The Haunting of Hill House (TV series)
The Haunting of Hill House is an American supernatural horror drama streaming television series created and directed by Mike Flanagan, produced by Amblin Television and Paramount Television, for Netflix. Released on October 12, 2018, the series is loosely based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson.
The series follows the Crain family, comprised of Hugh and Olivia Crain and their five children: Steven, Shirley, Theodora, Luke, and Eleanor. In the summer of 1992, the Crains move into Hill House with the intention of renovating and quickly reselling it. However, their experiences in the house are far more traumatic and sinister than they anticipated, leading to a tragedy that forces them to flee and leave the house abruptly.
The narrative is presented in two timelines. The first timeline focuses on the summer the Crain family lived in Hill House, showcasing the supernatural events they endured. The second timeline takes place twenty-six years later, depicting the individual struggles of each family member and how the lingering trauma of Hill House continues to affect their lives. The adult siblings are drawn back together when faced with renewed tragedy, forcing them to confront their past and the secrets of Hill House once more.
The series explores themes of family trauma, grief, mental illness, addiction, and the power of memory. It is noted for its complex character development, intricate storytelling, and atmospheric horror. Though presented as a horror series, it delves deeply into the emotional and psychological impact of paranormal experiences on its characters.
The success of The Haunting of Hill House led to a follow-up series, The Haunting of Bly Manor, released in 2020. While considered part of an anthology series, The Haunting, Bly Manor features a new story, setting, and characters, although it reuses several actors from Hill House in different roles. Flanagan has stated that he currently has no plans for further installments in The Haunting series.