Ok - so 3 bad reviews so far. I'm going to go the opposite and say I really enjoyed it.
It's seems people want all action these days, what this programme is doing is taking its time to build story and atmosphere.
I feel the comments on the kids acting is pretty harsh as most of them had very little to do in this episode.
The scares were good and really enjoyed the last couple of minutes. If it keeps this up it will be a great series.
The Haunting of Hill House (TV Mini Series)
Steven Sees a Ghost (2018)
User Reviews
Review this title32 Reviews
Set you up for a binge watch.
sayantanmukherjee-8500430 August 2019
Episode 1 review
markbick-8405817 November 2018
I am now five episodes in and have gone back to episode 1 for this review to urge patience and enjoy the build up.
The first introduces the main sitting (Holl House) and flits between past and present to set the scene. Later episodes explore in more detail each character giving them each the space to breathe and develop as individuals. That is so worth the wait. So enjoy it like a really good meal that is being prepared - don't rush it and dismiss too soon because you expect it all in one go. Just think of it as several courses that make each one taste better. Genuine craftsmanship in telling this story...
Holy hell
Trey_Trebuchet19 September 2021
This was super well done! And it's only the first episode! The acting is super good so far, even some of the child performances. I also thought the scares were really well done, the opening act being perhaps the spookiest part. Genuinely the most scared I've been in a while. Above all of this, we already have some pretty well established characters! I'm very excited for the rest.
Beautiful and terrifying
petra-6569117 October 2018
I've just watched the first episode of the Haunting of Hill House and I'm amazed that something that atmospheric and deeply scary gets even made today. No idea where the bad reviews come from, but if you want Saw or some such other rubbish then this not for you. I love it.
Interesting
pintaxandre28 October 2019
It's not the kind of horror you usually get in movies. It's crafted in a more subtle way and there is a way of creating mystery that I particularly enjoy. I want to get answers and I hope I will not be disappointed later on. I am involved and hope it will stay that way. The ending twist is monumental by the way.
Establishes characters and creeping dread
snoozejonc18 October 2020
A family who lived in what appears to be a haunted house start to relive the horror.
This starts off with a scary atmosphere as we see the Crane family living in Hill House. The imagery used in the opening scenes filled me with dread pretty much from the first few seconds. Having vulnerable characters just about visible in big dark rooms where the background is in darkness never fails to create tension.
The story jumps to different points in time to drip feed information about Hill House and to establish who and where the characters are in the present time. Some are more interesting than others but it did pique my interest in what's to come.
Cinematography, sound and editing are all top notch and have the desired affect. The camera moves with deliberate slowness and make us wonder what could be behind people or round the corner. There are a few great scenes that appear normal on first glance at the image before something is revealed that swiftly makes that same image quite disturbing.
It might not be enough to creep out hard core fans of the horror genre but as its a mini-series it's wise not to use up all the scary sequences too early. That being said there were a few jump-scare moments but really just to set a creepy tone for what is to come.
This starts off with a scary atmosphere as we see the Crane family living in Hill House. The imagery used in the opening scenes filled me with dread pretty much from the first few seconds. Having vulnerable characters just about visible in big dark rooms where the background is in darkness never fails to create tension.
The story jumps to different points in time to drip feed information about Hill House and to establish who and where the characters are in the present time. Some are more interesting than others but it did pique my interest in what's to come.
Cinematography, sound and editing are all top notch and have the desired affect. The camera moves with deliberate slowness and make us wonder what could be behind people or round the corner. There are a few great scenes that appear normal on first glance at the image before something is revealed that swiftly makes that same image quite disturbing.
It might not be enough to creep out hard core fans of the horror genre but as its a mini-series it's wise not to use up all the scary sequences too early. That being said there were a few jump-scare moments but really just to set a creepy tone for what is to come.
The Beginning of Something Brilliant
aidanratesmovies28 July 2020
When I originally started this show on it's premire date nearly 2 years ago, I was blown away by the smart writing, fantastic acting, and compelling set direction. Little did I know, however, that this show wasn't just well made, but a piece of truly brilliant work that will forever stand the test of time. It's simply brilliant, and to avoid spoilers I won't get into specifics, but for the very least I will say this show is so we'll thought out even at it's beginning, that it is quite impressive to watch unfold. I praise Mike Flannigan for his work on this show, and can't wait for more things to come from him in the future. Thank you for such a brilliant piece of art.
