The Haunting of Hill House | Ep. 6

INSANNEEEE THEORY AT THE END. Since you already finished this show, it’s actually INSANE how right you are.

Veronica Garcia

They go into episodes with particular expectations. Not me. I try to be as open as possible without any preconceptions or thoughts about what SHOULD happen (story, structure, pace, tone). If a show is already great, I enjoy it even better like that.

mesocarib

FUCKIN TALK FAMILY!!!!! JEEZ, THIS WAS PAINFUL, YOU ALL KNOW ITS REAL...F'ING TALK!! Sorry for yelling, but man cmon, this trope is almost worse for me than going to investigate instead of just straight up leaving when there is danger. Besides that, this was awesome, and the reveals/scares were really cool as well.

Ian A

i think the argument scenes r actually some of the best acting in the entire show. it’s really visceral and very mesmerizing

Kendra

If you look on YouTube they have a BTS of how they shot this episode!

Setsuna22

God, poor Nellie.

K Ray

Have you ever seen the horror/thriller film The Black Phone? The actress that plays Finney’s clairvoyant sister is the real life big sister of the actress that plays young Nell in THoHH. Both are super talented actors.

Itss_NattyJ

I definitely binged the series in 2 days on my first watch. No way I could let days go by between episodes or watch anything else for a show like this. It’s a 10-hour long film not a tv show. Lol Flanagan fully intended this series to be binged, an extended version of his film Oculus. “The series was filmed like a movie, with blocks of three episodes cross-boarded around each other, making the shooting process feel like making multiple movies back-to-back.”

Itss_NattyJ

I agree. This series is one of those series where it takes a second watch or even a third to truly appreciate everything that is happening not only in this episode, but with the series as a whole.

Chancey Rae

The long shots are my favorite because of how incredible difficult it was for them to shoot this even with the imperfections. If you notice there were small moments of imperfections that the actors stayed in character. Theo falling was actually one of them also she was pregnant with her second child at the time, which her and Mike ended up naming her Theodora.! Also young Hugh stepping over a flashlight or a part of the chandelier was another. People also stumbled over some of their lines but it was kept in because it was more authentic. I really want to applaud the child actors because their scenes were long shots as well and they were so well behaved and stayed in character too. Also Shirley saying, "Please Luke, don't fuck this up.: Ultimately, Luke is the only one who didn't go batshit crazy. Which makes this episode even more tragic. It always makes me cry, Nell was such a good person she was always there for the family and she got ignored a lot in return even when she needed help the most. So now it's her wake and she's dead and instead of remembering her they're all fighting with each other.

Chancey Rae

As to the slowdown it was purposely done. You had the 5 siblings then the funeral, as the rest of the episodes come up you will understand (and be grateful for) why they slowed it down right in the middle. Also keep in mind you are watching it week to week and these shows are meant to be binged maybe not all in one day lol but quickly in succession.

Randi Marsh

Also she did hit her head between the couch and wall.

Randi Marsh

I get where you’re coming from, about the somewhat uneven pace of this episode, but I think there were some small hints and nuggets of clues throughout the episode that will have major pay offs later on.

Jan T

Randi Marsh

So as to the cuts and edits. There are only 5 extra long shots in this episodes. The first cut is at 15:38 (excluding credits). The third of the 5 shots is the longest at over 17 mins. This is my favorite episode of television ever artistically. The writing, cinematography, acting, and sound/set design is absolutely perfect. Mike Flanagan is a genius.

Randi Marsh

I’ll second that call for Adolescence. Not only are the 4 one shot episodes technically brilliant, but it’s a deeply involving experience on an incredibly important subject, and an acting master class.

Jan T

6&7 are my least favorite episodes - but to this day I still think it's the best tv writing in modern cinema

Simone Cherie

“Nobody could see me” DAMN that little actress 🥺

Simone Cherie

The pan to ghost Nell with little Nell’s voiceover saying “no one could see me” at the end will forever be one of the most devastating closing shots in TV history imo.

Sylvia

i think all the other reactors I've seen went the opposite way with regards to "...you wanna do this now?" so it's fun to see the other side. and it helps to reinforce what you mentioned at the beginning: these are people in a broader context than each episode, or specific shots. So yes, the more objective 'proper' mode might be to stay focused on Nell's wake. And yet... we carry so much with us through time. They say our bodies remember.

Charlie Ito

There's one thing I'd like to point out about the story in this episode that I find is often overlooked. Everyone in the family expected Luke to be a problem when they all got together, yet Luke is probably the calmest and most collected out of all of them as well as the most focused on the fact they're there for Nell!

