IR TV Review: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER - EPISODES 3-8 [Netflix]
The aspect of "The Fall Of The House Of Usher" is taking the basis of the Poe context of the Raven and its connotation and bringing it to a modern perspective, keeping the literal part of it integrated with a cinematic superlative. After reviewing the 1st 2 episodes at Fantastic Fest, the remaining six episodes were about creating an essence of comeuppance attached to each son or daughter of Usher. Of the course the ones at the very top of the pyramid in Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell) are the catalysts. Both of these actors are phenomenal and come to the pinnacle as the finale episode comes into play. This is the best both have been in years. However it wouldn't work on the other end if the same fire wasn't visible in the earlier versions of themselves. While Zach Gilford as a young Roderick is good, it is Willah Fitzgerald as a younger Madeline that really sells the dynasty. The concept of why these two siblings are so hungry and feel thwarted was initially discussed in the first episode but is made crystal clear as time goes on.
The entire series is bookended by the elder Roderick telling his adversary and former friend Augie Dupin (Carl Lumbly) about why he is to blame for the downfall and death of his family. It is very classically done and every episode ups the ante but is focused to each child per se and either their weakness or their bias which brings them to where they are. Creator/Director Mike Flanagan (who wrote all the episodes) and the other director on the series (who has also served with Flanagan as a cinematographer in past films): Michael Fimognari, get what this series is. It is the demise of power. Flanagan gets what these kind of series need. Having not seen "Midnight Mass", this was this interviewer/reviewer's first introduction to Flangan's TV work after having spoken to him before he did "Gerald's Game" for a indie film at SXSW. The work is solid, definitely iconic in many ways and well cast.
Besides the younger and older versions mentioned before, Flanagan brings in Carla Gugino as an integral character and it is the best work she has done in years with a bigger budget. It brings back to mind something like "Snake Eyes" she did with Nic Cage but with more edge. Add to this the small character bits from many of the exceptional others (with Henry Thomas, a frequent Flanagan collaborator, upping his game and not having any fear with a character both tragic and unlikable). Mark Hamill is also quite intrinsic as the family lawyer and is almost unrecognizable using his voice and approach to great avail. To give away anymore would betray exactly where everything goes but "Usher" is simultaneously classical, dramatic, very timely, visceral and yet pinpoint at the same time with its rapid fire dialogue, which is a hard accomplishment for any series. A-
By Tim Wassberg
