Midnight Mass - Divine Inspiration
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 січ 2022
- Midnight Mass on Netflix is an excellent show that I wish I'd had time to review when it first came out. But this show deserves some praise, so better late than never.
Want to help support this channel?
Check out my books on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Will-Jordan/e/...
Subscribe on Patreon: / thecriticaldrinker
Subscribe on Subscribestar: www.subscribestar.com/the-cri... - Розваги
You know Drinker genuinely likes something when he sounds sober.
He pockets the donkey voice. Interesting observation.
That’s cuz he didn’t have to drink to watch it
Well making alcohol jokes in a review of this show would have been a little tasteless given how large a role the consequences of alcohol abuse played in the plot.
@@billthegenericguy go drink and cry about it
No need to anaesthetise to watch it..?
The actor who plays the priest, Hamish Linklater, deserves a fucking Emmy for his performance. Absolutely stole the show imo
Yeah he was so charismatic, that it's almost scary to think what he could get you to get behind.
100% agreed.
I could listen to him speak all day. Damn
He played role perfectly
He was so good, if he did a sermon, I'd consider going just to listen to him. A lot of passion, not lecturing
The Riley and Erin boat scene was one of the best scenes in any movie or tv show I’d ever seen. The juxtaposition of Riley’s peaceful experience and Erin’s chaotic experience was mind blowing.
Easily the best scene in the series.
Erin's continued screams of shock, grief and horror as the credits rolled was fucking brilliant.
@@littleriggs057 I agree. It further illustrated how alone she was - however far from land, now alone in a boat, and even the audience is leaving her. A strange mix of beautiful and horrifying.
@@glizzymcguire4849 Religion's a big part of this world. Maybe watch some atheist-youtubers
from time to time, so to understand it more. I promise they're entertaining... THOUGHT NOT AS MUCH AS
DRINKER! NO ONE IS!!
Also the tension not knowing what his intentions were.
Nothing hits better than Pruitt's line "That's the things about priesthood, it was never supposed to be about me, it was supposed to be about GOD!"
Yeah. That's him realizing how far his good intentions had led them all astray. Even though he doomed the island, you can't help but feel awful for the guy. He thought he had a second chance at the family he missed and was giving his community a divine gift. He genuinely believed in what he was saying and had good intentions
@@stephengrigg5988its so sad to see a good man forced into this situation. Seeing how he reacted after killing Joe his own horror to his actions and how he was manipulated and coped with the guilt by gasslighting himself was so tragic.
@@stephengrigg5988its so sad to see a good man forced into this situation. Seeing how he reacted after killing Joe his own horror to his actions and how he was manipulated and coped with the guilt by gasslighting himself was so tragic.
Normally I’d agree with the criticism of young people in old makeup, but in this show they were slowly losing their wrinkles and such over time, so I don’t see any other way they could’ve done it
The only other way would’ve been cgi which probably would’ve looked even worse
I agree with you. It made sense since they had to "de-age".
Better makeup would have done it. It was obvious right from the start that that chick was young and wearing makeup which tipped me off that de-ageing was part of the plot. An that kinida of instantly made me think vampire. So it somewhat ruined the reveal.
Agree
@@martymcnasty6306 in theory better makeup would’ve done it but I’ve never seen that effect not be kinda obvious. Young people in old age makeup just always looks weird, I’m not sure there’s any way around it.
A real shame this was released around the same time as Squid Game as it became severely overlooked as a result. MM was a fantastic limited series.
It's a shame it was released at all terrible
I still haven't even seen squid game.
@@TheRayfield77 same
Funny you mention that, I got about half way through the first episode before turning it off and switching to Squid games…. Only to return to MM later for a second chance and loved it once I got into it
Why not both?
By far the most cathartic moment (for me at least) was when Bev was digging into the sand trying to find anything to get her away from dying. It just put a smile to my face
Genetically Modified Sceptic just made a video about this Show.
Seen it?
🤣🤫
One of my favorite villains. I loved to hate that character.
I had mixed feelings about that. It's obviously great to see a villain get her just desserts, but I had also hoped for her to realize her mistakes and accept death with grace. Obviously that would be inconsistent with her character, but the actress did a great job in making me think she was considering it.
@@kausha7135 Only one who died alone as well.
The scene with Reilly and Erin in the boat was one of the best in the entire series. The way at the end he's just sitting so calmly and serene having shared with Erin what he'd gone through seeming finally at peace. Then bam her bone chilling scream at what happens next was startling. This was a hard one to turn off. I binged the entire series in 2 days. It'd been one day if I hadn't had to work lol.
Midnight Mass was covered very well by Genetically Modified Sceptic,
just a few days ago. It's very good coverage from an angle that Drinker did not cover.
Same. Just finished the last episode and 1/2 the previous one tonight.
Disagree, I sat there and thought, why would he do that to her? And what if the boat caught fire
That... was the kindest and nicest "Go away now," I have ever heard in my life. 💖
...and sin no more.
Five bucks, Chief!
The part at the end where they were singing in choir fashion and it just stopped dead as the sun rose over the horizon.... just... damn. That series hit on all cylinders. Thematically, tonally, the acting was brilliant, the story was brilliant, the cinematography was brilliant... and I love how there's not going to be a sequel. They told their story and left it at that
Agreed. Often times, some series would have been best left as one season. For example, Altered Carbon S1 was perfect alone imo. Then, after a disappointing second season, you can only wish they left it alone.