Jenny Jackson

I totally respect that you guys felt that this episode was especially slow. We definitely dont get any answers but I could not get over all the one takes. I think i give the actors praise for even getting lines right when the takes are this long. I was amazed but still some of the best reveals are yet to come. 😊

Tatyana Allen

I do agree the pacing does feel a lot slower then the other episodes

Emily Tomlin

I lived for it! I thought it was great because he tried to act so strong and he just loses it in the most Steve way possible. I didn't even mind th accent slip because I imagine he tried to give himself a European lilt to sound more scholarly and it just kept coming out! :D

StickyKeys

I thnk the acting was exceptional, especially in this episode because everything was so real and unscripted. The fight between Steve and Dad was especially sad. I remember the first time I watched being frustrated, but on rewatches, this is easily one of my faves. Funnily enough, it's the next episode that I'll often skip in my rewatches, for me, it has the issues you had with this one, so my guess is that you'll love it! :D Can't wait until then! And oof, I don't want to be one of those "Just you wait for ep XYZ" peeps, so I'll just say that much like the Crain's belief, the "answers" will come, but they'll be delayed! Also, the tie-ins are gorgeous throughout the series, everything matters and everything is connected.

StickyKeys

Wow guys, I'm SHOCKED! :D I thought this ep would blow you away, but it might be one of those things where the technical aspect overshadowed the story-telling? Another person mentioned it up top, but I would suggest watching the YT featurette about the making of the episode (it's short, like 10 min). Personally, this is one of my favorite episodes and I think the pacing is indicative of what's happening in the story. This family is EXTREMELY emotionally constipated. Some of them are in denial to the point of delusion. As viewers, them all getting together seems like a great time to get some answers, but that was never going to happen for a family this broken. There's a scene in ep. 4 when Luke leaves a message for Nell (already passed) and says, "That thing has been happening again". I don't think anyone remembered or cared about TBNL except for Luke and Dad. I think they "know" about Theo's gift, but not enough to ever say anything about it. To acknowledge it would take it from being "preternatural" to SPN.

StickyKeys

You guys should check out Adolescence if you like long shots! 4 episodes and each are just one shot entire episode

Catalina

I think this is actually my favorite episode maybe? But Theo's fall really does look so silly

Alex

Def worth watching Adolescence, if you haven’t already. 4 episodes all one shot and done brilliantly. It’s agree it felt a little jarring here but I still love this episode. Hill House was a binge watch for me, I just couldn’t wait lol. Love your reactions guys

Sam

Steve at the coffin! Steve, the acting... to me it was really really cringe. His Dutch accent comes out a lot too

Chris Jaeger

They probably didn't offer it to Luke for that exact reason. Or maybe there was a stipulation with it, being like, you need to get clean if you want the money or that we will use the money to pay for rehab or housing, but nothing else. That's what I would have done honestly. If I was Steve and wrote the book and made all that money, I'd just set up an account for Luke to have access to based on certain factors.

Lailah Johnson

They built the set of Hill House and Shirley’s house on the same stage- back to back. They did this with one sole purpose- episode six. This was a masterclass in film work, lighting, sound effects, natural rain effects, and ACTING. I STRONGLY suggest that you both watch this again on your own time, now you won’t be as nervous waiting to not be scared- you can actually focus on the STORY, and what IS going on. Remember, this isn’t just a “Horror Show”- it’s a show about a family. We are all entitled to our opinions, and I definitely respect both of yours- just give it another watch if you get a chance. Stay well. Oh, one last thing- please remember- The house destroyed this family and their relationships. Not everyone gets emotional at funerals.

Joshua Coldwater

very much so agree w what yall say about the filmography in this ep. it’s super impressive, so on a technical level i adore it because some of the shots are crazy, but there are def many moments when i felt it didn’t serve the story very well. it’s also a Lot to put on child actors, and we def see some of the weakest performances this ep (from both the children And adults like u said). this ep has always been a fandom favorite and to be honest ive skipped it on at least one of my rewatches lolll. it’s just very slow, and tbh beyond a glimpse into each character’s present emotional state, it doesn’t deliver much in the way of new information? it’s almost like a “previously on” if a previously on were… in the present.. < absolute nonsense idfk hahaha

adriancatrin

This is one of my favorite eps still and to me, the emotional parts hit pretty good, I did not feel like the acting was off or not as good as the other episodes, it actually felt more believable and real because you actually get to see them all reacting in real-time to each other's dialogue and actions. I think the only part that felt too rehearsed for me was the punch line from Theo. The rest was really well done. I absolutely loved the one-shots in this one because it actually felt immersive imo, as if you were there as well. I do think you will appreciate more of the narrative in this one in a re-watch so you canpay attention to more details of what is going on though. Also, as the previous episodes were memories scattered throughout time, this one being a continuous story that also merges into memories but this time told in a sequence was a good way to show parallels and explore more about house and Crain's connections to it.

Liuzetz

was I right!!??

