The Haunting of Hill House (EP 1-2) - Full Reaction

Hey Cassie, you might also recognize the oldest brother Steve from the show Nashville. I believe you’ve seen that. He played Rayna’s producer Liam. He was also in season 4 and 5 of Game of Thrones.

Tara

Hill House has a way of keeping you in your feels. There's something so wholesome and relatable about the scenes with the children that it beckons the viewer to chase catharsis. It keeps you vulnerable, and that allows the horror to be so sharp and so cutting. I haven't lost any of my siblings, but somehow the family dealing with the loss of Nell really made me think about how difficult it will be when that day comes. Grief and dread and regret are so powerful, and I think Hill House does an incredible job of making those emotions into dreadful monsters that can step out of the story and bang on the walls in our own lives. Also, the transitions in this show are pure mastery.

Brennan Flora

It can be useful, say if you were of a nervous disposition, to let Cassies reaction on about 5-10 seconds ahead of your stream, so you know if Cassie freaks out, you can prepare yourself. just saying...

John Drake

Elliot from E.T. is going to be recognized at some point and it will be glorious. I shouldn't have started eating dinner at the beginning of Ep. 2.

Brian's Dog

It’s so hard not to just jump straight to Episode 3.

Daniel Turbyfill

This Miniseries was not even on my radar however I decided to watch it thanks to you . It is so good. The acting is outstanding. The characters are well developed.

Doc Larry

Yeah I get what you mean. The Haunting novel by Shirley Jackson is now considered a literary classic of the genre, so I think the filmmakers are trying to bring some of that seriousness and artiness to the project. Also a major theme of this story is freezing time like a painting, vs continuing to grow and evolve and move on.

Chris Thom

@Philip - nothing wrong with that, you do you. I don't t have that much time however. Plus I really just wanted to try doing it this way, having never done it before. I normally would watch the entire series, then go back and watch with Cassie on YT.

Richard Maurer

Oh interesting, I think that was probably entirely wasted on me. I can't say I spotted any ghosts that weren't obviously noticible for story reasons. To be clear, because I may not have articulated it terribly well, I meant that shots are often composed in a very painterly style, comprable to a Wes Anderson movie. It's very aesthetically pleasing, but it also often felt staged and artificial to me. I'm not sure how to describe what I mean - it's like I felt less emotionally engaged because I was consciously aware of how beautiful it all was, if that makes any sense. This really nit picky stuff though, and it seems I'm in a very tiny minority anyway. Possibly even a minority of one. I think it's fair to chalk up the problem as being with me, not the show.

Ian Tonge

Finally. I've been waiting two years for this. Every October it will get mentioned, and never happen. Next year Midnight Mass.

Zenjuju

I watch the eps first and then watch the reaction. I'm unwell. Help.

Philip Alan

Yeah, this is my first time too, and it's really going to need to kick it into the next gear to keep my attention. Lots of beige and soft lighting and dull people walking slowly. I actually don't care if it's not a horror movie, I just don't feel invested in the characters or story yet.

Carol_White

Part of the reason the shots are so perfectly composed is because there are ghosts hidden in the background of a lot of shots.

Chris Thom

Often Classy sometimes sassy Cassie, So I own all the equipment to investigate paranormal stuff but I never get called out unless they have something substantial. I am not a expert by any means. Far from it. I can tell you about a video on YouTube your not supposed to watch. Or that doll down in Florida that they based Chucky off of. The doll is in museum. I have never been. But I did meet Lorraine Warren in 2004. You know from the Conjuring movies. Took a tour of their Occult museum at the time. Otherwise it was going to hobby but I lost interest. This reminds me so much of a bunch of different movies. Legend Of The Hell House. Yeah wow. Anyway Cassie, gf says she can't stand this she keeps asking me about the kids. All I remember is the scene that scared me the most. Just dropping "my two cents"

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)

I can only imagine that Cassie is going to be an emotional wreck in episode 3 and I am calling episode 8 will be the winner of a poppy award next year and it will be no contest.

Brian McGovern

That is my favorite. I do watch it once a year. That show holds a special place for me. I’d love to see that reaction, but it’s probably too long for Cassie to react to. Maybe someday.

bknsty14

I just keep a towel with me when I watch. I’ve seen it so many time and everything in it makes me tear up at this point.

bknsty14

I wouldn't be able to. I'm watching it for the third time and I watched four and half episodes in a row last night.

