Eulogy

This episode is really boring and slow. And yeah it's even different from other episodes too. Like the episodes from 1-6 based on each character but this one different and boring.

Episode 7 of The Haunting of Hill House, titled "Eulogy," delves deeply into the Crain family's emotional and psychological fractures, showcasing both the lingering trauma of their experiences in Hill House and their ongoing struggles to reconcile their past. The episode opens with a flashback of Hugh Crain being questioned by the police after Olivia's death. The interrogation sets a tense tone, highlighting Hugh's internal conflict between protecting his family and grappling with the horror of their reality. Meanwhile, in the present, Hugh attempts to reconnect with his children, only to face their resentment and estrangement.

The episode shifts between timelines, showing Hugh and Mr. Dudley inspecting the physical damage to Hill House after the storm, uncovering black mold and mysterious sounds behind the walls. These scenes metaphorically represent the decay within the Crain family itself. The interplay between the haunted house's mysteries and the interpersonal drama is elevated by stellar performances. Timothy Hutton (older Hugh) embodies a father weighed down by guilt and grief, while Henry Thomas (younger Hugh) portrays a man desperately trying to rationalize the inexplicable. These dual performances anchor the narrative, creating a poignant contrast between denial and regret.

The direction by Mike Flanagan remains masterful, blending psychological depth with supernatural unease. A standout moment occurs during the funeral preparations, where Hugh converses with the ghost of Olivia, played with unsettling warmth by Carla Gugino. These moments blur the line between reality and the spectral, emphasizing how the Crains are haunted not only by ghosts but also by unresolved emotions. The tension within the family peaks during interactions between Theo and Shirley, as Theo confronts her guilt over actions taken during the wake, leading to rare moments of vulnerability that enrich the narrative.

Cinematographically, the episode maintains the series' high standard, with dim lighting and muted colors creating an oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the characters' emotional states. The transitions between past and present are seamless, facilitated by precise editing that enhances the thematic resonance of the story. However, the pacing slows slightly during some of the flashbacks, which may detract from the urgency of the present-day conflicts. Despite this, the narrative cohesion remains strong, with every scene contributing to the overarching exploration of grief, guilt, and familial bonds.

"Eulogy" is a quieter but no less impactful chapter in The Haunting of Hill House. Its focus on Hugh as the linchpin of the Crain family's story allows for a deeper understanding of the sacrifices he made and the burdens he carries. While it may not deliver the shocking revelations of earlier episodes, it provides crucial context for the family's dynamics and sets the stage for the series' climax. By weaving personal tragedy with supernatural elements, the episode reinforces the idea that the most enduring hauntings are often the ones we carry within ourselves. This nuanced approach ensures that The Haunting of Hill House remains not just a tale of terror but also a profound meditation on the human condition.

Not my favorite episode in the show, but still really well acted and not without some good scares. The graveyard stuff with Luke was really unsettling and the ending scene with the "dream house" was really well done. I think it's nice that we get to learn more about Hugh's past during this Eulogy episode. That probably saved the writers some time. I thought the basement stuff in Hill House was extremely chilling. The photograph legitimately gave me chills and this episode probably has one of the most well hidden ghosts ever...

Good episode in a season full of great episodes so far.

Nell's funeral takes place as Hugh reflects on the past.

This episode focuses more on Hugh and some of his memories from Hill House. It starts to edge the overarching story towards an explanation, but it really only sets up a couple of key questions that as a viewer I want to see answered. I'm guessing the answers will come in the last few episodes. There are some interesting reveals, but I felt a bit frustrated after several hours of viewing it hasn't revealed more, but nevertheless there are some great scenes that lift it.

I think the scenes with Sheriff Beckley and Mr Dudley are excellent. These are a credit to a superb, quirky performance from Keith Arthur Bolden doing a one man good cop bad cop routine, and one incredibly emotional monologue delivered by Robert Longstreet. Also, the creepy scene with the hole in the wall was so well done that it made my girlfriend look the other way out of fear.

As always the cinematography, editing, transitions and lighting are fantastic and make the atmosphere just right for the story.

It ends on what feels like a cliffhanger but something tells me we're not going to get answers for a little while yet.

Incidentally this was the first time for me to notice one of the hidden background ghosts and it makes that scene creepier when you rewatch it knowing that its there.

A good cliffhanger here as amidst some of the odd writing for this show there is still the one dramatic thing going for it: what is the deal with the Red Door.

Maybe we will get that answered soon. Still, it seems like this show drags and drags for so long without a true plan.