Midnight Mass reactions say the Netflix horror is even better than Haunting of Hill House

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"Horror at its best"

Midnight Mass
(Image credit: Netflix)

The first reactions to Midnight Mass are in – and Netflix’s horror mastermind Mike Flanagan has done it again. The Haunting of Hill House creator has delivered a miniseries that has fans and critics alike throwing around words like "masterpiece", so you know it’s going to be worth your time.

"Not a single false note. Frightening. Illuminating. Powerful," critic Richard Newby said on Twitter.

That unequivocal praise is matched elsewhere. "Horror at its best," says Rotten Tomatoes’ Tessa Smith. Others are similarly effusive: "May be the best show of the year," says one, while another describes it as Flanagan’s "best work to date."

More also rank it as Mike Flanagan’s greatest work, surpassing both Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor. "Absolutely the best thing Mike Flanagan has ever put on screen," says actor and writer Aaron Pruner, while Digital Spy’s David Opie says it has "the makings of a masterpiece."

Elijah Wood has even got in on the act, following on from Stephen King’s glowing tribute to Midnight Mass.

"Had the pleasure of seeing the first two episodes of [Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass]," Wood said on Twitter. "It's beautiful, haunting and quietly ratchets a growing sense of dread and mystery upon his island's denizens with his signature masterful hand."

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.