This year, Netflix has dabbled in rom-coms, sci-fi, and stand-up comedies, and now, they’re getting dark with the adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel, The Haunting of Hill House.
The new horror series is a modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s legendary novel of the same name, about five siblings who grew up in the most famous haunted house in America. Now adults, they’re reunited by the suicide of their youngest sister, which forces them to finally confront the ghosts of their own pasts… some which lurk in their minds… and some which may really be lurking in the shadows of the iconic Hill House.
The series comes from writer-director Mike Flanagan, who previously adapted Stephen King novel Gerald’s Game into a feature film for Netflix. In the novel, it follows a paranormal investigator who leases out Hill House in hopes of studying the supernatural by inviting several people with histories of encounters. It has previously been adapted into two films—the 1963 version from director Robert Wise called The Haunting, and the 1999 remake with Liam Neeson.
However, Flanagan is taking a different approach in the series with a group of siblings growing up in Hill House. After tragedy strikes, the must all return and revisit all the horrors that occurred there. Judging by the trailer, it will focus on the trauma they endured and it seems to promise many unsettling and terrifying moments.
Starring Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones), Carla Gugino (Gerald’s Game), Timothy Hutton (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Emerald City), Henry Thomas (Gerald’s Game), Kate Siegel (Gerald’s Game), and Victoria Pedretti, along with Lulu Wilson (Sharp Objects), McKenna Grace (Designated Survivor), Paxton Singleton, Violet McGraw (Love), and Julian Hilliard.
The Haunting of Hill House is created, directed and executive produced by Flanagan. Trevor Macy serves as executive producer alongside Flanagan. Meredith Averill acts as co-showrunner and executive producer. Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank also executive produce.
If you want to check out the book, you can find it on Amazon, Book Depository, and at other good book retailers.
The 10-episode season hits Netflix internationally on October 12th.