7.5
anthonyturno22 October 2018
I am approaching the Halfway mark of this miniseries, and I am impressed. I love the characters, it's scary in a P. G 13 level but that's okay. Really good acting really good story. The actor that plays Luke, and the actress that is married to Mike Flanagan are the ones that stand out. I've only seen one version of the haunting. The 1999 version and this is way better than that
And Whatever Walked There, Walked Alone....
wandernn1-81-6832746 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This series begins with a Young Steven waking up to the sound of crying. His Little sister Nell, in the twins room, is crying. Nell has seen the bent neck lady once again. In comes Dad, to calm Nell down, to send Steven back to bed, and to attempt to rein in the forces at work in Hill House.
But when young Nell does go back to sleep, we see the Bent Neck Lady behind her as the opening credits roll. Only a mere taste of what is yet to come.
+1 Star for the opening sequence....
Steven Crane is a writer. But he also is some sort of paranormal investigator. On a case here looking into a story of a woman who has seen the ghost of her husband in their home. Or maybe he's just doing research for his next book.
Shirley Crane is a funeral home director. She has 2 kids and a husband, and it's their family business.
Theo is a psychiatrist? With a PHD. She lives in sister Shirley's back house.
Flashbacks again take us back to the young kids, young Shirley and Nell, being given a key by Mr. Dudley, the caretaker of the House who is assisting young Hugh Crane help restore Hill House for sale, the key to the Red Door, which is upstairs at the end of a spiral staircase, which will not seem to open for any reason for anyone....
But Nell is calling all her siblings. Steven doesn't answer because he's on a case. Shirley doesn't answer because she's running her business, and Theo doesn't answer because well, because Theo doesn't want to answer. Well Steven calls back and Nell doesnt pick up this time. At least Steven DID CALL BACK!
Theo is out nightclubbing. Theo is out cruising! Theo takes a girl home with her. Theo isn't much for smalltalk. Theo kicks girl out. Shirley and Theo gather and have a talk.
Hugh Crane has a weird dream. Hugh Crane wakes up. Hugh Crane gets phone call in the middle of the night from Nell. Nell talks about seeing the Bent Neck lady again. Hugh tells Nell to go to Steven's House in LA and wait for him. Hugh is obviously disturbed by the call.. But that's not where NELL is. Nell is outside Hill House n her car when she made that call.
+1 Star for weird the mystery of the call, dream and reaction...
The flashback to Young Hugh waking up Steven and hiding in the twins room from what?? What is turning that doorknob?? Why is Hugh telling Steven to be quiet and that they are going to 'run'. ??? He tells Steven to keep his eyes shut no matter what he hears!!! And he picks Steven up and carries him from the House
Hugh calls Steven and tells Steven that Nell is coming to stay with him and he has to keep Nell company and not to let Nell out of his sight. But Steven isn't at HOME. Nor is Nell coming to Steven's House. Nell is dancing with invisible forces in Hill House.
And then, seemingly all simultaneously. Steven, Theo, Luke, they all wake up from sleep, all at 3:02 EST short of breath. What happened at 302 am??
We see a bit more about what happned wiht Hugh when he took the family out of the House. And Hugh's plan that he wants no one to return to the House. He wants the House to ROT. He wants no one to return to it.
And we see young Steven and Luke in the treehouse. Where Luke is drawing his 'imaginary friend' Abigail.
Back in LA, Steven returns to his apt building and finds Luke coming out from robbing his apt, of his IPAD and a Camera. Steven gives him 200 bucks and says leave the IPAD. Apparently Luke is a druggie trying to get money to Cop.
Luke tells Steven that 'it really isn't waht you think', but he makes no effort to actually tell Steven what it is about. When Steven gets upstairs, he finds Nell in his apt. Stevens phone rings, and it's Hugh his Dad. Hugh tells Steven that Nell called him from the House....and that Nell is dead. But Nell is standing right there! Or is she???
+1Star for the ending..... wow how to set the mood for Ep2.....
9/10.
But when young Nell does go back to sleep, we see the Bent Neck Lady behind her as the opening credits roll. Only a mere taste of what is yet to come.
+1 Star for the opening sequence....
Steven Crane is a writer. But he also is some sort of paranormal investigator. On a case here looking into a story of a woman who has seen the ghost of her husband in their home. Or maybe he's just doing research for his next book.
