Yesterday (9th October 2020) we got a new horror series on netflix: The haunting of Bly Manor. This is an adaption of the Classic book “The turn of the screw” by Henry James.

This is one of my favorit Classic goth horror stories together with “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly and “The haunting of Hill House” by Shirey Jackson.

Shirley Jackson got a series adaption on netflix 2018 and it soon grabbed my attention. I truly liked how they captured the siblings angst from the past with their life today. The creator Mike Flanagan have also made “Geralds game” which is one of my favorit Stephen King Movie adaptions. I Know these series and Movies arent your typical jumpscare horror but they still leave you puzzled and scared.

Another adapton of “The turn of the screw” I really want to recommend is “the Innocent” from 1961. I know it might sound boring with a black and White old Movie but dear god this is one Amazing Movie that freak me out still to this day.

In the story of “the turn of the screw” Miss Giddens applies for her first job as a governess. The wealthy bachelor interviewing her is unconcerned with her lack of experience. He values his freedom to travel and socialise and unabashedly confesses that he has “no room, mentally or emotionally” for his niece and nephew. They were orphaned and left in his care as infants, and he keeps them at Bly, his large country estate. The previous governess, Mary Jessel, had died suddenly less than a year ago. All he cares about is that Miss Giddens accepts full responsibility for the children, never troubling him with whatever problems may arise. Miss Giddens soon grows disturbed by the children’s occasional odd behaviours and secretiveness, and is bothered by disembodied voices and apparitions of a man and woman she witnesses in the house.

The ending on “the innocent” we get a true feeling of wondering what was true, was Miss Giddens insane or was there something else at Blu Mansion. And I hope with all my heart Mike Flanagan gives me the same feeling. I want to be puzzled. When we try to explain to much we lose those haunting “what if” questions.

If you have read the book “The turn of the screw” and want a more of a deep dive into the story and what really happened I would recommend you to watch my dear friende Laxxia’s video. I will embed it down below. I think he did a great job in capturing the book in all its glory.

Have you not read the book I do recommend you to do so. Its a Classic for a reason and it might not leave you sleepless at night. But it will still give you the right kind of atmospheric feeling that is perfect for halloween.

I will make sure to start watching this mini series already today and I might even finish it in a day or two like with “the Haunting of Hill House”. I might also pick up the book again to relive my high school sweetheart book.

Much love,

Elin Adler