The acting was brilliant? It was typical Netflix level, typically shite, genuinely laughable
The ending where they decide to not show any of the people burning up in flames but just pan out from the island was a legit huge let down in my opinion
@@nachobusiness2663 We must have watched very different shows if you think that was comparable to most other (Netflix) shows. I found all of the people actually believable for starters. I didn't "like" the show, because I just really dislike religion (Christian Church to be precise), but if there's one thing I can't say was shite then it was definitely the acting. Maybe I'm just used to way worse acting...
That ending actually bugged me a decent bit. I didn't buy the idea that no one would actually try to survive somehow. Like, do they not have a way to put up a tent? Get inside their cars and throw drapes/dark heavy clothes over them? Idk man.. I guess they were traumatized by what they had done and thought it best to just die. Maybe when the ol padre lost his will to live and faith in the town, they followed suit. I don't buy that though 100%, kinda hurt my immersion. Good show though, just didn't much like that ending.
You know it is a deep and thought provoking show when "the go away now" is not angry, but rather somber and calm.
Hamish Linklater, the actor who played the priest, was absolutely phenomenal! I loved how he delivered his big speeches, great actor! Hope he works with Flannigan in his next projects.
The scene where Riley sees Tara-Beth, the girl he killed, in the boat taking his hand, was the best scene in the entire miniseries for me.
That was such a beautiful moment.
I totally agree, it was such a hard hitting scene but so amazing. You could feel weight of his guilt just turn to pure relief
To me, the best part of that scene was the scream at the end. Yes, it was a poignant end to the character, but the horror of the situation for the other character came through beautifully with that scream.
It was “God” accepting Riley’s forgiveness. So beautiful how many different ways Thst scene can be portrayed. Since Riley used to be religious, and his guilt was tearing his soul into pieces, it was He who appeared as the girl accepting his total forgiveness. Well done.
Then the horror immediatley after...
Also a big props to the soundtrack. The hymns are beautifully interpreted for the show and the score is on point the whole time.
The soundtrack matches a more "spiritual" feel as opposed to strictly Catholic or even normally harder music used in horror genres.
Now I didn't mind the creature, it matched the overall tone and "closeness" of the town it occupied. It was simple, not over the top, and I think it more represented not just a creature, but the manifestation of evil within our darkest selves. A simpler allegory for the darkness that is human.
Now a bit off topic, I think the reason they did not go for more elderly people fulfilling the roles is perhaps due to time constraints due to filming. While no disrespect to our older actors, they may have needed more time for the role and being much more experienced, more money. Both of which are seemingly inseparable in this ham fisted, tight as a sphincter in an office meeting Hollywood of today.
@@deathstrike old granny became hot though in just a matter of episodes.
Jokes aside, yeah in the end it was all about the goodness in humanity against the wolves inside us. You Western people are lucky enough though to not live in an infested Christian fanaticism community where people will easily flock in news about "miracles". Me, living in a household where it believes in that shit, made me yesterday go like "Fuuuuuuuuuu.."
The hymns were one of the biggest problems with the pacing. The audience does not need to suffer through a whole hymn and the religious bullshit they are about, when they are trying to enjoy a show.
One cannot give props to the soundtrack without acknowledging 3 Neil Diamond songs worked in there!
@@thedeadd.c.207 religion and faith is a very big part of the show. This isn't 40 Days of Night or Blade. Flanagan's shows and films were never meant to be heavily on horror.
The title literally has "Mass" in it and you're complaining of "religious BS"?
Mike Flanagan is something special honestly I've never cried at anything like I do at his work so emotionally charged in its message on life and death can't wait to see what he brings next.
Have you seen the fall of the house of usher?
The ultimate lesson of Midnight Mass is this: *There are no shortcuts to salvation.* Even a secular reading of that moral can find it agreeable.
what do you need to be saved from? Thats the first mental handicap religion imposes, that we need to be saved.
@@rodrigojimenez2535 Perhaps you really are perfect in every way - but the rest of us suffer from flaws that we must struggle against to try to be better people. Religion is one of the ways people conceptualize that struggle which is at the core of the human condition, between our base and ignoble motives and our higher ideals and aspirations. I guess you could say the self-help movement is another way - but however you look at it - no one who has ever done anything worthwhile has not had to make that hard choice every day between the easy but corrupting road, and the hard but uplifting one.
That's what being saved means, in a religious or a secular context. Doing what's right even when it's hard.
@@rodrigojimenez2535 why do most athiests stay in this perpetual state of an edgey 15 year old..?
Turns out you can't mention hard truths about what occurred in Britain regarding men of Western Asian origin. Anyways, the show is simply anti-christian, pro-islamic, and pro atheistic. The show is made for the low IQ science supporters.
@@OrthoLou because they are literal scum.
This was such a sleeper show. No one was taking about it. Premise looked interesting. Gave it a shot and binged it in 2 days. Great series. I'm still baffled no one is talking about it!!!!
It should of been bigger
Everyone was talking about squid game
It came at the same time as Squid Game
I'd actually heard a lot about it from people, been meaning to watch it
This show sucked azz. You and the drinker have terrible taste
My religious friends, and my atheist friends all loved Midnight Mass. There is something to be said for a show like that.