Shirley Crane is a funeral home director. She has 2 kids and a husband, and it's their family business.
Theo is a psychiatrist? With a PHD. She lives in sister Shirley's back house.
Flashbacks again take us back to the young kids, young Shirley and Nell, being given a key by Mr. Dudley, the caretaker of the House who is assisting young Hugh Crane help restore Hill House for sale, the key to the Red Door, which is upstairs at the end of a spiral staircase, which will not seem to open for any reason for anyone....
But Nell is calling all her siblings. Steven doesn't answer because he's on a case. Shirley doesn't answer because she's running her business, and Theo doesn't answer because well, because Theo doesn't want to answer. Well Steven calls back and Nell doesnt pick up this time. At least Steven DID CALL BACK!
Theo is out nightclubbing. Theo is out cruising! Theo takes a girl home with her. Theo isn't much for smalltalk. Theo kicks girl out. Shirley and Theo gather and have a talk.
Hugh Crane has a weird dream. Hugh Crane wakes up. Hugh Crane gets phone call in the middle of the night from Nell. Nell talks about seeing the Bent Neck lady again. Hugh tells Nell to go to Steven's House in LA and wait for him. Hugh is obviously disturbed by the call.. But that's not where NELL is. Nell is outside Hill House n her car when she made that call.
+1 Star for weird the mystery of the call, dream and reaction...
The flashback to Young Hugh waking up Steven and hiding in the twins room from what?? What is turning that doorknob?? Why is Hugh telling Steven to be quiet and that they are going to 'run'. ??? He tells Steven to keep his eyes shut no matter what he hears!!! And he picks Steven up and carries him from the House
Hugh calls Steven and tells Steven that Nell is coming to stay with him and he has to keep Nell company and not to let Nell out of his sight. But Steven isn't at HOME. Nor is Nell coming to Steven's House. Nell is dancing with invisible forces in Hill House.
And then, seemingly all simultaneously. Steven, Theo, Luke, they all wake up from sleep, all at 3:02 EST short of breath. What happened at 302 am??
We see a bit more about what happned wiht Hugh when he took the family out of the House. And Hugh's plan that he wants no one to return to the House. He wants the House to ROT. He wants no one to return to it.
And we see young Steven and Luke in the treehouse. Where Luke is drawing his 'imaginary friend' Abigail.
Back in LA, Steven returns to his apt building and finds Luke coming out from robbing his apt, of his IPAD and a Camera. Steven gives him 200 bucks and says leave the IPAD. Apparently Luke is a druggie trying to get money to Cop.
Luke tells Steven that 'it really isn't waht you think', but he makes no effort to actually tell Steven what it is about. When Steven gets upstairs, he finds Nell in his apt. Stevens phone rings, and it's Hugh his Dad. Hugh tells Steven that Nell called him from the House....and that Nell is dead. But Nell is standing right there! Or is she???
+1Star for the ending..... wow how to set the mood for Ep2.....
9/10.
Strong first episode
jke_up27 October 2018
Neither great nor terrible
slowcando19 October 2018
Coincidentally I watched The Haunting (1963) only a couple of months ago, the classic film is worth a watch, a good 7/10 in my book.
This first episode is faithful to the themes of the film right down to how the house looks, but adds the modern cliche of having a family as centre of attention. And that's a weakness, because frankly who cares about the individual dramas of these people? Sure, their issues are tightly related to Hill House but it's a lazy way to extend the running time of a classic haunted house story...the lesbian scene was a gratuitious example of such padding. I'm sure most horror fans would prefer the focus being on the supernatural rather than the human.
I don't want to be too harsh tho' as the acting is ok, the still camera style is welcome and it does feel like they are building into something interesting. However the oft-used jump scares & false alarm tactics are present here too, and the final scene ruined its unsettling nature at the very last with more cliche.
I'll watch EP2, but it has to improve.
This first episode is faithful to the themes of the film right down to how the house looks, but adds the modern cliche of having a family as centre of attention. And that's a weakness, because frankly who cares about the individual dramas of these people? Sure, their issues are tightly related to Hill House but it's a lazy way to extend the running time of a classic haunted house story...the lesbian scene was a gratuitious example of such padding. I'm sure most horror fans would prefer the focus being on the supernatural rather than the human.
