8. Midnight Mass
In 2021, director Mike Flanagan presented a new seven-episode series called Midnight Mass, featuring a star-studded cast including Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan, Henry Thomas, and Hamish Linklater. The show takes place on Crockett Island, where the community is struggling with a string of misfortunes that have left them in despair. The local fishing economy has been destroyed by an oil spill, homes are in disrepair, and the majority of the population has fled for better opportunities on the mainland. With only two ferries available, the remaining islanders feel trapped and hopeless.
While the show has elements of the supernatural, Midnight Mass focuses more on internal struggles than external horror. The setting of Crockett Island creates a sense of physical claustrophobia that reflects the emotional state of the characters. Each character has their own personal demons, from addictive tendencies to secret histories, and the show explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and leadership.
Midnight Mass delves deep into the idea of Catholic guilt, but it also explores broader concepts of group psychology and the human need for faith in times of sorrow. The show asks whether impulses towards good or evil represent human nature, or if they are simply products of circumstance. It blurs the line between miracles and supernatural events, forcing viewers to question what they believe and what they see.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” is a quote from the show that encapsulates its central theme. Midnight Mass offers viewers the opportunity to be doubting Thomases or true believers, and to question what constitutes a miracle or supernatural occurrence. With its talented cast, masterful storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, Midnight Mass is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good psychological drama.
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