That part where Riley just burst into flames in front of Erin... This show was so different than everything that’s been on Netflix or TV in general for that matter. It was nice to see something that was a home run for once & very well written
The creature design was perfect to me. It’s supposed to be representative of an angel and it’s frightening features are rationalized by the priest by referencing scripture, that whenever an angel appeared the people were scared. If it had been too bizarre or too frightening it would have been a distraction and couldn’t have been presented in the way that it was in the show, which interferes with the story. The priest believed he was healed by an angel and that bringing it to his old town would heal the community, so he perceived his actions to be a good thing. If it had looked too evil it would have presented the priest as more of a villain and not someone doing something terrible with the best of intentions.
Well said
Very well put. I absolutely loved the design of the creature. To me it made it clear of what it actually is to the viewers.
From my perspective, I love how the priest and other characters saw it as an angel and rationalized that with the miracles and scriptures. Meanwhile, the Vampire is basically a wild animal. Just looking for shelter, food and to reproduce. It gave a nice contrast and showed how humans can rationalize things differently depending on their perspective.
Would be funny if they used the actual description of angels form the bible as a foundation for the monster-design instead! Would look like some weird cthulu-esque surrealist nightmare!
@John Nelson.. A fallen angel perhaps. There's nothing about the creature that represents an Angel IMO. A priest would not refer to a demon's blood as "sacrament" either. I thought overall it was a good show and it did well as drinker said to get a lot of detail about Catholicism correct but a priest of sound mind wouldn't think that vampire was sent from God. As I said I thought it was well done and enjoyed it but certain aspects didn't really make sense.
Right. The creature design is a weird critique that he had
That's the gentlest "Go away now" he's ever provided.
I think the slow pacing of the show was actually a good thing. In a world of binge-watching, it allowed some time to really think about what was happening and not just being thrown into the next set piece. And the fact that the show did not even have an intro for each episode, but instead just kept going when you hit "Next episode" makes it feel intentional to me.
Drinker: The message is [bunch of sappy stuff]
Me: The message is that we should worship vampires.
Maybe if they looked more like David Boreanaz
@@TheSchaef47
Agreed.
The message is Jesus was a vampire and you can't convince me otherwise
I mean... I'd be down🧛♂️
I liked that twist on it. The parallels between sacraments and vampire folklore were cool.
We watched this over Halloween. Didn't know what to expect or what we were watching. It was just bloody amazing to sit through. Honestly, one of the best things we watched last year
i hope that bloody was a pun intended
Last episode was a bit meh though. The writing wasn't as good and everyone acted like idiots all of a sudden.
@@muel3628 :P
@@DS-mi9ru I agree. Several things could have been done much better
@@kevinthecleric man of culture
The character sacrifice the Drinker speaks of is one of the most moving things I've ever seen on a television show. Good review and good show.
You mean the main guy in the boat that is turning into a vampire that gets vaporized when the sun comes up? I haven't seen the show, but it seems pretty obvious from the clips that that is what happens.
It was wonderful. He became a vampire and immediately knew he wouldn’t be able to control his urges. Then instead of leaving himself alive to potentially hurt those he loved or other innocent people he took himself out of the equation. In a more conventional show Riley would’ve had that scene where he tries to bite his mom and he yells at them all to run.
Also, he resists the urge to bite the girl he has a connection with. In his final moments he did what he was unable to do earlier with alcohol - control himself.
While I was all behind the idea of his sacrifice, the way he set it up was mildly infuriating. Yes, once he made his decision and took his true love out to the sea in a small rowboat, there was no turning back. However, taking her out with him on a small wooden craft to ignite a massive, searing bonfire on said craft while hoping all will be fine was terrible. She might have panicked and jumped overboard drowning in the process, or the fire might have burned down the wooden vessel, sentencing her to die either by drowning or by burning alive. There was no way for him to know in advance that this will end well for her.
WTF is wrong with you
I'm seriously so glad I saw this spoiler-free. It got me right in the guts from the very first episode.
Yeah, I went into the show just on a gamble, not knowing what to watch. I'm so happy I got to see it that way. It was something truly special.
This blasted show brought me to tears multiple times.. Something not much in the horror genre has done for me- the babadook did at the end too. I felt the pace was perfect, even lending itself to rewatching. Absolutely insane acting too- Hamish Linklater deserves an award for that performance. The music was brilliant beyond words.. I could go on for days. A rare 10/10 for me.
Didn't expect to see this, but zero complaints here and great review drinker.
The video is 10 minutes and was uploaded 3 minutes ago. Impossible for you to watch the entire thing...
The only good Netflix original I can find.
Video uploaded 27 mins ago. Your comment 25 mins ago. You didn't watch it before saying it was a great review
No kidding I've been watching this and surprised to see the drinker on it now
I love how the island became a character in of itself...you really felt they were isolated there by themselves...love this show
Great series. The dialogue between Riley and Father Paul in the AA sessions is fantastic
This was my favorite scene that Flanagan has ever done. He perfectly represented both sides of the coin and it brought me to tears. "What a monstrous idea father!"
I personally like how it explores different facets and levels of faith here. Usually in stories that involves faith and religion, they tend to be one type that is used by the story, either faith and religion are good or evil
This show is a tour de force when it comes to acting. It contains some the best performances I've seen the past couple years. In fact there are at least 4-5 seperate performances that are absolutely Emmy worthy imo.
Absolutely. The AA meeting scenes are intense
The actor playing the preacher was beyond phenomenal. I just realized he was also in Legion and equally good in it. I want to see anything he has been in now.
The Priest's acting was phenomenal, the guy who played the older son performed about as well as a hollowed out tree stump, in comparison.
The preacher dude was absolutely incredible. Such a believable and nuanced performance. I think he stole the show for me, but Bev was incredibly well-acted/cast as well. Completely believable.
