Mike Flanagan is on a bit of a hot streak, updating classic scary books for modern audiences. His The Haunting of Hill House for Netflix was a sharp “remix” of Shirley Jackson’s famous novel of the same name, and Doctor Sleep made for a deliciously spooky sequel to The Shining. Now he’s returned to Netflix for The Haunting of Bly Manor, which is an adaptation of The Turn of the Screw.
Like Hill House, this series will be less of a direct adaptation than repurposing of its characters and themes, staying true to the book’s spirit while finding new ways to deploy its terrifying plot points. In Henry James’ classic novella, part of the thrill was never being quite sure whether the apparitions appearing throughout the story were real or not, making it a potent exploration of mental health. Hopefully this adaptation stays true to the concept because, well, the ghosts sure look real in this trailer. See for yourself …if you dare.