I don't want to be too harsh tho' as the acting is ok, the still camera style is welcome and it does feel like they are building into something interesting. However the oft-used jump scares & false alarm tactics are present here too, and the final scene ruined its unsettling nature at the very last with more cliche.
I'll watch EP2, but it has to improve.
Wasted Potential
dirtylemons13 October 2018
This review should probably come with an admittance of bias. Shirley Jackson is one of my favourite writers, and Haunting of Hill House her best work, in my opinion. So I had high standards and specific expectations going into this. And that surely coloured my perception to some degree. If you are unfamiliar with the source material or simply not a fan of it, you may very well have a quite different appraisal (as most of the current ratings here suggest, my opinion is an outlier).
The episode starts off with a very wooden voice-over (reminiscent to me of Harrison Ford's much-maligned narration in Blade Runner's original release). And the very next scene suffers a heavily overdrawn attempt at emoting from the actor portraying Mrs. Walker. An issue which pops up several times is with the child characters. Acting ranges from good to bad, but the writers have made the common mistake of having them speak in a way most children simply do not. Entirely subjective as it is, the choice to modernize the setting feels lazy and lifeless. It's sometimes jarring how at odds the modern era feels against the spirit of the material. There aren't a lot of attempted scares in the first episode, which is fine. But most of them are very cheap, of the jump-scare variety: I. A character sees something unsettling, only to suddenly awaken because it was simply a dream. II. Somebody is investigating a strange occurrence, the music gets ever more tense, then tension is relieved when two cars nearly crash into each other outside.
As it went on, the episode did get better. But my main reason for giving this a 2/10 and not the lowest possible is because of the scene a little over thirty minutes in. It's wonderfully tense, leaving most of the details to the viewer's imagination and showing just enough to keep one on the edge of their seat. I would have much rathered they began the episode this way and dispensed with most of the flailing attempts at character-building which largely comprise the premiere. Which leads to my last point. This is an ensemble piece, yet the first episode was so disjointed that I found it difficult to invest in the characters. Were I not familiar with most of their literary counterparts, I might have been entirely lost on that front. There is a touching scene between brothers, but other than that, there is no real sense of relation between family members.
Hopefully the rest of the season is more in tune with the scant positives of this episode, but it's a discouraging start.
The episode starts off with a very wooden voice-over (reminiscent to me of Harrison Ford's much-maligned narration in Blade Runner's original release). And the very next scene suffers a heavily overdrawn attempt at emoting from the actor portraying Mrs. Walker. An issue which pops up several times is with the child characters. Acting ranges from good to bad, but the writers have made the common mistake of having them speak in a way most children simply do not. Entirely subjective as it is, the choice to modernize the setting feels lazy and lifeless. It's sometimes jarring how at odds the modern era feels against the spirit of the material. There aren't a lot of attempted scares in the first episode, which is fine. But most of them are very cheap, of the jump-scare variety: I. A character sees something unsettling, only to suddenly awaken because it was simply a dream. II. Somebody is investigating a strange occurrence, the music gets ever more tense, then tension is relieved when two cars nearly crash into each other outside.
As it went on, the episode did get better. But my main reason for giving this a 2/10 and not the lowest possible is because of the scene a little over thirty minutes in. It's wonderfully tense, leaving most of the details to the viewer's imagination and showing just enough to keep one on the edge of their seat. I would have much rathered they began the episode this way and dispensed with most of the flailing attempts at character-building which largely comprise the premiere. Which leads to my last point. This is an ensemble piece, yet the first episode was so disjointed that I found it difficult to invest in the characters. Were I not familiar with most of their literary counterparts, I might have been entirely lost on that front. There is a touching scene between brothers, but other than that, there is no real sense of relation between family members.
Hopefully the rest of the season is more in tune with the scant positives of this episode, but it's a discouraging start.
Best thing Netflix has!!!
rayandhalli20 November 2018
This was the best. I love watching any horror movie. I Especially live the anticipation of whats going to happen next. I thought the hill house did that better than 90% of the multimillion dollar films that are out. I couldnt stop watching. I already hoping for another season as they could go in many directions with the characters or go back in time to tell the ghosts stories.
Potenrtial
mohit_sinsniwal26 May 2019
Ok - so 3 bad reviews so far. I'm going to go the opposite and say I really enjoyed it. It's seems people want all action these days, what this programme is doing is taking its time to build story and atmosphere. I feel the comments on the kids acting is pretty harsh as most of them had very little to do in this episode. The scares were good and really enjoyed the last couple of minutes. If it keeps this up it will be a great series.