Chris Thom

First time watch for me and didn't know what to expect from this one. More drama than scares but certainly eerie at times. Definitely not my usual watches but I'll be following along with you

Canadianant

I scoffed at this show when it came out, I was a bit tired of the hauntings, conjurings, and curses movies and shows. After the first episode I'm all in, I don't know if I'll be able to wait to do the full watch along. What a great cast, I'll say young Theo is much different than Phoebe Spengler

Chris Retzlaff

Based on what I’ve seen so far in two episodes, I’ll probably check out some of his other works.

Dan M

Lost! God I loved that series!

Dan M

Nice catch!

Dan M

I can understand why you feel like the series is moving like a slow plod. To me it felt more like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, letting him get a taste, and then moving back a bit to lure him toward you. The show gives a few jump scares here and there, a few creepy images, and it’s building the story ever so slowly, but enough to leave you wanting more. Which is why I think some time in the next few episodes we are going to get our minds blown. At least that’s what I’m hoping for.

Dan M

I’ve never seen it before either, and I got hooked last night. I was pleasantly surprised.

Dan M

I've never actually watched this before. I've heard about it, but never got around to watching it, so thank you for watching this. I'm looking forward to watching along with you.

BibbitduBois

Only the first and last episodes are extended. And only by a couple minutes. Mostly extending existing scenes. I only paid $10 for the set, so it was 100% worth it to me.

Shad Kanyak

I'm one of those people who will give a dirty look for rattling a popcorn bag, lol. But so far, so good.

Richard Maurer

I like that Cassie doesn't talk excessively, or uses short phrases. She expresses herself in non-verbal ways. Many reactors talk too much for me. But any reaction can be a distraction.

Clay F

What, what, what? There's extended episodes on blu ray? Do you feel it's a significant improvement/would you recommend over watching the Netflix version?

Ian Tonge

I hadn't thought about it that way. Good comments. I guess I find those aspects kind of soothing. An odd aspect for me with the early episodes is the series seems a slow plod at the same time the episode goes by fast. I know that doesn't really make sense.

Clay F

I really enjoyed this show, even though it's not usually my sort of thing. My only complaint is that it seems a little bit too polished; everyone is just slightly too beautiful, the sets just a tad too neatly arranged, shots are framed just a smidge too perfectly - I swear some scenes look like a creepy Grand Budapest Hotel. Distractingly fake is the best way I can think to describe it. But I suppose if the worst thing you can say is that, essentially, it's been made with too much care, that's no bad thing. I'm excited to see reactions for the remaining episodes. I can't wait.

Ian Tonge

If you see Mike Flanagan's name, you know it's going to be good. I also highly recommend the next series, The Haunting of Bly Manor and then Midnight Mass. He also directed the Shining sequel, Doctor Sleep, which is a GREAT sequel.

Odd Thomas

The show is incredible seen it about 10x and I cannot stop watching it.

JohnnyUtah

Thank you. I don’t understand at all why people feel the need to say anything like that.

Joel Baumgartner

i've never done a first watch (movie or series) with a reactor before so this will a entirely new thing for me. Considering that I generally don't like people talking while I'm watching something new it may also be the last time I do this :-)

Richard Maurer

The best thing you can do is NOT comment about future episodes, guys, period. I know people get excited about a scare here or a plot twist there but it's better to just not mention anything that hasn't happened yet.

Odd Thomas

Tough stuff for sure, but the Popcorn in bed gang has become such as well. Like JoBeth Williams in Poltergeist

Ricardo Rodriguez

I noticed an Easter Egg in the first episode that I don’t remember catching before. In the treehouse there was an E.T. Lunchbox. The actor playing the younger version of the father is Henry Thomas who played Eliot in E.T.

Daniel Turbyfill

Finally saw that year and was really surprised how well the psychological aspects of the story were presented. The characters seemed very modern, too.

Chris Thom

Hush is the only one that's quick and dirty and simple...but I love it.

Chris Thom

For real I think she might turn it off immediately after the scene.

Chris Thom

First time watch for me. So far so good. Looks intriguing. I could do without all the hints people who have seen the series before are dropping about upcoming episodes. But that is my fault for reading the comments. I guess this is one of those series that people are very enthusiastic about and can't help themselves. Horror is my least favorite genre and this is the one month I dread every year, but I'm going in with an open mind and hanging in there!

