Streaming on Netflix
Bob Chipman, a.k.a. MovieBob, once referred to the late Edgar Allan Poe as "...the only writer of scary stuff that general audiences are guaranteed to have heard about other than Stephen King." While I have only recently gained an interest in horror cinema, I recall learning about the works of the dark & macabre poet in my early school days. I recall covering the essential classics like The Pit and the Pendulum and The Raven and wondering just how messed up does one have to be to come up with this stuff, how even more messed up are other people to be fascinated with it, and how exponentially messed up is it for this stuff to be taught in elementary school?
While I may not be an avid fan of the works or the person, I do appreciate the works for their incredible influence and exploration in the world of horror storytelling, not unlike how I can appreciate the works of H.P. Lovecraft without admiring the racest jackass that he was; not to mention, the man was a really lazy writer. I'm sorry, but even avid fans must admit it's true.
The works of Edgar Allan Poe are no stranger to stage and film adaptations. One of my few favorites is the adaptation of House of Usher from 1960, starring Vincent Price and directed by Roger Corman. While that film will forever live happily in my memory rent-free, it now has a new neighbor, occupied by the modern master of horror, Mike Flanagan. Whose name has howled through these blog pages many times before, knocking and rattling at my chamber door. Shall I speak of this fantastic series nevermore? Quoth the Raven, "Tell me more!"
Based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, the main story follows an incredibly wealthy family, the Ushers, who own and partially operate a massive pharmaceutical company with a super painkiller, Ligidone, a wonder drug that has successfully eliminated pain in many cases. However, over the many years of the company's existence, reports of falsified records and cover-ups about the drug's horrible side effects, including inescapable addiction, have put the Ushers in the spotlight as they have finally been brought to trial. However, what makes this situation different from all the failed attempts at obtaining justice from the Ushers is the prosecutor's secret weapon: one of the family members has allegedly agreed to come forward as a whistle-blower. With such a bombastic claim, the case is put on a short hold while the family members attempt to figure out who the informant might be. Made all the more mysterious by their subsequent, suspicious, and seemingly sequential deaths. Linked only by an equally mysterious woman who is somehow connected with the head of the Usher family. How many more may die before the truth can be determined?
What makes the show such an incredible experience is how well it focuses on the themes of choice & consequences, greed, and the dangers of desires for vengeance. Even with the apparent metaphors of events like the opioid epidemic, along with ever-so-relevant commentary on corporate apathy, not to mention the inherent dangers that stem from unlimited wealth with little to no consequences, the show drives it all home in a compelling and provoking way without ever coming off as preachy or pretentious. Further, it utilizes the works of Edgar Allan Poe in perfect harmony with the modern context, simultaneously revitalizing classical works and reminding audiences & fellow artists of the meaning of the term "proper adaptation."
What I mean by that is when adapting any work from one medium to another, three kinds of changes will inevitably be made: the changes that you have to make for the sake of the different medium, the changes you can get away with, and the changes that demonstrate either a lack of understanding of the source material or the desire to emulate previous successful ventures to recreate the lucrative results. Thus far, Mike Flanagan's adaptations of previous works are filled with plenty of the first two kinds of changes and practically none of the third. Everything the show does is to present classical works in a modern context while maintaining their original spirit.
While there is no shortage of occasional graphic violence, which is all in service to the story as it should be, the show does not dwell on these moments any longer than is necessary. The series relies more on sharp writing, clever direction, and committed performances to drive the story and deliver all the goods. If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, Mike Flanagan, or good horror storytelling of any kind, you owe it to yourself to check out this series.
Give it a look.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
Nevermore!