It was mostly good, they also did some cringey stuff like Erin's unending PH101 monologue about death.
When Riley bursts into flames in front of Erin and she was screaming and crying, I felt chills go through my body. This show was one of the good things that came out of 2021.
I just felt like he traumatized her more than necessary. "Hey lets go out on a tiny boat so I can burst into flames inches from your face and flammable clothing as I die! Oh by the way we don't use the word for some reason but I am vampire and so is that priest and he wants everyone to become one too so maybe do something about it! I could help and die later but I don't wanna! Byeeee"
Same man I literally have her screams embedded in my mind It honestly feels so damn traumatizing, the actress did her part amazingly well.
@@tank_0r thought the same but everyone goes feral at random and he’s pretty much done with everything by this point and finished his arc without dragging
I'm sorry, but I thought that was ridiculous and the screams over the credits was total overkill.
I literally cried when RIley looks up to see the girl, and he's finally at peace. I choke up thinking about it
I was so impressed with such a fantastic use of religion in horror, and it doesn't attack religion but the people who use religion as a sword and shield. I've never seen it done this way before, and it was a fresh yet quiet take on vampires. My only problem with Flannagan is his long monologues. He seems more concerned with showing off his actors' abilities to talk. They nearly always turn out to be unnecessary and slow the narrative way down. But I looked past that with this one since it had such amazing characters and a smart story.
It does attack religion! The whole show is one cucked atheist pissing on Catholicism! But only Catholicism! Because Freud forbid these fuckers say a bad word about people who would decapitate them for Allah's glory.
I agree. Some of the monologues were just a bit too long. But that's the only flaw. Brilliant series. One of my favorites by far.
@@bryans8653I can honestly forgive most of the monologues, but that final one from Eren: OOF. Really could have stood to cut that one down. I know it's meant to bookend her conversation with Riley back in episode 4, but it felt so pretentious to have her just going *on and on* about becoming one with the universe.
A lot of people complained about the ending but I loved it. The guy who played the priest was absolutely fantastic
One of the best acted shows I've seen in years, the slow burn done correctly.. addictive if you give it a chance
P.s I love the fact that Mike Flanagan had this idea for the show way back when he made hush ( he leaves a Easter egg in that movie )
Nice! What was the Easter Egg?
@Andrew Lloyd Wubba Midnight Mass is also the book that Cara Gugino was reading in Gerald's Game!
@Andrew Lloyd Wubba Nice! Thank you! I will have to rewatch to catch it.
That’s right 😉
Easily one of the best shows put out last year. Didn’t get a lot of advertising either, but man was it amazing.
This was the most touching description of a horror show/movie I’ve ever heard. Seriously teared up at the end.
This show left me contemplating it's lessons for long after it ended. The way this show tackled the struggle of sobriety, guilt, hope, faith, community, and death was unlike anything I have seen. The thing that struck me about this show was that although the ending was tragic, it was not hopeless. Riley was able to come to terms with his guilt and sacrifice himself courageously to try and save those he loved. Pruitt, though misguided, was able to find solace, understanding and forgiveness from the one he loved. The townsfolk were able to come together in prayer and end their lives during prayer with grace. The sheriff and his son also were able to die together in prayer. Bev receives the only truly tragic ending, digging in the sand and dying in terror when the towns ultimate troubles are mostly her fault. In the end we will all die, but hopefully some of us will be able to atone for wrongdoings and go with honor and grace.
It s not that deep u don t need a tv show to learn that stuff
@@lordmoncef5494 okay 👍 you're right. I take back everything I said.
Finally a fresh idea with classic tones and tropes.
yeah vampires are super original
They copied Salem's lot but made the hero a coward that kills himself.
@@sexycenturion7074 He made the point to the village that it was wrong and in doing so got redeemed by the girl he killed. Bit of a difference.
@@sexycenturion7074 First of all, he did it because he knew that he got transformed into something terrible and evil and if he lived, he would probably kill other people. He sacrificed himself because he didn't wanna hurt anyone.
Second, do you realize how HARD it is to kill youself? And I don't mean that sarcastically. Self-preservation instinct is the strongest drive people have. Sometimes, mental illnesses like depression or extreme emotional strain that follows for example death of a loved one can over-ride it, but most of the time it takes incredible willpower to be able to push it back. There is nothing "cowardly" about killing yourself, more like the opposite.
And just to be sure, I'm not advocating for suicide. I'm simply pointing out facts that should be obvious.
When Riley went out in the boat with Erin I really wasn't sure. Once he told his story if would give in to his hunger or not. That sacrifice scene really got the emotions going.
Riley's arc is the heart of the show, and it really could not have been executed better
@@bencarlson4300 This Show explores Religion,
which is a deep subject... already amazingly covered by Atheist-UA-camrs though.
Seriously, i think most people dont even know that kind of channel is a Thing,
causing them to effectively miss-out.
@@nenmaster5218 The reason I loved the show as much as I did was because it clearly had a bias against religion as a dogma while also showing great respect to most of those who follow that religion. An issue I have with many popular atheists is that they demean people of faith and simply show no respect for anyone who disagrees with them. (Many religious people do this as well, of course)
@@bencarlson4300 IF SO, you would love Genetically Modified Sceptic, who is famous for being so damn-respectful that he has lots and lots of Christian Fans while criticizing Religion.
