contains. I think "The Haunting of Bly Manor" should be watched from a totally different perspective. Please take time and effort to appreciate the show the way it is, and it may become one of the most satisfying movie experiences in your life. Just like it did for me.
THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR (2020) is a great rendition of the classic trope, a governess goes to look after two unusual, wealthy children in a haunted manor. But the story is much more original and symbolic, much like most of Director Flanagan's works.
"After an au pair's tragic death, Henry hires a young American nanny to care for his orphaned niece and nephew who reside at Bly Manor with the chef Owen, groundskeeper Jamie and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose."
While I didn't care for this show as much as I did The Haunting of Hill House, it was a really enjoyable show, perhaps less creepy, but still psychological and paranormal. It was exceptionally made, but just less enjoyable than its unrelated counterpart, but it's depth was certainly appreciated.
"After an au pair's tragic death, Henry hires a young American nanny to care for his orphaned niece and nephew who reside at Bly Manor with the chef Owen, groundskeeper Jamie and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose."
While I didn't care for this show as much as I did The Haunting of Hill House, it was a really enjoyable show, perhaps less creepy, but still psychological and paranormal. It was exceptionally made, but just less enjoyable than its unrelated counterpart, but it's depth was certainly appreciated.
- Jinxxa_Wolfe
- Mar 1, 2024
- Permalink
This is such an intelligent ghost story, so many tragic tales within one tale, much concentration on the back stories of different characters. The standard of acting is superb, Hannah the housekeeper stood out for me and her story was both moving and tragic. The children did speak in a very strange way, but the reasons for this become clearer as the story unfolds. I do not understand the criticisms about accents as most of the actors are actually English, one Scottish and a few American so they are not fake.
I highly recommend this series for viewers who like a deep, emotional yarn, not a blood and guts horror. Excellent, really excellent.
I highly recommend this series for viewers who like a deep, emotional yarn, not a blood and guts horror. Excellent, really excellent.
- sumayyajames
- Oct 2, 2023
- Permalink
Enjoyable but drawn out and a bit slow. A love story for sure, not scary at all more about grief. Very different to the Haunting of Hill House so don't go into it expecting the same. Looking forward to the gothic horror story they might produce.
- hayleedarling
- Oct 11, 2020
- Permalink
Well, I didn't expect to be crying my heart out for this series, The Haunting Of Bly Manor. This is definitely much lighter than The Haunting of Hill House. Hill House would scare the living s**t out of you and Bly Manor would melt the living s**t out of your heart. This is a borderline between horror and romance but mainly romance. It will remind you of the days of Gothic Romance, say The Phantom Of The Opera or Dracula, and the like.
- actualbookworm
- Oct 9, 2020
- Permalink
I managed to finish this series and can safely say it's NOT a horror story. It's a romance. If you're looking for thrills a minute look elsewhere. It's quite sweet, not the greatest but it's good.
- ThaliaDavies
- Oct 9, 2020
- Permalink
I just finished the last episode, the only reason why I actually finished this show was because the reviews had so many 10s... so I watched, sighed, watched again.
By episode 5 I was really struggling, but pulled through because people said the last two episodes would be amazing. I was left disappointed to say the least.
The Haunting of Hill House was what got me excited for this show, but I honestly think Bly Manor is meant for an entirely different audience. Will I still be watching the Youtube videos counting the ghost? Yes, but with not even close to the same enthusiasm as I had previously hoped.
8.5 stars for me. It's very different to Haunting of Hill House. Less "horror" and more a story of love and obsession, ghosts and loss. In fact, it reminds me a bit of Haruki Murakami's stories.
While I thought the first episodes were a bit lacking, the second half is definitely interesting - pretty much from "Altar of the Dead" onwards.
I thought it was great storytelling, I can see how people would be disappointed who expected Haunting of Hill House-like horror however.
If you don't expect it, and go in with a completely fresh mind, you're more likely to be hooked & be able to enjoy it for what it is. Something else entirely. If you want sheer horror, stay clear of it.
(And no matter what you expected or had hoped for, this show doesn't deserve anything below a 5 if you truly watched to the end. I can't think of many shows or movies I would have given that kind of rating, even when I didn't like them. It's equally silly to the low ratings on Haunting of Hill House. People should be a bit more reasonable.)
I thought it was great storytelling, I can see how people would be disappointed who expected Haunting of Hill House-like horror however.
If you don't expect it, and go in with a completely fresh mind, you're more likely to be hooked & be able to enjoy it for what it is. Something else entirely. If you want sheer horror, stay clear of it.
(And no matter what you expected or had hoped for, this show doesn't deserve anything below a 5 if you truly watched to the end. I can't think of many shows or movies I would have given that kind of rating, even when I didn't like them. It's equally silly to the low ratings on Haunting of Hill House. People should be a bit more reasonable.)