Netflix’s Popular Thriller Movie Proves How Genius Mike Flanagan’s 8-Year-Old Horror With 93% On Rotten Tomatoes Was

A currently popular Netflix thriller demonstrates how masterful the horror auteur Mike Flanagan is at his craft. Since making his film debuted in 2011 with Absentia, Mike Flanagan has emerged as one of the most prolific and influential creators in the modern horror genre. With critically acclaimed Netflix horror series such as The Haunting of Hill House (2018), The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), Midnight Mass (2021), and The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), Flanagan has made a lasting impact on modern horror similar to Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story) and Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar).

Flanagan has also directed several standalone horror films that are exceptional in their own right, which is how he got his start before transitioning to television in 2018. His 2017 film Gerald’s Game was previously a hit on Netflix before he took the reins on the highly anticipated sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining with 2019’s Doctor Sleep. Flanagan’s acclaimed Netflix original series inspired a bit of a horror renaissance on the giant streaming platform, which has led him to another upcoming Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck. A popular horror film on Netflix shares many similarities with Flanagan’s unique approach to horror.

The Minimalist 2020 Thriller Movie Alone Is Extremely Popular On Netflix

The 2020 horror thriller Alone has been noticeably rising up the Top 10 Movies List on Netflix the past few days, which is somewhat of a testament to Flanagan’s impact on the horror genre on Netflix. Alone features many similarities to Flanagan’s notable film Hush, which Flanagan directed in 2016. Alone is directed by John Hyams, who has recently directed three episodes of the popular television series Chucky and Chicago P.D. Alone was written by Mattias Olsson who has also written the screenplays for the horror film Försvunnen (2011) and various short films in the horror genre.

Alone is a straightforward psychological thriller wrapped around a gripping stalker story. The film stars Jules Wilcox as the protagonist Jessica, who is being followed by a strange drifter simply known as Man, played by Marc Menchaca. The film is wrapped around a simple premise and has a relatively low budget but is able to make the most of its uncomplicated narrative by creating a stark atmosphere of suspense and tension. The minimalist approach to horror found in Alone is reminiscent of Flanagan’s early efforts in the horror genre, particularly in regard to his 2016 thriller Hush.

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Alone Shares Numerous Similarities To Mike Flanagan’s 2016 Horror Movie Hush

While Alone does not have Mike Flanagan’s direct involvement, it’s evident while watching the popular Netflix horror film just how similar the film is to his early film works such as Hush. Both plots involve a similar premise involving a strange person developing a sinister and questionable interest in the strong lead protagonist, which ends up having shocking and disturbing results in both films. Fans of Flanagan’s Hush will certainly be inspired to check out Alone, which is currently the third most popular film on Netflix. Movies that are also in the same vein as Alone and Hush include The Gift, Fear, and Unthinkable.

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Hush Is Still Mike Flanagan’s Best Horror Movie After 8 Years (& Ushered In His Incredible Horror Reign)

Even after the release of Doctor Sleep, Hush remains Flanagan’s highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive score of 93%. All of Flanagan’s films have been rated Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with Gerald’s Game coming in a close second at 91% and his feature debut Absentia receiving a score of 88%. Even his Ouija: Origin of Evil scored 84%, demonstrating just how successful and consistent Flanagan has been throughout his career. What’s more, Hush is tied with Flanagan’s highest-rated project in general, The Haunting of Hill House, which is arguably his most celebrated series.

Hush was essentially Flanagan’s breakthrough film that landed him his iconic opportunities at Netflix and with the sequel to The Shining. The positive critical reception for Hush established Flanagan as an exciting up-and-comer in the horror genre, which certainly proved to be the case. One of the most compelling aspects of Flanagan’s work is his directorial style and signature tone, which has only gotten better and more immersive as he has progressed throughout his career. Alone received just as positive reviews as Hush, earning an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, which has paved the way for a new rising star in the horror genre, John Hyams.