I actually didn't mind the vampire design too much. My favourite moment with it would have to be when it shows up in Pruitt's old clothes while Paul is praying, to resupply him with it's blood. The way that scene was shot worked quite well with the design, I feel. Anytime it's completely in the light tough, I'll have to agree, that could have been done better. Overall I was just hyped to see a Vampire that looked a bit more monsterous and ancient than the usual popculture portrayls. Which is, in my humble opinion, more like what a true vampire is supposed to look like.
The design of a creature doesn't make the show any good I'm afraid. It was also more of a side character that didn't do anything apart until the last 2 episodes. How cool would it have been if it was more of a presence throughout the show. The director didn't work the horror into the series at all
@@thesatinbowebird didn't do anything? Like half the plot points in the series were caused by the vampire. Just because he wasn't on camera doesn't mean he didn't do anything.
@@austinveno6743 yeah he started the plot of the victor becoming younger but then what? Killed one person and then we don't see him till the end when he does stuff. He needed to be more of a presence through the whole show. Like more glimpses of him in the background or a few more kills. He was a boring monster that had no real intensity to it.
THE ACTING IN THIS SHOW WAS INSANE, it was incredible how you can hate a character (annie and ed flynn in my case) to Loving them, they did SOOO good making the survivors feel helpless at the End, Great series overall
Customs Officer: "Sorry mate. We're detecting bio materials in this crate here. So under the Protection Act we're gonna have to destroy it"
Midnight Mass was covered very well by Genetically Modified Sceptic,
just a few days ago. It's very good coverage from an angle that Drinker did not cover.
One of the best Netflix things so far...the long dialogue between the priest and Riley were great...
Sounds boring.
You can't have monologues between two people. Those are called dialogues.
How can monologues be between people?
@@spectre4356 A villain monologuing to the hero, but you wouldn't really call that dialogue.
@@forestcityfishing4749 it's an adult show
The only thing that bothered me is that no one mentioned vampires even once. They suck blood and burn in daylight and yet not one person says hey kind of sounds like a vampire.
That's one of those simple, but brilliant little things in this show. There was absolutely no need to bring up vampire mythology here. Vampire wasn't the point, it was almost an excuse to classify it as a horror show (just like Joker wasn't really a story about origins of Joker, but it was framed this way so Hollywood would throw money at it).
Yeah its like in the walking dead how nobody ever heard of a zombie in that universe
I kind of figured they kinda knew deep down but were desperate/deluded themselves because they wanted a religious miracle. The preacher says as much at the end.
Or it's lazy writing.
I don't really care as it had much more good in it than bad which isn't something we can say about a lot in 2021.
I always find it ridiculous when a show has supernatural elements who have been secret since forever somehow have accurate lore. In the real world, vampires are how people invented them to be, but in a show where vampires exist, it's hard to believe that some people out there just came up with the concept of vampires and accurately guessed the most important aspects of them.
Or how it looks like a demon straight out of the bible but the priest manages to misse that.
The preist was great. I also loved him in Noah Haley's series Legion. A simply mind blowing show i wish drinker would review.
IMO Midnight Mass was the best “TV” show/ mini series of 2021. The guy who played the priest I though did an amazing job.
Got overshadow by squid game
I'd be lying if I said Riley's death didn't hit me with feels.
I'd complain about spoilers if I hadn't seen the show already, but the Drinker spoils just about everything already in this video, so it doesn't even matter lol.
Never watch a Drinker video about something you're planning to see if you don't want to be spoiled.
Thank you for covering this. Came across it very recently and was surprised how little people seem to be talking about it. Very underrated.
There at the end - what a lovely expression of what faith is to the faithful. Thanks for that. Worth transcribing and rereading
"an industry that usually portrays Muslims as mindless, unthinking zealots"
Drinker, that talking point is at least a decade out of date.
9 11 2001 was 20 years ago and the industry has been playing damage control since then
What annoyed me with Midnight Mass is that not a single person ever called the creature what it is, a VAMPIRE. Have none of them ever seen a movie?
the made it so. All the actors received specific instructions to never mention the vampire aspect of the creature
Yeah good point my friend. I think perhaps it was done as a commentary that faith in something corrupt (doesn't have to be just religion) can blind us to the obvious right in front of us.
Look at nazis in Germany.
That was my problem with the show: how do you get a world with Catholicism, but without vampire lore?
I mean, granted without that leap, there’s no show, but damn, it got hard to suspend the disbelief at times
The entire world felt silent when Erin and Riley were talking about death. So so powerful
Midnight Mass was covered very well by Genetically Modified Sceptic,
just a few days ago. It's very good coverage from an angle that Drinker did not cover.
Sitting through the mundane navel-gazing of that scene was PAINFUL. How could you enjoy that trite crap!?
I watched this based on your recommendation and it was brilliant! The dialogue writing was particularly strong. Very well done!
Zach Gilford is best known for his past work on "Friday Night Lights", glad that he's able to continue on working on better new projects and display his talents as an actor.
Wonder if he watched friday night tights?
I really enjoyed him as Matt Saracen. Him and Jesse Plemmons had some serious chemistry.
The scene on the “Row Boat” at the end of the 2nd to last episode, is one of the best scenes ever put to film.
Not really...
You need to watch more films and TV shows. Its not film it's a TV show done with digital cameras. Film isn't used much nowadays. Go watch Salem's Lot it's better.
@@elyzium yea it is. That moment is so well earned.
Especially when you consider that it’s foreshadowed as in not only his dreams (in which he’s views himself as a monster for his drunk driving accident) but also the conversation he had about his own Death. We’re lead to believe that he brought her out to the ocean to kill her, therefore reinforcing his “monster” persona, only to have his humanity win out during the breaking dawn.
