Mike Flanagan's "MIDNIGHT MASS"
Series review by Dennis D. McDonald
To watch 7-episode MIDNIGHT MASS one must be prepared for long monologues that focus on life, death, good, and evil. There’s also a large dose of Catholic iconography to wade through.
I was familiar with most of that. It made the series all the more disturbing. Seeing one’s childhood faith twisted out of shape by the story’s events and characters is one of the things that makes this horror tale effective. Director and writer Flanagan skillfully dwells on some very traditional cosmic themes (e.g., what happens when we die?) as well as some very traditional — but still frightening — horror elements.
Having been so impressed with both the theatrical release and director’s cut of Dr. Sleep I was eager to watch and was not at all disappointed. Flanagan knows how to get under your skin.
Overall, the acting, photography, editing, and music of MIDNIGHT MASS are excellent. Events take place on a small island populated by a diminishing population many of whom have experienced personal tragedies of some sort. Good and evil clash constantly here and sometimes in surprising ways. Recommended.
Review copyright (c) 2021 by Dennis D. McDonald