Incredible
JediMaster6612 May 2020
PHENOMENAL! AMAZING HORROR!
ellardpineda13 August 2021
As a big fan of horror, this is just amazing writing. Such great build up with every scene, character development is great. The cast is star-studded even with the young actors. Such a great start to a series. Can't wait for what else this series has in store.
Mesmerising
MoonIndy2 January 2020
Steven Sees a Ghost
bobcobb30127 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'll consume any kind of horror theater I can get, be it a low budget slasher or a mindbending thriller.
Not quite sure where this fits in one episode in. This show has received an insane amount of buzz, but I didn't get that after the pilot.
It is kind of entertaining, but I wasn't that impressed. Time will tell if the show can live up to the hype.
Not quite sure where this fits in one episode in. This show has received an insane amount of buzz, but I didn't get that after the pilot.
It is kind of entertaining, but I wasn't that impressed. Time will tell if the show can live up to the hype.
Greatly done, specially as a pilot episode
amegocali20 February 2022
Episode introduces the house, the horror of it, the characters, and the vibe of the show.
All I can say is as a picky series watcher, the first episodes laid it out deliciously, in a way that I want to know more about the sibling's pov, what really is the deal with the house, and what would happen further with that brilliant ending. Episode 1 got me hooked.
All I can say is as a picky series watcher, the first episodes laid it out deliciously, in a way that I want to know more about the sibling's pov, what really is the deal with the house, and what would happen further with that brilliant ending. Episode 1 got me hooked.
Mystery!!!
virajvadhane19 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
First episode of the series seems to be bit of confusing, like they show all the characters of the crain family living in the hill house and they also show all the characters living in present(except olivia) and there's some kind of connection of crain family with the hill house. The ghost is introduced in the first episode itself but story behind it is yet to be told in next episodes, storyline seems to be fine as it shows great spot of mystery in series, character names are bit hard to keep in mind from start but will get used to it...
Fake reviews make me sick
elliotjeory13 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
10/10 all the reviewers say. Hell no. It is painfully slow. It's a typical modern American drama that thinks it's cool AF, first 20 minutes everyone is on their iPhone. Girl rings iPhone. Man ignores iPhone. Girl rings woman. Woman ignores her iPhone. Woman listens to voicemail on iPhone. Rings back iPhone. It goes on. They even have to put the iPhone ringtone in there for good measure. ALL GOOD HORRORS START WITH EXCESSIVE IPHONE USAGE. Random scene of lesbian sex and drug taking to make it a cool edgy show. It's not and it's not scary it's just sucks and they can't make good horrors anymore.
Creepy Debut Blends Scares with Drama
aidaneccleston26 February 2024
'Steven Sees a Ghost' starts the series off on a high note, mixing the right amount of spookiness with a deep dive into family dynamics that are as complicated as they are fascinating. The episode lays down the groundwork for both the supernatural and the emotional hauntings the Crain family faces, with Steven's skepticism about ghosts setting a compelling contrast to the rest of his family's experiences. The storytelling is top-notch, flipping between past and present to slowly unravel the mystery of Hill House and its impact on the Crains. It's not just about the scares; it's the human element, the broken relationships, and hidden traumas that really make it stand out.
What really sets this episode apart is how it balances the horror elements with character development, making you care about the characters while also dreading what's lurking in the shadows. The ending of the episode, where Steven's disbelief is challenged, sets the tone for the entire series, promising more than just your average ghost story. It's an 8/10 for me because while it's incredibly engaging and beautifully shot, there are moments when the pacing slows down just a bit too much, losing some of the tension. However, the eerie atmosphere, combined with the complex characters and their tangled pasts, makes 'Steven Sees a Ghost' a compelling start to what promises to be a hauntingly good series.
What really sets this episode apart is how it balances the horror elements with character development, making you care about the characters while also dreading what's lurking in the shadows. The ending of the episode, where Steven's disbelief is challenged, sets the tone for the entire series, promising more than just your average ghost story. It's an 8/10 for me because while it's incredibly engaging and beautifully shot, there are moments when the pacing slows down just a bit too much, losing some of the tension. However, the eerie atmosphere, combined with the complex characters and their tangled pasts, makes 'Steven Sees a Ghost' a compelling start to what promises to be a hauntingly good series.
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