Have you ever noticed how some horror TV shows manage to grab you without ever showing a monster running across the screen? And a lot of the time, these are the kinds of series that make you uncomfortable in ways you can’t explain, and you realize the fear isn’t in the special effects – it’s in the people, the choices they make, and what they hide from each other. It’s that constant tension, where every conversation or even a simple glance could mean something; now, imagine that stretched over 7 episodes. That’s the experience Netflix delivered with a production that, four years later, still feels unbeatable (and it helps that Mike Flanagan is at the helm).
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At first glance, Midnight Mass might seem like just another horror premise. But its biggest strength is how well it’s executed, to the point where you almost forget it’s based on a simple idea. And don’t worry, because you’ll get horror, drama, and reflection all balanced out, without the show ever trying too hard to be “deep.”
Midnight Mass takes place on Crockett Island, a small, isolated community already living in the shadow of past tragedies. Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), a former resident returning after a tragic accident, has to deal with guilt, regret, and reintegration into the community he left behind. At the same time, Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) arrives to take over the local parish. On the surface, he seems like a charismatic guy, but as events start to take a darker turn, things quickly get unsettling. People’s faith is shaken, and moral and existential dilemmas start popping up left and right.
The real secret of the series is how it puts you in the story without you even noticing. It’s not just casual viewing, it’s immersive; you really feel like you’re on the island, surrounded by people who feel real and have real problems. Father Paul is a perfect example: he can be warm and manipulative at the same time, making you question whether he genuinely wants to help or has a darker plan. Riley, on the other hand, is the emotional anchor of the show: You see every flaw, every regret, and every moment of doubt, which makes the supernatural stakes even heavier because the danger isn’t just physical – it’s psychological, spiritual, and almost personal. In the end, it all feels terrifyingly close to real life, constantly drawing the viewer in as if you’re just another character.
And here’s something you rarely see in horror shows: dialogue as a weapon. Many reviews of Midnight Mass point out the long speeches and monologues, but honestly, they’re part of what keeps the audience glued to the screen. Sure, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but in a smart show that wants to explore horror in a real, convincing way, it’s necessary. It’s not filler: every conversation reveals something about a character or the community and digs into faith, redemption, and morality. It’s the kind of horror that demands your attention but pays off big time. Flanagan’s real strength is blending the genre with reflection and emotion, and if you invest in the series, you’ll end up questioning what you think about right and wrong, life and death.
The show also isn’t afraid to go into uncomfortable territory. How faith and religious obsession can drive people to extreme behaviors is disturbing, but believable. You see normal people pushed to the edge, which creates horror without needing blood in every scene. The fear comes from the mind, from what people are willing to do out of belief, fear, or guilt. That’s the scary part, since it’s something that could happen in real life. That kind of existential tension is still rare in TV horror, and it’s what makes Midnight Mass feel timeless and still relevant, years later.
Plus, from a technical perspective, the series is flawless without drawing attention to itself (and that’s a good thing). The cinematography makes the island feel both isolated and oppressive, and the visual effects show up only when necessary. There’s no visual overkill or unnecessary noise – everything seems designed to ramp up discomfort and make you question what’s real and what’s imagined. This is a show that knows fear is far more powerful when you feel it could happen to you.
Also, in a lot of productions, it’s easy to get frustrated with character arcs because the focus is almost always on the leads. But here, every character matters, having a flaw or a clear motivation. Erin (Kate Siegel), for example, is driven by a desire to protect her unborn child, which sometimes makes her cautious to the point of overthinking or holding back in critical moments; Sheriff Hassan (Rahul Kohli) deals with judgements and suspicion while showing humanity and integrity that make him one of the most relatable characters; and even the minor island residents get moments that reveal more about the community and help maintain that tension. In Midnight Mass, nobody is just there to die or to set a mood, because they’re essential in building the horror atmosphere.
The show might not be talked about enough, and it’s arguably underrated, but it has been well-received by critics and the segment of viewers who gave it a chance. It holds an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has earned some award nominations. Why? Because it leaves a mark on anyone who watches horror. It proves you can go beyond jump scares and still tackle complex topics honestly and intensely. It’s the kind of series you recommend to people looking for more than disposable entertainment.
Midnight Mass premiered in 2021, but compared to other genre productions, it’s hard not to rank it at least in the top 3. Horror, character development, and moral reflection all rolled into one – it’s not just a show to watch; it’s an experience that challenges you and makes you question your own views on life. Every episode is designed to make you feel, think, and most importantly, fully engage with the story. That’s why it continues to stand out and remains, without a doubt, Flanagan’s best work and the best horror Netflix has ever put out.
Midnight Mass is available on Netflix.
Have you watched Midnight Mass yet? What did you think? Do you think it’s one of Netflix’s best shows? Let us know in the comments!
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Image courtesy of Stage 6 Films -
Image courtesy of Lucasfilm
