Okay yes, this is a late review. I actually watched Blue Eye Samurai a while back when it first dropped on Netflix, and I’ve been meaning to talk about it ever since. Life got in the way, but honestly? This show still lives rent-free in my head, so here we are.

If you’re into animation, Japanese lore, revenge stories, or just beautifully made TV in general, Blue Eye Samurai is 100 percent worth your time. The story follows Mizu, a half-white, half-Japanese swordswoman in Edo-period Japan, out for blood and answers. She’s cold, focused, deeply complicated and I was rooting for her every step of the way.

The animation is unreal. Like, every shot looks hand-painted and cinematic. The fight choreography is so smooth and intense I actually rewatched some scenes just to take it all in. The show doesn’t shy away from violence or emotion, and the mix of old-world Japan with high-stakes action makes it feel completely fresh.

Also, let’s talk about the cast-- Maya Erskine, Masi Oka, Kenneth Branagh… they all crushed it. Not to mention the great and wonderful George Takei! You can feel the weight of every line, and it just pulls you deeper into the story.

I’m already counting down to Season 2 next year. There’s so much more I want to see from Mizu’s journey and this world. It ended on such a strong note, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get better from here.

If you missed it when it came out or just haven’t pressed play yet, this is your sign. It’s fierce, emotional, visually stunning, and perfect for anyone who loves powerful animation with a story that sticks.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you watch it!

Okay so if you’ve been anywhere near Netflix in the past few years and love a spooky binge with actual feelings involved, then you’ve probably already been haunted by Mike Flanagan. The man doesn’t just do jump scares. He does grief, trauma, long monologues, and yes, the occasional ghost in the corner of the room that you don’t even notice until your third rewatch. Here’s my rundown of just some of his Netflix creations that I love and highly recommend to all my friends.

The Haunting of Hill House

This one is legendary for a reason. It’s scary, yes, but also deeply sad in a “wow this family really needs therapy” kind of way. It’s all about childhood trauma, family dynamics, and ghosts that may or may not be metaphors. The storytelling is super smart. Some episodes are told from different characters’ perspectives, and one is basically a single shot the entire time. Iconic. I recommend starting here if you’re new to his work. This is a loose adaptation of Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name.

This is the movie that made me a Mike Flanagan fan and also where I first saw Kate Siegel, who happens to be his gorgeous and talented wife.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

This one’s softer, slower, and more about love than fear. Still creepy, but it’s a different kind of vibe. It leans into gothic romance and heartbreak. There are some really touching moments and strong performances, especially if you like ghost stories that focus on emotional payoff instead of jump scares.

Watching this midway reminded me of a book and movie I've seen before and later on saw that it drew a lot from The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. If you haven't read the novel or seen the movies based on that, I suggest you check those out too. While you're at it, you might also wanna watch Marlon Brando's Nightcomers.

Midnight Mass

This is a slow burn in the best way. It’s about religion, addiction, forgiveness, and guilt, all set in a quiet island town that’s hiding something deeply unsettling. The pacing is deliberate and the dialogue is heavy, but it works. It’s one of the most thoughtful horror shows I’ve ever seen. The ending will stay with you. 

This is a Mike Flanagan original and you can definitely see the talent he has. He is not only gifted in retelling or basing stories on other people's work but he is also able to conjure up a plot that is multi-faceted and riveting.

The Midnight Club

This one is aimed at a younger crowd but still carries that emotional weight Flanagan is known for. It’s about terminally ill teens who gather at night to tell scary stories. Yes, it’s sad, but it’s also hopeful and creative. Each episode has a short standalone story within it. Sadly it got cancelled.

While it is still worth the watch I would say that it is my least favorite one, though. It's a little campy and a little bit like the Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark series for me. My kids liked it though. It's a less serious tone than the others.

The Fall of the House of Usher

This is the most dramatic and stylish of the bunch. It takes Edgar Allan Poe’s work and spins it into a modern horror soap opera full of rich people getting exactly what they deserve. It’s gory, fast-paced, and a little over the top in the best way. If you’re here for revenge, ghosts, and a dash of luxury horror, this one delivers.

I am definitely an Edgar Allan Poe fan and this was definitely my favorite of the bunch. Each of the series' installment building up to the inevitable conclusion of the cleverly intertwined tales and poems. 

So yeah, if you like horror that isn’t just scary but also says something classic and meaningful, Flanagan’s work is a must-watch. Every show has its own mood and message, but they all hit that emotional horror sweet spot. Perfect for nights when you want chills with meaning.