The haunted house subgenre of horror is a tried and true favorite that has been seen hundreds of times throughout the years. But Netflix is going back to the source, the 1959 Shirley Jackson novel “The Haunting of Hill House” for their next inevitable hit series this Halloween.
In the first trailer for the new series, we see a mother, played by Carla Gugino, as she attempts to put the fears of her children to rest as they prepare for bed. Most children are afraid of monsters, ghosts, or the boogeyman. For these children, they have very vivid imaginations that include drug addiction, suicide, and morgues. Yeah, these kids are a little…off. But as the trailer says, it’s not their fault, or their mom’s. It’s that damn Hill House.
“The Haunting of Hill House” has been adapted twice before as feature films. Once is the classic 1963 film “The Haunting.” Then, of course, you have the very bad attempt at a remake in 1999. Netflix is hoping this doesn’t elicit memories of the horrible remake that starred Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Owen Wilson (at his “Wow”-est).
Joining Gugino in the cast are Michiel Huisman, Timothy Hutton, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Lulu Wilson, and Mckenna Grace.
“The Haunting of Hill House” hits Netflix on October 12.
Here’s the synopsis:
A modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, The Haunting of Hill House explores a group of siblings who, as children, grew up in what would go on to become the most famous haunted house in the country. Now adults, and forced back together in the face of tragedy, the family must finally confront the ghosts of their past — some of which still lurk in their minds while others may actually be stalking the shadows of Hill House. Created, directed and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game), The Haunting of Hill House is a complex family drama wrapped in a chilling horror story. Trevor Macy serves as executive producer alongside Flanagan. Meredith Averill acts as co-showrunner and executive producer. Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank executive produce, as well.
