Series Review: The Haunting of Hill House

Admittedly, before we go into my thoughts about this 10-episode Netflix series, I need a disclaimer.

So...

Disclaimer: I have not watched the old adaptation or read the book by Shirley Jackson.

So this is what it looks like.

So without further ado... we shall get into what think about this series. But mind you, with everything I love, there is definitely hate, and with what I hate is what I love. That's always been the thing with me - therefore, the outcome is usually me falling in love with a number of things that people usually don't.

 I think. 

I mean, I definitely feel nothing for the movie adaptation of "To All The Boy I've Ever Loved" so there is that but apparently people think "Julia and Julie" is boring but I am so in love with it - especially the idea of it. 

First, it's the fact that it's about a house. An old house with everything ancient looking - and that is exactly how you get a Nana to watch something. You gotta have something old and lovely looking. I'm in love with old settings. So that part is definitely more to a very personal taste.

Next, the costume. It's not like there is anything flashy in particular. But it is definitely some kind of rich that I just pretty much love consuming. 

The mother is always dressed like a regal woman in some other era. Or maybe, it's that particular era and I love that era. Full skirts and nighties that brings out the regal-ness of any lady of any appearance. I'm in love with that type of look.

Also, the colours. If you realise, each of them have a colour designated on them - and that really gives you an insight on how they are.

And the apparel they had worn when the kids were older - nothing flashy, all neutrals and all so proper. I just loved it. I don't need big gowns and striking colours to keep me on screen, I need familiarity. Again personal taste. 

(And not to forget Theo's gloves. Oh God Her GLOVES.)

I find the whole thing very appealing.

So basically, visual-wise - they got me down real hard. Every scene is like a drug for me. I need more. I loved it more and more. 

But putting aside the visuals, the plot, is so good. And the way the story is played out is amazing and simply made for 'wanting more' (okay, I got to stop saying that). It leaves you hanging with every episode. It drives you to the tenth episode because you want closure. You wanna know the whole thing down pat. You want a happy ending if there is any for these people. And Thank God, they did have it, somewhat - with a few losses here and there. 

Haunting of Hill House series is about facing trauma that was due to a bad childhood. Each of their trauma was faced and in a way, explained in the end. Which is honestly so satisfying like any complete story would be. 

You have no idea how glad I am they did not decide to do a movie adaptation because every episode is like an important puzzle piece. 

So I guess, it's a mystery, thriller and horror.  A beautiful mix of it. That's the bottomline.

But I guess if you want some kind of knowledge to go with before watching the series, here's a list! SPOILERS AHEAD. 

•  Steve - Seeing his mother actually bothered by the supernatural, but deeming it as Mental Illness - Schizophrenia, so he ended up as a Cynic. 
• Shirley - Not being able to save kittens, so she ended up having control issues. 
• Nell - Seeing the Bent-Neck Lady which lead to her depression due to being haunted by the memory. 
• Luke - *huge spoiler* seeing his friend being poisoned, which lead him to substance abuse. 
• Theo - 'sensitive', so she feels more (detects more too) - which lead her to self-isolation. (hard to understand? Watch it and you will understand!)

(This is what I can give based on not giving too much away, and I really hope it helps too.)

Okay so with that, I hope you do watch it and enjoy it as much as you can. 

Much love,

Alifah Ilyana.

PS. Here are some links you could go to after watching the whole thing, just in case you need some extra desserts or something to feel your need of wanting more. I enjoy reading anything related to a movie/series if it's good enough so yeah why not. 

1. Actor who plays Shirley's thoughts on the Series

2. Actor who plays Olivia's Thoughts on the Series

3. Critical Review of the series, in reference to the Book

4. Symbolisms! and Designs! and and well details hidden.