Mike LL

Sometimes she lets one slip by. I think there have been two or three that have been available to all by mistake.

Mike Lemon

Cassie definitely agrees with the sentiment. lol

Chris Thom

For sure. I could actually see Cassie getting on board with Flanagan's work more than she does with a lot of other horror movies and TV shows because they're a lot more intelligent and character-driven than you often get with the genre. And while he doesn't shy away from gore and jump scares, he tends to use those tools sparingly and only when they make sense for the story.

Brandon Melling

Not all tiers. Only the $10 and $15 ones.

Brandon Melling

Joe, for the full react membership must be in either the Kernal Club tier or Extra Butter tier.

Steve Holton

Absolutely love this show. It's up there with Lost and Breaking Bad for me, but even more rewatchable. I have watched countless reactions to this show, but this is the one I've been waiting for. Joined Patreon just to watch the full length reactions to these. Glad to see Cassie is already (like all of us) wanting to binge the series. Episode 3 is where it really starts to gain steam straight through to the end. Can't wait.

bknsty14

So Cassie is sharing the full reacts with all paid patreons? I'm not on the watch-a-long tier.

Joe

Each character definitely has their peculiarities. Shirley on the face of it is the most 'together'...and that's kind of her problem in a way.

Chris Thom

This was one definitely one where I had to watch at least four episodes in a row. Hooked...just like you said. So two and a half days later I was entirely done with the show. The brevity kind of sucked. But I loved it. There's just something very human and relatable about the family. Each character serves a distinct purpose in the emotional landscape. And the ending really is cathartic...maybe in a different way than you might be expecting. Flannagan is a major talent. Maybe someday you'll continue with another of his shows. They're some of the best.

Chris Thom

That movie 'Shirley' with Elizabeth Moss shed some light on that. I knew nothing about the author before seeing this and other adaptations. But that movie depicted her as bitter, angry, fiercely intelligent, depressed, indulgent, twisted, imaginative and paranoid. Apparently she was so seriously pissed off about women's roles and prospects in society and marriage at the time she could barely get out of bed.

Chris Thom

I am not really into the horror genre, but looking forward to finishing this series with you. I am a fan of "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" (2018). I would think you liked the ending. Michiel Huisman is also in "The Flight Attendant" (TV Series 2020–2022) with Kaley Cuoco, which I though was ok. I liked Carla Gugino (who plays the Mom) in the Showtime "Californication" series w/David Duchovny -- one of my favorite TV series. I never read the Shirley Jackson novel, so not exactly sure what is meant by the following comment on the series: "Most frustratingly, the adaptation abandons the raw feminine perversity that made Jackson's story so indelible."

Clay F

I remember seeing this several years ago. I remember feeling sorry for the little Luke. I seem to remember him being the most tortured of the kids, even more than Nell.

Brian McGovern

The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor are so well done. both brilliantly written and directed. and that cast🙌 special shout out for Victoria Pedretti (Nell & Dani). her performances in both series are devastating. hope you make it, Cassie😳 😈

Ignis Rændl

Great Show! Watched it in total darkness and silence with headphones on.

The Sheeple

It’s soooo good!!

Audrey

It's incredibly moving (as Mike Flanagan's stuff tend to be).

Stick Figure Studios

He often works with Mike Flanagan.

Stick Figure Studios

Agreed

Stick Figure Studios

He's incredibly honest and thoughtful in his art. I often find myself crying at his stories. I think he's the best maker of scary movies/shows working today.

Stick Figure Studios

Nope. Not one of his weaker ones. BLY MANOR and MIDNIGHT CLUB are his weaker ones. This, MIDNIGHT MASS and HOUSE OF USHER are sone of his best work

Stick Figure Studios

DOCTY SLEEP is fabulous... but I suspect it will be an non-starter for Cassie because of THAT one scene.

Stick Figure Studios

The storytelling in this series is really first-rate. Yes, it's scary but it also intelligent, thoughtful and surprisingly emotional. The cast is terrific and they all give excellent performances. This and DOCTOR SLEEP were what made me fall in love with writer/director Mike Flanagan. He is now ones of my favorite filmmakers and the best maker of scary cinema working today. I can't wait to watch this reaction.

