You’ll Regret Skipping This Underrated M. Night Shyamalan Horror Series—Even If You Hate Scary Shows

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As a movie enthusiast who’s drawn to the chilling allure of horror films, it’s clear that this genre isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Horror, for me, has always been more about an intense escape from reality than a comfortable one. It’s not for everyone to revel in feelings of fear, revulsion, and unease that the genre usually provokes.

However, the landscape of horror is changing, offering viewers like myself an opportunity to savor the thrill of suspense and the shivers of spookiness, minus some common off-putting elements such as excessive gore, jump scares, and body horror. This evolution in the genre allows us to appreciate its dark allure without being overwhelmed by the more intense aspects.

A noteworthy horror series, Servant, is one worth watching, even for those who typically dislike the genre. This Apple TV+ production, six years in the making, is helmed by renowned director M. Night Shyamalan. Known for his unique twists and psychological suspense, Servant offers a distinctive horror experience that captivates both horror enthusiasts and those with reservations.

Servant Isn’t Your Typical Horror Series & For Good Reason

The AppleTV+ Series Bends and Mixes Genres Masterfully

As a follower, I find the show “Servant” chilling due to its unique and unsettling concept. The narrative revolves around Dorothy and Sean Turner, a married couple who have tragically lost their child, Mason and Julius Belford. Grief leaves Dorothy catatonic, and seeking help from therapy only deepens their despair. In an unorthodox approach suggested by an unlicensed therapist, they use a reborn doll as a means to cope. However, Dorothy develops an uncanny attachment to the doll, viewing it as her real son, Jericho. She even hires a nanny, Leanne, to care for the doll as if it were alive.

Leanne’s arrival at home coincides with some strange events, such as a reborn doll coming to life like a real baby. In many aspects, the show Servant adheres to the conventions of a typical horror production, featuring a mysterious character entering a household and subsequent odd, supernatural happenings. The inexplicable movement of the reborn doll creates an atmosphere of fear and unease. However, Servant also delves deeply into the realm of mystery. Throughout the series, the characters strive tirelessly to unravel the enigma that surrounds their situation.

As episodes progress in “Servant”, viewers will toggle between doubting the reborn doll as a mere trick and suspecting a genuine supernatural force at work. Yet, the enigma surrounding Jericho’s resurrection is but one of numerous puzzles that surface throughout the show. Furthermore, the Church of Lesser Saints adds to the confusion by casting doubt on Dorothy’s real motives and character.

As the intrigue surrounding Jericho’s resurrection unravels, so too does the initial enigma surrounding his demise. Amidst the suspense and chills, there are layers of family drama and psychological tension. In ‘Servant’, we delve deep into the psyches of Leanne, Dorothy, and Sean, scrutinizing their emotional landscapes, examining themes like grief, illusions, religious fervor, and fixation. Beneath it all lies a poignant tale of a family grappling with grief and concealed familial secrets, striving to hold each other together.

Servant Has the King of Horror’s Seal of Approval

Stephen King Approves of ‘Extremely Creepy’ Series

The series Servant, available on Apple+, has caught the eye of notable figures in the horror genre. Upon its debut, one supporter expressed his enthusiasm, stating “SERVANT: Unnervingly eerie and completely engrossing. Two episodes in and I’m already hooked.” Later, Guillermo del Toro, renowned for his gothic horror, endorsed the show shortly after the conclusion of its first season. On Twitter, he commended it as a “beautifully constructed, refined series” that evoked the atmosphere of a “European/British slow-burn show.” Del Toro appreciated the surreal elements and praised the subtle, chilling details that echo literary horror.

In simpler terms, both King and del Toro aptly capture the mood of the series “Servant”. This show offers a pleasantly eerie ambiance, yet it’s light on conventional horror tropes such as sudden shock moments, graphic violence, or ghostly apparitions. Instead, it uses character actions and camera work to create an unsettling experience for viewers. As del Toro puts it, “Servant” is a show that builds tension gradually, meaning it provides some intense scenes and frights, but these are spread across four seasons and intertwined with mystery, drama, surrealism, and psychological suspense. The end result is a series that’s addictive to binge and creepy, yet never too intense or overwhelming.

In essence, the series “Servant” captivates both horror enthusiasts and skeptics due to its unique expansion of what qualifies as horror. Instead of relying on typical elements like hauntings, exorcisms, or masked killers, it delves into the idea that terror can stem from everyday life. Horror, in this context, is not just about the unknown, but also encompasses the intricacies of human emotions such as grief, loss, life, and death.

Instead of keeping viewers on edge with fear-inducing elements, The Servant primarily aims to intrigue and engage its audience by delving into the enigmatic Turner family. The series is crafted in a way that keeps many answers elusive, leaving viewers yearning for resolution to their most pressing questions. Some might find this drawn-out mystery tedious, but the gradual buildup of tension adds to its allure. Essentially, The Servant serves not just as a thriller, but also as a mental exercise that provokes thought and emotion in viewers.

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2025-07-07 05:20