The Bent-Neck Lady

The ending of this episode was better than most horror movie endings. The episode slowly builds the tension right up until the horrific payoff at the end. This series isn't about the jump scares or predictible plot twists. It moves the viewer along with each character at a solid pace, the scares are all natural and intense. This series is really something special.

Probably the best episode in the series and probably the best episode of a lot of series. This is the turning point of the show and the catalyst of what's to come and the end of what's been.

After watching this episode I have so many mixed feelings and emotions. I feel sadness, I have a pain in my stomach and I feel afraid to go asleep, which I never have after watching horror because it usually doesn't bother me. Now I do since I suffer from sleep paralysis from time to time.

Brilliant story, brilliant acting. Too bad rating only goes as high as 10.

I've enjoyed Mike Flanagan's past efforts. There's usually something to them that elevates them a bit above the standard horror fare. But this series and this format that allows the story to breath and to evolve organically suites his skills perfectly, allowing him to take his time properly and let the story unfold naturally.

The first half of the season coalesces various character story arcs that culminates into the ending of episode 5, and what a pay off. I suspected the "twist" that's presented early on but it didn't matter. This is so effective, so simultaneously chilling and heartbreaking, that if you allow yourself to live in these characters it will sit with you long after the credits roll. No spoilers here, but even if you're not a fan of horror, watch this. Watch this now! This is horror done right.

I'm hoping the rest of the season is as well done. I suspect it will be.

Nell makes her journey back to Hill House.

I won't discuss any major plot details but will say it focuses on Nell. Quite a bit of the information drip-fed to us over the previous episodes has built towards the last five or so minutes of this episode, which is a pretty unforgettable.

The themes of trauma, depression and mental health have been tackled in various forms in the series, but this episode looks at the worst type of suffering. What I find particularly harrowing is watching someone make so many futile appeals for help.

As with all episodes it contains incredibly cinematic camerawork, editing, transitions and sound effects. The colours are beautiful and the lighting is very atmospheric.

All performances are great, particularly Victoria Pendretti who gives one of the best of the series so far.

I was conflicted whether to give this a perfect 10 or not. I usually think something deserves a perfect score if I never tire of rewatching it like I found with many episodes of The Sopranos, The Wire and Deadwood, but this is not that type of show. It is driven by a mysterious plot and revelations about characters, so once certain things are revealed it removes the intrigue. However, what it did do was to make me re-examine my own attitudes towards people who might be suffering mental health issues and want to do my best to help. That for me is the most powerful aspect of The Bent-Neck Lady.