Counter Culture

SPOILER ALERT

814 words, 4 minutes read time.

The Fall of the House of Usher is an American gothic horror drama television miniseries created by Mike Flanagan, released on Netflix on October 12, 2023. This atmospheric and visually striking series consists of eight episodes, each carefully crafted to weave a dark and intricate narrative inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Visual and Atmospheric Impact

The series excels in its visual storytelling, using a palette of dark, moody colors to create a sense of foreboding and unease. The production design intricately details the Usher family’s deteriorating mansion, symbolizing the decay and corruption that pervades their lives. Cinematography employs shadowy lighting and dramatic contrasts to enhance the gothic horror aesthetic, making every scene a visual feast of dread and anticipation.

Contemporary Societal Issues and Technological Advancements

Set between 1953 and 2023, The Fall of the House of Usher explores contemporary societal issues such as corporate corruption, the opioid crisis, and the ethical boundaries of technological advancements. Roderick Usher, as the CEO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, embodies the unchecked greed and moral decay prevalent in modern-day corporations. The series reflects on the real-world impact of pharmaceutical companies, highlighting how their pursuit of profit often leads to devastating consequences for society.

Complex Characters and Moral Dilemmas

Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood) is a deeply flawed protagonist, whose rise to power is marked by ethical compromises and ruthless ambition. His character arc is a tragic exploration of how the lust for power and control can lead to one’s downfall. His sister, Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell), the COO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, is equally complex, depicted as a genius whose intellect is both her greatest asset and her greatest curse. Their dynamic relationship is fraught with tension and buried secrets, adding layers to their characters.

Verna (Carla Gugino), a mysterious and supernatural entity, adds a chilling dimension to the series. Her enigmatic presence and shape-shifting abilities—most notably into a raven—embody themes of death and the unknown. Verna’s interactions with the Usher family reveal deeper truths about their past and their inevitable fate, making her a pivotal character whose motives and origins are shrouded in mystery. Her portrayal is inspired by Poe’s “The Raven,” and she serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of the Ushers’ actions.

Arthur Gordon Pym (Mark Hamill), the family’s lawyer, is another fascinating character. Known as the “Pym Reaper,” he is the fixer who ensures the family’s dark secrets remain buried. His loyalty to the Ushers is unwavering, driven by a complex mixture of gratitude, fear, and perhaps a touch of his own moral ambiguity. Pym’s backstory, including his harrowing experiences during the Transglobe Expedition, adds depth to his character, revealing how his encounters with cruelty and the supernatural have shaped his worldview.

Integration of Social Issues

The series seamlessly integrates contemporary social issues into its storyline, adding layers of relevance and critique. Examples include:

• Pharmaceutical Corruption: Roderick Usher, as the CEO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, embodies the greed and ethical failings of modern corporate America. The series addresses the opioid crisis, highlighting how pharmaceutical companies prioritize profit over human lives. A powerful scene depicts a press conference where Roderick deceptively assures the public of the safety of a new painkiller, while behind the scenes, victims of the drug’s side effects suffer in silence.
• Technological Surveillance: The Usher family’s use of advanced technology to monitor and control their environment reflects current concerns about privacy and surveillance. This element of the plot critiques the invasive nature of modern technology. For example, Madeline’s office is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, allowing her to keep tabs on employees and even family members, showcasing the pervasive and intrusive power of technology.

Reflection on Human Nature and Consequences

While the series does not present a straightforward moral lesson, it delves into themes of obsession, corruption, and the blurred lines between reality and madness. Roderick Usher’s relentless pursuit of power and wealth serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of obsession. The series also explores how family secrets and past sins inevitably surface, leading to tragic outcomes.

Characters in the series frequently grapple with their sanity as they confront supernatural occurrences and hidden family truths. This interplay between the psychological and the supernatural challenges viewers to question what is real and what is imagined, creating a rich tapestry of horror and intrigue.

Conclusion

The Fall of the House of Usher is a masterful blend of gothic horror and contemporary drama, enriched by complex characters and moral dilemmas. The series not only pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe’s literary legacy but also reflects on modern societal issues and the timeless consequences of human actions. With its atmospheric visuals, intricate storytelling, and deep thematic exploration, the series leaves a lasting impact on its audience, inviting them to reflect on the dark corners of the human soul and the inevitable repercussions of unchecked ambition.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington