The opening shot of Midnight Mass is a man’s hand breaking the surface of dark water, gasping for air—an image that sets the tone for Mike Flanagan‘s latest foray into gothic horror. The series, released on Netflix in September 2021, follows Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), a former venture capitalist returning to his isolated hometown after serving four years for a drunk-driving fatality. His homecoming coincides with the arrival of Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), a charismatic priest whose presence ignites a religious fervor that soon turns sinister.

Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor, weaves a complex narrative that explores faith, forgiveness, and fanaticism. The series stands out for its atmospheric tension and Linklater’s chilling performance as Father Paul, whose enigmatic charm masks something far more sinister. The dual role he plays—also portraying the aging Monsignor Pruitt—adds an extra layer of intrigue.

The show’s strengths lie in its slow-burn pacing and the way it intertwines personal drama with supernatural horror. Scenes like Riley’s tense reunion with his family, particularly his mother Annie (Kristin Lehman) and brother Warren (Igby Rigney), are emotionally charged. The island setting, with its misty landscapes and decaying buildings, serves as a character in itself, amplifying the sense of isolation and dread.

However, Midnight Mass isn’t without its flaws. The writing occasionally feels overly expositional, especially in the earlier episodes, where dialogue-heavy scenes slow down the momentum. Some plot points, like the town’s reactions to the supernatural events, could have been more nuanced. Additionally, while the series explores deep themes of faith and redemption, it sometimes struggles to balance its philosophical musings with the horror elements, leading to uneven pacing.

The performances are generally strong, with Siegel delivering a heartfelt portrayal as Erin Greene, Riley’s childhood sweetheart. Samantha Sloyan as Bev Keane brings a zealous intensity that adds depth to the religious fanaticism theme. Henry Thomas as Ed Flynn provides a grounded counterpoint to the supernatural elements, anchoring the story in human emotion.

Midnight Mass is a deeply affecting tale of faith gone wrong, but it stumbles in its execution. The series shines when it focuses on character dynamics and atmospheric horror, but the pacing issues and occasional heavy-handedness hold it back from greatness.

Tags: Netflix, mystery, Kate Siegel, Midnight Mass, Kristin Lehman, Zach Gilford