Reel Review HQ

I don’t think anyone else has pointed it out yet, but if you notice, any time something happens with Nell (the buttons, the coffin falling, the lights going out) is when the family is fighting. Even in death Nellie is trying her hardest to keep everyone from fighting with each other.

Hey Jamie

Patriotism

Hey Jamie

I need more mike flanagan

Maria Clara MD 👩🏻‍⚕️🇧🇷

So Good

Maria Clara MD 👩🏻‍⚕️🇧🇷

Wow, I let out a very audible "WHAT?" at your hot take on the one-shot in this episode. That is one the biggest reasons why this series is so beloved/respected and makes this episode a favorite of the fans. It's your least favorite episode as well and the acting was subpar? Good grief. I was expecting ya’ll to respond the same given your background in film and appreciation of cinematography. Maybe on a second watch you'll come to appreciate it more since right now you're both kind of distracted by being scared and you miss some things. Idk, I thought it was brilliant! Can't wait to see your reaction to the next and final episodes as questions get answered and dots start to connect.

Itss_NattyJ

yo that angelic choir coming in when the dad went to kiss nell on the forehead scared the SHITE out of me.

Ali S.

I'm usually in agreement with y'all but I was so surprised to hear this was your least favorite episode! This one is one of the more powerful episodes for me personally. I come from a similar kind of dysfunctional family and I thought they portrayed it SO accurately. I think the way they shot it played a big part in making it feel so real!

Jenny Jackson

59:41 WILL

Hey Jamie

57:40 don’t worry, boys… no question goes unanswered in this show.

Hey Jamie

There's a video that shows how they did that first one-shot and it's really fascinating if you're interested in seeing it! They designed the set specifically for it

Kassandra Conley

The best part about this show is that every time you think “what the hell was that??” It EVENTUALLY explains it lol. So you’re not left lost for long

Julia Timlin

I just thought of something for the first time in all the times that I’ve watched and rewatched this show. Luke was always stealing from his family because he needed money for drugs. Why didn’t he just also accept the book money from Steven? He would always have money, like Theo said the royalties are ongoing. Interesting lol

Hey Jamie

Deeplyyy disagree the emotional parts and the one shot of it all. The emotional responses felt very true to real life experiences with death/grief to me. Especially since this family is very repressed, they don’t communicate well with each other and they’ve already dealt with so much grief and loss I don’t think big emotional breakdowns would make sense. I would love to know your guys’ thoughts on Adolescence on Netflix, it’s 4 episodes all hour-long one shots!

Mary Griffin

They actors & their doubles did come in/ out & the whole shot was choreographed & timed. Yall should react to the youtube video of how they did the take. Definitely agree w/yall about it feeling like a play. Especially with Theo, her lines come across very stage actoresque, like when she says the line, "Punch." Also, did you notice how little Nell was twirling like her older dancing self? 😢 💃

Patsy Mayonnaise

Ah, just starting now as somebody had the audacity to call me just as i was about to begin. i must urge you to continue the Flanagan journey after this chapter is done. And even continue the horror journey because i love horror but never get scared to the point of falling off my chair any longer so i would like to live vicariously through you,(Jacob).

Danielle Maines

18:41 there was the first cut of the whole episode

Hey Jamie

15:15 that’s exactly what they did :)

Hey Jamie

At her own funeral! None of them saw her at her own damn funeral!!!

John Matarese

11:12 I love this part by Steve so much. He’s really breaking down because he needed confirmation she was actually dead, because he knows he saw her in his apartment. He’s freaking out because the last thing in the world he wants is to think he’s mentally unwell because he thinks it’s runs in the family.

Hey Jamie

I left my headphones at home today and literally drove to Walmart to buy new ones so I could partake in my Tuesday ritual of watching this at work while I drink my coffee and answer emails😅

Julia Timlin

Basically how we start everyday

Reel Review HQ

I do not want this show to end,it is soooooo good😊

Zuzana Vranova

What was the theme before you guys showed up this day? Was Will like “I’m going to wear my Hawaiian shirt” and Jacob was like “bet” and then you both show up and Jacob is like 😐😑 and Will is like 🤣 and then goes “what? Look, it’s my Hawaii shirt!”

Hey Jamie

Yeah, they didn’t like that about it. lol

Hey Jamie

Sigh, alright let’s get this over with. lol

Hey Jamie

period this ep is so good

gigi

my favorite episode! There are only 5 cuts in this episode and there is an awesome Making Of Video on how they did it! No spoilers for the rest of the season if you want to check it out: https://youtu.be/n8gJ81M39Ig?si=rMl1K8LRIVex5iGv

codenamewitch xx

OH OH OH LETS GOOOO

EatMyMittenz

I jumped on thisssw

Rojin BL

yuhhhhh lets do thisss

Teddy Mansfield