Key Insights
- Career Overview: Mike Flanagan transitioned from indie horror to successful streaming series.
- Director's Cut: His longer cut of Doctor Sleep is considered superior to the theatrical version.
- Series Success: The Haunting of Hill House and its sequels solidified his reputation in horror.
- Current Adaptation: His adaptation of Carrie is generating significant viewer discussion and speculation.
Mike Flanagan has had an interesting career as a director. After first making an impact with indie horror films like Absentia and Oculus, he was one of the earliest filmmakers to successfully pivot to streaming, delivering Netflix hits like Hush and Gerald’s Game. However, arguably his greatest successes have come in the form of limited streaming series.
With a studio film like Doctor Sleep, Flanagan had to condense a sprawling novel by his favourite writer, Stephen King, into a manageable feature-length movie. It’s no coincidence that his significantly longer director’s cut is the superior version. With streaming series, however, Flanagan has been able to take his time developing characters, building atmosphere, and delivering the kind of slow-burn horror that has become his trademark.
His first limited series, The Haunting of Hill House, was a smash hit, with follow-ups like The Haunting of Bly Manor and Midnight Mass further cementing his reputation as one of the genre’s most exciting storytellers. While his attempts at launching ongoing shows, such as The Midnight Club, haven’t been quite as successful, Flanagan has developed such a devoted following that every new project feels like an event.
Perhaps his most ambitious series to date is his new adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie. While the significant departures from King’s original novel have ruffled the feathers of longtime horror fans, younger viewers seem to be embracing the show. Indeed, there’s already speculation that it could become Flanagan’s first genuine ongoing hit. It’s certainly divisive, but people seem to be watching and talking about it.
Of course, with such an impressive body of work, everyone has their favourite. Some prefer the emotional devastation of Hill House, while others swear by the religious horror of Midnight Mass.
But which Mike Flanagan series is truly the best? Take our poll below and let us know!
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