Stick Figure Studios

I mean I’d like to think she’d enjoy the movie but I don’t know. She’s set her boundaries in the past and I feel weird being one of the people to be like “watch this uncomfortable thing!” You know what I mean?

djKENTO

As opposed to Hill House? If she can handle this show she can probably handle Dr. Sleep too, even with THAT scene

Brandon Melling

Really went back and forth with indulging in this when it came out, cuz I'm not really that partial to horror unless toughing through the scary parts is worth it for the story. ultimately I decided to go for it and Man was this series great. What I liked about it was, yes it was damn scary at times, with one serious jumpscare later in in the series which is infamous at this point where I almost had a heart attack, but the horror oddly actually felt fun and entertaining. Probably cuz the characters were so fleshed out and compelling it made the horror aspects blend in seemlesly and it kept me hooked. Its a rare thing for me to enjoy horror in that way. So 3 years ago if you asked me if I thought Cassie would ever end up doing something like this I would have never believed it, but sometimes art can be so compelling it's worth it to push yourself to experience it. Good for her.

Sahitya

Cassie - As far as the noise goes, I'm guessing it was edited out of this video (I didn't hear anything). If you are referring to what we heard throughout the There Will Be Blood reaction, my first guess would be an AC vent blowing on the microphone or the AC compressor being on the other side of the wall behind you in the same direction the mic is pointing. Perhaps it could be water pipes, but the sound is a bit too rumbley for that. Barring those suggestions, there might be an airport outside your window. Many microphones have a -10 db switch on them, you could turn that on to see if it helps. In other news, and speaking of scary but not too scary movies and shows, The Last of Us season 2 teaser trailer has been released.

D. T. Nelson

His weaker one? That's a first time hearing that opinion. I'd say it's Flannigan's best show to date. His other shows are good too but none of them are as good as this one imo.

Eric

Christmas has come early this year! The best horror series ever made imo.

Eric

Oh man. Now I’m going to have to go back and re-watch these episodes. I love looking for stuff like that. Thanks for the tip.

Dan M

Christmas has come early this year! The best horror series ever made imo.

Eric

Wasn’t prepared for the funeral scenes. That hit a sensitive spot for me.

Dan M

😳 Okay…I went for the bait, and I’m hooked. The way the story is being unfolded is tantalizing. And the fact that there have been only a few jump scares here and there along with some creepy images leads me to believe there is a BIG payoff coming. There is no way I’d be able to do what Shirley is doing with Nell. I have a hard enough time looking at the deceased when they’re “fixed”. But to see a loved one in that condition, and be the one to “fix” them…nope. Looking forward to the next two episodes. I think I’ll watch them with the lights off 🫣

Dan M

We all know The Shining was a...struggle for ya, but if you end up enjoying the full series of Haunting, Can't recommend Doctor Sleep enough. It's by this one's director Mike Flanagan, as mentioned by fellow patrons, and a sequel to The Shining with Obi-Wan as a grown up Danny Torrance and Rebecca Ferguson as a...very nice person. Terrific movie that is gaining a following.

Ricardo Rodriguez

There are lots of PG-13 horrors and horror-adjacent movies you can enjoy. Don't feel like you have to watch scary movies if you don't want to

Thin White Duke

Hi Cassie, have you heard of Vampira or Elvira? They would host horror movies on TV and would interject with jokes & comments so were like the OG movie reactors. Elvira got her own movie 'Mistress of the Dark', maybe you'll get your own movie too one day

Thin White Duke

Told ya! :) 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😀

Celeste McAllister

He’s also a very special character in Doctor Sleep but I don’t want to spoil it. I don’t know if Cassie will be able to handle a big part of that movie tho. Too much kid stuff.

djKENTO

aarswft

She's So Brave, She's Well Behaved, She Is Not Afraid

aarswft

Okay…episode 1…check. I’m not totally hooked yet, but I’m intrigued enough to move on. The tone so far is really dark and eerie, which is cool. Like you said, lots of questions so far. Obviously, all the loose ends are setting up the rest of the episodes in the series. Not sure if you recognized him, I didn’t at first, but the younger Hugh Crain is played by Henry Thomas…Eliot in E.T. The Extraterrestrial, and Samuel in Legends of the Fall. On to episode 2 👉

Dan M

That was driving me so nuts when I first watched it. I couldn't figure it out. By Episode 7 it finally clicked.