It’s why he’s so at peace mentally even as his physical body is burning in a horrible death.
That scene is the ultimate redemption.
But you’re probably right, it didn’t have lightsabers or Ironman in it so it sucks.
@@sexycenturion7074 you under stand “Film” is an expression. But let me correct myself
“The Scene on the “Row boat” in the 2nd to last episode is one of the best scenes ever put to Digital Solid State memory ever.
One of the best series I've seen in a long time. Terrifying and meaningful. I'm glad you're talking about it.
This show is a great example of how to write strong women - writing them as strong characters who are women, not unrealistic girl boss invincible Mary Sue's.
They sang Nearer My God to Thee as they were waiting for the sun to rise which as everyone knows, was what the band played as the Titanic sank.
Might be my favorite series in years. The acting was amazing and even the monologues were awesome.
Midnight Mass was covered very well by Genetically Modified Sceptic,
just a few days ago. It's very good coverage from an angle that Drinker did not cover.
"i am 10 and this is deep" the mini-series
It was sublime
@@What-go8ng Absolutely, Riley and Erin were the low points of an otherwise fantastic and subtle series. The monologues took what they had done through clever imagery and writing and shoved it in your face.
I just found and watched this last night, and I have to say that this is a masterful, fair, and genuine review of the series. I believe the actor playing the preacher deserves heaps of praise for this role. I can't remember I was so enthralled by a single character.
Congrats on 1 million!
the boat scene was so good. you expected everything to go wrong again, specially because he was the main character, but then everything went the other way. it was perfect.
Absolutely loved this show. I went in with no expectations, and by the time it was over…it had delivered. I love the way the Riley’s character developed and how he chose to go out. Not easy to chose what’s best vs immortality.
5:26 "In an industry that usually portray Muslims as fanatics unthinking zelets" What Hollywood is doing with
Christians MANY years now in TV Shows and Movies?!?!
ABSOLUTELY! And it is astounding how hardly anyone ever notices. But that's the art of influencing - and nobody hascdonecit longer and does it better than Hollyweird!
@@saymyname2417 Precisely, it is pure propaganda, and it works because people think it really is like that, just now like The Critical Drinker.
Strange i did not get a message you replied.
@@AmigaWolf - Sadly, that is true. Because unlike what people want to believe, the entertainment industry has a MAJOR INFLUENCE from even before a child can properly talk and think.
The easiest form of brainwashing is CONSTANT repitition, and that why there is never something new, just old stuff repackaged for the billionth time. With the same messages. And we are like the caller in the desert...
@@saymyname2417 Yeah, they call it still TV programming.
@@AmigaWolf - Because tv programmes ARE one of many forms of mind programming.
Flanagan's work is about the courage of the human heart in the face of horror.
The human spirit triumps though the horror is rarely defeated.
Twisting the Vampire to being an angel was brilliant
To be honest, I thought the boat scene was the end. And looking back, maybe it should have been. Leave it up to the viewer to decide what happens next. If you watch it that way it leaves a chilling impression on you.
I still get chills thinking about that scene. It was really good decision to have the sound continue through the credit roll. It could have been a good ending. After the screaming subsides and you hear the oars hit the water you would just have to wonder which way she decided to row to.
That was one of the most powerful scenes I've ever witnessed in a show or movie. But if it left us hanging there I would of been so pissed off lol.
Yeah no. It was a powerful scene for sure but if it end there, it would be a huge disappointment because so many things are left unfinished.
@@offgridburbia 100%. I’d love that to be the ending.
@@huynhvuongviet2410 I did appreciate the closure from the final episode. I really loved seeing Bev scrabbling in the sand at the very end and all the other loose ends being tied up. However, the boat scene was so moving I think it made it difficult for the ending not to be anti-climatic. So, in the final episode, previously intelligent characters had to do a lot of dumb things. Realistically, the non-vampires would have just hid out until daybreak and then torched the recreation center. But, the final episode we got had a lot of really good dramatic moments made possible a significant helping of fallacy.
Wow, really surprised by this. I found all the twists really predictable, and character decisions really poor. Such as the ending - why not just wait until all the vampire are in the rec centre and it’s daytime until they try to burn it down, rather than obviously pouring gasoline right in front of everyone and getting yourself killed? So poor.
I agree. The show has such great potential and they blew it.
Couldn’t agree more
I'm usually not great at noticing problems with the plot when the story is otherwise engaging but I had way too many problems with this one. For the first few episodes you are trying to figure out what the show will be about (which is way too long) but as soon as they explain the mystery it's surprisingly predictable.
Who's to say they'd still be alive by sun up. The vampires were tearing through town killing/turning everyone they could find.
POC just happen to be sitting in the front pews and incidentally get framed in the camera shots on little Crockett Island. So fresh and different.
I loved this series. I found it dreamlike and respectful. The fact that it was shot shortly after COVID lockdown, and the actors themselves had been months in isolation, I think enhances the poignancy of their connection. Loved this review
I found out about this series when RedLetterMedia made a review and praised it as Flanagan's best (no small feat given his track record)
Same. I passed it up at first. Watched their review before they got into any spoilers and just touched on the ideas, and how the marketing gave off the wrong vibe (I saw the Stranger Things thumbnail and just kept scrolling), and decided to watch since I trust them as they've never really led me astray. So glad they trolled their audience by reviewing it before Dune.
