This hit show has been consistently ranking in the top 10 for weeks now, with viewers investing an enormous amount of time into it, approaching streaming records. What makes this dark, mesmerizing tale so alluring?
The completion rate of this chronicle, filled with vice and family flaws, is an indicator of its success. Yet, why is it hailed as one of the best adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's work?
The Creators Behind the Masterpiece
The competitive nature of modern entertainment hasn't spared even the most successful creators such as Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy, the minds behind "The Fall." Having finished their contract with Netflix, they've moved on to Amazon, proving their enduring popularity.
Flanagan and Macy, renowned in the “horror” genre, have a knack for captivating audiences. Despite their lucrative Netflix contract, they delivered their all to Amazon, producing a string of memorable series like "The Midnight Club," "The Midnight Mass," and "The Ghosts of Bly Manor."
The Callous Capitalist
The story revolves around Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood), a ruthless businessman who built a pharmaceutical empire, Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, at the cost of countless lives.
Throughout the series, Roderick is portrayed as a monster responsible for the opioid epidemic in the USA. The show explores his guilt, turning the "who's guilty?" question into a poignant exploration of human suffering and greed.
A Family's Dark Secret
Roderick's past and the opioid epidemic are central themes, setting the stage for the drama that unfolds. From the introduction, Roderick's guilt is clear. Dupin, a federal prosecutor, meets him under suspicious circumstances, and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.
Roderick, alongside his adult children, is drawn into a twisted web of deceit and ambition. Each of his six children, from different mothers and with vastly different hobbies, vies for his approval, leading to tragic consequences.
A Story Told in Six Episodes
Each episode is dedicated to a different child, revealing their individual struggles and eventual demise. The turning point for each child proves to be their own weakness, eventually leading to their untimely end.
As the body count continues to rise, the remaining siblings' callousness and their pursuit of paternal approval is manifested. The open-ended finale leaves room for interpretation, with just a hint at a cryptic figure who casts darkness over the Usher family.
Verdict
"The Fall of the House of Usher" is a must-watch masterpiece, boasting compelling characters, sinister plot twists, and a thought-provoking exploration of human greed and ambition. Although the ending is largely unsatisfying, the story remains captivating all the way through.
