Netflix’s Midnight Mass Is Aging Better Than Expected

by

Horror is always changing, with new trends emerging all the time. Yet, despite these changes, many horror elements either remain constant or cycle back to familiar tropes. Occasionally, though, a truly exceptional work comes along that endures because it focuses on what it does best, leaving a lasting impression on viewers, such as in .

The 2021 Netflix series reimagines the vampire genre, focusing on themes of religious acceptance, racial understanding, and the big questions about life, death, and faith. This approach makes the story increasingly relevant over time, not because of its special effects or visuals, but because of the deeper meaning and messages it conveys.

Midnight Mass’ Criticisms Make the Series Special

Works like The Fall of the House of Usher and Midnight Mass sometimes get criticism for relying heavily on long monologues to move the plot forward. While these monologues require close attention from the audience, Midnight Mass in particular tested viewers’ patience with their sheer number.

Unlike many similar stories, Midnight Mass offered substantial depth and meaning. Its religious themes and the development of its characters started slowly but built to a powerful and memorable ending. The series explores the nature of religion and faith through the arrival of Father Paul Hill, who appears rejuvenated and believes he’s accompanied by an angel – but is actually a vampire.

Driven by his own fear of dying, he promotes the idea that this being is a heavenly messenger offering a gift. This, combined with his prejudice against Sheriff Hassan, creates a volatile situation and confusing signals. Despite the complicated and messy storyline, audiences remain invested, hoping to see everything resolved.

Riley Flynn is a troubled character whose journey takes a tragic turn, culminating in a powerfully dark moment in television history. While the show’s serious themes might initially feel a bit much, they’re intentional and create a deeply impactful story that unfolds fully over the entire series. The vampire element actually enhances the experience, as what some viewers criticize most about Midnight Mass is ultimately what makes it so strong.

Midnight Mass Endures as Horror Changes Thanks to Its Themes

Horror movies are always evolving, with some classic ideas resurfacing while others fade away. Recently, we’ve been seeing a lot of established franchises making a comeback – from news about existing series to the upcoming Scream 7, which is bringing back beloved actors.

Horror movies generally need to move quickly because audiences don’t want to sit through long, drawn-out explorations of ideas – the scares have to come first. However, despite the current trend for fast-paced horror, Midnight Mass is different. The very things some people disliked about it – its slower pace and focus on character development – are now what make it stand out and remain popular.

Midnight Mass is a show that prioritizes characters and explores complex themes, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and actions. The horror isn’t just about supernatural events; it also stems from the unsettling realization that ordinary people can be the source of true terror.

The show’s slow pace and focus on characters’ inner thoughts make its darker moments truly unsettling and impactful. While Midnight Mass is certainly frightening, it offers much more than just scares; it’s a show with real depth. Although you might not watch it repeatedly, revisiting it every couple of years highlights its lasting power and increasing relevance, as it confidently stays true to its core themes.

5 Questions
Test Your Faith: Midnight Mass Mysteries Quiz
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-19 00:06