Same. I find most of my gems from RLM actually.
Honestly, the fact that the creature is so simple is what made it scarier to me. That they don't hide it, it's the pacing and atmosphere around it that made it
I would have to agree. The scene when it walked through the church in the preist garb, actually gave me chills in a way most horror movies could never.
and the fact that we still don't know ( and it really doesn't matter) if it is just natural or supernatural made it great.
@@HugoNav9 well, a paralyzed person was able to walk, so yeah, I’d say thats pretty effing supernatural!
@@crazysilly2914 Spinal injuries can heal, and sometimes it takes many years. And there are actually viruses/bacteria that can make their host healthier to a certain degree, so that one made sense too.
I mean, it's a show about vampires. It's obviously supernatural. I'm just saying that the paralyzed person walking part is the least supernatural thing about it.
@@Eris_Norregard although they never say the word vampire during the entire show. This show had its flaws but I liked the tone, it was very un-Whedonesque.
P.S. they call the creature an angel and it may be that: a fallen angel (although Bible accurate angels are far scarier than the creature of the show. What Monsignor says It's true: in the Bible every time an Angel speak to a human they say: "do not be afraid", that's because they're terrifying).
As someone who is a fan of Vampire mythology, it was actually really great to see a show that treats it's vampire monster much more realisticly, as a superhuman, scheming being, intertwined with the religious ideas, instead of a typical vampire. I mean, it's never even called a vampire. We need more shows like that, just like how TWD revitalised the zombie genre - similarly, by exploring deeper ideas using a typical horror setting.
So you didn't mind that it was smart for 6 episodes but dumber than a wild animal in the last episode?
I think that change destroyed the good that had been depicted up until then.
Thank you for recommending this. I'm an OIF/OEF veteran and an atheist, and this still moved me to tears...up until it devolved into schlock at the end.
Probably one of my favorite mini-series of all time. It's Salem's Lot on an island. I don't understand why so many people cry about the monologues. They're some of the best parts of the show.
Oh, so people find it boring? And it sounds like "so many people" didnt like it, maybe its not good?
@@forestcityfishing4749 Just because some people didnt like something doesn't mean it's not good lmao
@@thebrownhyena6650 And conversely just because people like something doesn't make it good. IMO Midnight Mass is a self parody. It's monologues are awful. Hill House had good monologues.
I think the show is more interesting for Christians or people that understand/respect Christianity. A good sermon is interesting. I am glad Flanigan didn't try to 'dumb it down' for the mainstream who seem completely unspiritual.
@@jamtex2 why do you think the monologues were awful? Do you like Christianity? If you don't, maybe that's why you thought they were awful.
I liked it for the most part. It slightly annoyed me that everyone seemed oblivious to what a vampire is but no real complaints.
The de-aging of the mom looked cheesy & it bothered me how no seemed to bat an eye how she looked even younger than her daughter, but aside from that, I enjoyed Midnight Mass. Solid series.
I just assumed that vampires are not know in that universe, but having said that, the ending is full of plot holes. They had no reason to burn down everything and finding some shadow is not that hard
@@Trooper266 that's the point.... burning everything down made no sense and and screwed them over, that's what zealotry is... it's destructive and ultimately self destructive.
@@jamiekeane471 everyone in the last episode suffered a lobotomy.
I think the point of them overlooking the vampire is that, would the religious congregation, given the miracles and wonders in front of them more readily assume they were dealing with a vampire (clearly fiction) or an angel of the lord (assumed fact according to their religious texts).
This is enough to hold their disbelief at bay.
as a catholic I say it tried to critic protestant flaws in a catholic background, plot hole miracles are always monitored by the vatican, so the minute that lady could walk, there should have been a visit from an observer from the holy see, I really recomend the 13 miracle for more info.
Well, to be fair the Vatican these days is amongst the most heretical institutions in the Catholic World. So I would understand this flying under their radar or being ignored.
@@solonyetski probably you are right. Specially with the actual antipope.
That’s true about the Vatican, they came to our Protestant Mega church even.
Catholicism is a false church.
@@Romans8-9 said satan.
9:17 - That message was very well expressed, Drinker. Rather poetic, even.
Can I just note how spectacularly well-written this review is. Regardless of what is being reviewed, the writing here is breathtaking. Thanks for that.
Unlike most reviewers, the Drinker actually is a writer, and it shows. All of his content is beautifully written.
I am a devote Christian, and I found this show to handle everything tastefully. Midnight Mass might be my favorite thing in general to cone out these last few years. It shows that sometimes less is more. To me, it was a near perfect masterpiece that I cannot recommend enough.
Yea, I was wondering about this. I don't care to see any more Christianity bashing than I already do. I understand that Christianity is the largest religion in the US so it isn't a negetive just to show Catholicism mixed in with something dark that is happening, as long as it isn't trying to conflate the two things it is fine with me.
@Ae-Ri 🇰🇷 do you fart into people's faces?
it was like a horror show made for Christians, rather than against. Apparently he's been trying to make this show for over a decade and only had it green lit because he's had some hits that made good money.
So pleased you cover this. I adored this show. Your words at the end were fantastic btw.
Rewatched this gem.
My favorite thing that I didn’t notice the first go around is that literally the most extreme zealot and in contrast the most reasonable skeptics are the most religious people on the island.
Bev as mentioned uses her religion to justify her treatment of people and the horrors she imparts on others. Shes a typical extremist who is really not even a good Christian.