Chris Thom

If you're looking for another TV show to watch by yourself or on the channel I highly recommend you give "Severance" a try. It's an Apple TV+ sci-fi psychological thriller series co-directed by Ben Stiller with 9 episodes currently out and another 10 on the way next year.

D

Enjoy! Fantastic show. But do be prepared to feel all kinds of emotions. It hits on everything. And doesn't shy away from some tragedy.

Chris Thom

I haven't seen or known about this because I had seen the movies so I'm anxious as well to watch for the first time with Cassie

David Freese

I can't think of 1 bad thing to say about it. The acting, the story, the atmosphere, the music...

DAVID COSTELLO

In a good way. Lol. But it's actually quite cathartic by the end. But Dave's not that far off tbh.

Chris Thom

Favorite reactor reacting to my favorite show! Hope you love it and that it makes you wanna watch Mike Flanagan's other shows and movies.

Jack Batongbakal

Shhhhhhhh...

Chris Thom

Omg it's happening.

Chris Thom

Oh this is going to be good...Flanagan has speedily become one of my all time favorite horror directors ever since I watched Oculus when it came out, been in with him ever since...

Andrew Hussey

I wouldn't. Then again I'm one of the three people on planet earth who hasn't seen E.T.

David Collins

Omg yesyesyesyes Mike Flanagan is one of if not THE best voice in horror these days, I hope this show convinces you to go through his filmography. Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep, Fall of the House of Usher, Oculus, Hush are all EXCELLENT.

M&M

I hope Cassie gets around to watching “The Haunting” (1963). It was the first time that Shirley Jackson’s “Haunting of Hill House” was adapted for the screen and, IMO, is the best haunted house movie ever made.

Just Plain Bob

Wait till she gets to THAT one scare in (🤐)

Justin Woodwell

wonder if she’ll recognize Hugh as Elliott from ET.

djKENTO

Starting to watch the reaction and I am vibrating with excitement.

Michael Labs

Bah, the only thing I'm going to be watching this week is going to be released last. He's hoping Generations uploads early enough Sunday night for me to watch it before bed.

Verteron

Whoa, nice! I wasn't paying close attention and thought we were getting the movie. That was nice enough, but I've not seen the series yet so this is better still. Looking forward to this one!

David Collins

Oh yeah! I just saw that post I missed. Still got some time to get to that one I guess. Benji is in Abrams Trek so you’ll probably love it 😂

Scott Macaulay

Cant wait to see your reaction tomorrow. Fun fact whenever you are "back then" in the house always look in the background. There is something hiding in every scene. Like a very creepy Where's Waldo.

Blake Evans

the generations movie!

Cassie

oh nnnnoooooo no no

Cassie

I LOVED this. My favorite thing to ever appear on Netflix. Bought the blu-ray just so I could have two extended episodes.

Shad Kanyak

So we hope everything is going well with your parents being in town. I know my gf parents can be hard sometimes making sure we are going to church. I guess her Dad has Mayan ancestors so he always cooks these Mayan dishes. Brought my cousin the gourmet chef over his mind was blown by the recipes. I know Eva texted me a big long message that I put on upcoming. You can tell when she is telling me what to write because it's usually really sweet. We wish you and Ben and your family our ❤️and 🙏

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)

It's a great series with excellent acting and storyline.

Joshua Coe

Okay…I’m about to jump into this series with you for the first time. I have no idea what to expect. But if it has you hooked already, I’m going in with high hopes. It’s been awhile since I’ve watched a series that I really enjoyed (Manifest…so good!). So…here we go.

Dan M

The JJ Abram’s trek?

Scott Macaulay

The first 2 episodes are NOTHING compared to what's to come. You'll be frightened and feel like the show is trying to rip out your soul through your tear ducts.

DAVID COSTELLO

Yes! I love this series so glad you are checking it out.

crispyg29

It's 4:30, I'm cozy in bed, so no way I'm watching this tonight. I'd be up all night paranoid. Goodnight, everyone! 🎑

LittleGalaxyBoy

Nope, I need it to be daylight out for me to watch these, lol. Catch up tomorrow.

Cole Jennett