Over the years I’ve been ridiculed, praised,
unfriended, friended, called a heretic, called a prophet and on and on
regarding my appreciation for horror. To be honest, I’m at this point used to
it all and if one doesn’t like my positions, they don’t have to read, but I’ll
be honest about it, sometimes, I think I have insight into a few things that
are worth exploring and thinking about. Sometimes I am as well impressed with
the quality of a series, movie, show that has me thinking beyond the norm,
especially using the genera of horror. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again,
nothing addresses spiritual themes quite like horror. With that said, few shows
in recent years has done this in such a thought-provoking way as the new Netflix
Series, Midnight Mass.
Midnight Mass, created and directed by Mike Flanagan is a brilliant, thought
provoking story that has at it’s heart religion, specifically Christianity, and
the influence of evil into the concepts of the church. In fact, the miniseries
stars Kate Siegel known for various roles including her role in the late
television series, Hawaii Five-O, Zach Gifford well known as the High School quarterback
in the great television series, Friday Night Lights and many others including, Rahul
Kohli playing a Muslim Sheriff on the small island town and Hamish Linklater as
pivotal character Father Paul. Each
actor gets their fair share on screen and one of the wonderful things about a
series like this is the ability to explore various subplots and focus on the
characters in the story. This series does a terrific job at this.
The first 2 2/3rds episodes would have one from a
fundamentalist Christian perspective praising the series, even though the
primary religion portrayed is Catholicism. Even with that the case, from a
Christian perspective, the series never really disrespects the ideals and
calling of Christian responsibility, but the last third of episode three of the
8-episode series has the series taking a drastic twist for the remainder of the
series. Remember this is classified as a horror series and for good reason, but
that reason and the story is such a dramatic epiphany twist that it will shock
many a viewer and for some who may be offended at the strong “Christian”
message and themes at the beginning, and, throughout the entire series, will be
pleasantly surprised at the twist the series takes. It frankly reminds me of
the movie Dracula 2000 that has as a part of Dracula’s origins, Judas
Iscariot.
There are serious questions asked in the series, among
of which the greatest is what is good and/or evil. How do we interpret that
which is good verses that which is evil? How can the intentions of one destroy
the goodness and potential around them?
There are serious questions about healing, can God heal? Is it possible for healing to take place
under the appearance of being from God but, come from other sources? One of the great questions surrounding faith
questions is the concept that Jesus and the writers of the New Testament
advocated, that is, that no greater love can any human show than their willingness
to lay down their life for another. There is another question though, that is
brilliantly answered at the conclusion of this series. Is there the potential
for redemption for those who have gone astray, done wrong, been deceived and if
so, how does one obtain that redemption?
As I clearly stated, without giving a spoiler here, I think that last
question and the way it is dealt with in this series is dealt with brilliantly
and frankly, makes great sermon material. There are so many other themes
wonderfully addressed in this series that to address them in a review would
have me going on and on and on.
The Bible states that Jesus never taught them anything
without first telling them stories. I can, frankly, see Jesus using stories
like what is presented in Midnight Mass to get people to think and to drive
points on issues like redemption, good vs. evil and so many others home. While
not quire perfect, it is refreshing to see something as good as Midnight Mass.
Sure, I expect a few to once again be extremely critical, going so far as
calling me a false teacher or heretic for praising the story lines of this
series, but let the dirt fly and land where it lands. In my opinion this program
has a far greater chance to challenge one to think about their faith than it
does to turn anyone away from their faith.
Each episode of the 8 series season is right at or a
little over an hour, yet I binged the entire series in less than 24 hours. It
held my attention and challenged me to think regarding my own faith, heck, I’m still
thinking about the themes, and this is a rare series that will likely have me
watching it again.
On a scale of 1 – 10 it is very hard to not give this
series a perfect score, but I just can’t go there, I almost can, but not quite,
therefore, I give Midnight Mass a still very good score of a 9.
The Following is the trailer from Netflix for Midnight Madness
(155) Midnight Mass | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses.
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