Stephen King: Mike Flanagan’s Best Horror Show Will TERRIFY You!

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As a devoted cinephile with a special affection for the chilling realm of horror, I can confidently say that Stephen King’s seal of approval is a surefire sign of terror-filled excellence. The latest offering from Mike Flanagan, the modern master of horror, is none other than “Midnight Mass.”

Flanagan, who has stealthily carved out a legendary status in contemporary horror, is the creative force behind this gripping series. While many casual viewers may recognize his name from Netflix hits like “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and the upcoming “The Midnight Club,” Flanagan’s resume extends far beyond television. He has been honing his craft as a horror filmmaker for years, with an impressive collection of films under his belt, including “Hush,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” and “Doctor Sleep.”

In this reviewer’s humble opinion, “Midnight Mass” is Flanagan at his finest. It promises to be a haunting, thought-provoking journey that will leave even the bravest viewers questioning their faith and sanity. So, if you’re ready to delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche and confront your deepest fears, don’t miss “Midnight Mass.” It’s a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.

Mike Flanagan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, and Oz Perkins as the new generation’s horror maestros. This group of talented filmmakers has earned widespread acclaim, and like any skilled horror director, Flanagan’s films frequently engage in a thoughtful dialogue with the horror genre’s past. Since Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, any director whose work comes after that date should be grateful to King and his work. Whether it’s direct inspiration or simply recognizing that unsettling, introspective, enigmatic horror can be both successful and artistically rewarding, every creator owes Stephen King a debt of gratitude. A nod of approval from him is no small achievement.

Stephen King Is A Huge Fan Of Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass

King Says Midnight Mass Is Dense And Beautifully Photographed

Stephen King is never shy about expressing his views on TV shows and films, especially regarding adaptations of his own works. Therefore, when he gives a thumbs up, it carries weight. Consequently, Mike Flanagan can take pride in knowing that King enjoys his 2021 horror miniseries, “Midnight Mass”. In the past, King has commended Flanagan’s work on adaptations of King’s “Doctor Sleep” and “Gerald’s Game”, and about “Midnight Mass”, King tweeted his approval.

11 Days Until “MIDNIGHT MASS” on Netflix: Mike Flanagan masterfully crafts an intricately shot, chilling story that escalates to a crescendo of terror by its final 7th episode. Don’t miss out!

It was undoubtedly a source of pride for Stephen King to witness Flanagan, who is known for adapting others’ works, create an original story like “Midnight Mass” and achieve success with it, since it signifies a strong interest in his writing.

Midnight Mass Is Heavily Influenced By Stephen King

Mike Flanagan’s Show Shares Similarities With Several King Stories

Although Midnight Mass doesn’t originate from a Stephen King story, it bears a striking resemblance to ‘Salem’s Lot. In fact, if you’re looking for an excellent adaptation of that classic vampire novel, this TV series might just be it. Despite some differences between King’s 1975 novel and the show, the themes and eerie ambiance of Midnight Mass closely mirror those of ‘Salem’s Lot. Both stories revolve around a protagonist returning to their struggling hometown, where they uncover a chilling supernatural terror, slowly transforming the town into an abyss of vampirism and dark teachings.

In the series “Midnight Mass,” there are numerous nods to other works by Stephen King. The character Father Paul Hill (played by Hamish Linklater) shares a striking resemblance with the photograph scene at the end of “The Shining.” Similarly, Riley (Zach Gilford) grapples with alcoholism much like Danny Torrance in “Doctor Sleep.” Additionally, Bev Keane’s fanatical behavior is reminiscent of King characters such as Ms. Carmody from “The Mist” and Margaret White from “Carrie.” Furthermore, a central plot involving a priest with otherworldly powers can be found in King’s 2014 novel “Revival.

Mike Flanagan Has Become The Go-To Director For Stephen King Adaptations

Flanagan Has Directed Two Stephen King Adaptations

It’s fortunate that Stephen King endorses Mike Flanagan’s work, as he has essentially taken on the role of the main interpreter for Stephen King’s novels in film adaptations. He’s made some highly praised adaptations such as Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck​​​​​​, and Gerald’s Game, with Doctor Sleep being a sequel to The Shining. King notoriously disliked Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of his novel, but Flanagan’s film manages to serve as both a continuation of the movie and the book. This could have easily gone awry, at least from King’s perspective.

Flanagan’s works share a prolonged exploration of characters reminiscent of King’s knack for developing individuals in his novels. The terror is not only derived from monsters and spirits, but also from people themselves, and it’s clear that King’s impact on him is evident. Here’s hoping Flanagan tackles another Stephen King tale soon, and let’s hope King endorses it as warmly as he did Midnight Mass.

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2025-05-17 02:09