The Drs Mom that Father Paul brings back from dementia is the contrast to Bev. She by far the most religious person on the island and she immediately sees there’s something very wrong going on literally guided by her beliefs.
The sheriff is the most tolerant person and is also a religious man. He is well studied and he looks at all angles.
Man what a damn good show.
Wish the entertainment world would produce a film or TV series that finally represents Christianity accurately. A lot more cash would flow into the company’s coffers.
Most of the entertainment industry is run and staffed by people that HATE Jesus Christ and Christianity. Everything they believe to be true, good or even real is the inverse of that found in Christianity. I wish I was joking.
@@michaelpalmer5351 ding ding ding!!! 🙄
What a horrid world we live in.
@@globidenz2447 It's often a parade of evil and brutality, pally - I won't lie. But there's also enough beauty and transcendence towards God still out there to be found and grabbed hold of.
"It ain't so gloomy." :)
Check out Angel pictures. They released the show The Chosen and its awesome
I love you Drinker, and I agree with a lot in this review, but I'd replace "ambitious" with "indulgent."
I love slow-build stories that take a measured, thoughtful approach to tackle heady subject matter (Devs for example is one of my favorite all-time shows). But Midnight Mass treated its audience like idiots who have never had a philosophical thought in their lives. Each (of the many) monologues played out like this:
1. Deliver a thoughtful metaphor to convey a philosophical thought
2. In case you didn't catch it, take 15 minutes explaining the metaphor
3. For those who zoned out for the last15 minutes, repeat what the character JUST said, but in plain English so nobody misses the point.
They all played out like indulgent scenes meant to highlight the vocabulary of the writer and prowess of the actors. Dozens of long, drawn out audition tapes.
If Midnight Mass kept to step 1 of their monologue formula, it would've been half as long and I would've absolutely loved it. But by the end, I was just so annoyed that I couldn't give two shits about the subject matter. And thanks to their "philosophy for dummies" approach, I got the point long before the climax of the story, so it just felt underwhelming.
Thank you! This sums up my frustration perfectly. I liked the idea behind the show and would love to see it explored further but overall the show just felt preachy because it insisted on over-explaining the obvious.
This Plotbreakdown gave me “Shadow Over Innsmouth” Vibes, one of my all time favorite Lovecraftian Stories
Started this show early in the morning and finished it by that night. Couldn’t stop watching it once I started.
Mike Flanagan is one of my favorite modern writers/directors because his works are restrained, mature, character-driven and most importantly they all have something to say about humanity. Even his movies, Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep, focus on trauma, alcoholism and redemption in an endearing, if horrific manner. Hollywood needs more people like him making things.
The only thing I disagree with is that it definitely points to atheism or lack of intelligent designer as the correct world view. This plays out in the climax and final sacrifice of one of the main characters deaths.
Pretty sure it's deliberately ambiguous
How so?
Its indian theological idea called Advaitam.
Abrahamic religions will probably see it as atheistic.
It goes beyond/before god.
6:30 people actually do recognize him, and he makes a point about it during his last sermon. And about the trunk, he mentioned how he had to pay off and bribe a lot to get the trunk there.
Not only that, but the explanation they gave for it nicely connects to a revelation made at the ending. Really good writing, imo.
I had a lot of problems with the show, mainly centered around how much the monologues were drawn out…but boy was I tearing up at that finale. And the fact that you incorporated the final song into your own conclusion to some degree brought many of those emotions back
Even if I haven't heard of the shows/movies the Drinker recommends, I'll 100% every single video that he uploads. Hail the Drinker!
@Just wow dude. Go away
I never thought I’d type these words. Drinker you had me a tad filled with love and emotion at the end. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. I binged the whole show in one go. Actually rewatched it at the weekend. I loved the dialogue, Beverly was the scariest villain in a while. And seeing joe cry had me in bits. Sending love 💖🦋
The “dying” monologues had me weeping. The writing was so beautiful for this show.
Good call Drinker. It is a pleasure to watch something well done. Oh.....and the wonderful music.
This show stuck with me in a way I never expected. And the monologues, THE MONOLOGUES!!! As an actress I hope to have the guts one day to tackle one of the amazing monologues in this show. I also dream of working with Mike Flanagan as a director, because damn the performances he gets from his actors.
Man, a good monologue has to be one of the harder aspects of acting. Get that down and you'll be a pro for sure.
Interesting, the monologues were the worst part of the show in my opinion, just felt forced and unnecessary, but different strokes eh !
@@andrewbrabandt4975 you probably don't like listening to a sermon either. Dome people do. Do you read novels? People want action nowadays
@@nuckygulliver9607 I do indeed read often. The monologues just seemed forced. I’m all for a slow burn, but they were noticeably forced / out of place to me.
Guess I'm in the minority here, because I don't like Midnight Mass. It actually lost me on episode 5, which seems to be a very popular episode for that last scene, which I admit is fairly poignant. To me though, it simply killed the show entirely for various reasons.
It was good enough for me to watch but it was no longer interesting after the show explains what happened to Paul and reveals the monster. There were good moments but too many letdowns.
Overall it was watchable, and I loved the priest's sermons (and the character in general). But I too have quite a list of things that are wrong with this show.
The ending to this show was beyond comical.
I have just watched this back to back. One of the most gripping things I have ever watched.
Drinker, you must be somehow connected to the Universe because at this point I started putting together a chapter for my book where a character needs to deal with the horrible things she's done in the past and now you introduced me to this show which deals with the topic. The timing is impeccable.
Thank you!