Released in 2001, Midnight Mass was one of the best series that Netflix offered. Part mystery, part horror, Midnight Mass was a show that I binge-watched in just a couple of sittings as I had to know what happened! This is a “mini-series” that is comprised of seven episodes and it, unfortunately, looks like it has fallen into the “limited series” category on Netflix which usually means there is no more coming.
How to Stream or Download Midnight Mass
You can stream it or you can download the film from Netflix using the Netflix app. Click on the Download button at the end of this review. if you like mystery TV series, check out also our review of Dark.
The TV Series Review
Talking about a show like Midnight Mass is kind of hard as I do not want to spoil anything for you guys. This is a very character-driven kind of show with a core cast of very important characters. We have Sheriff Hassan who has just moved to the isolated island of Crockett Island, he is a Muslim and his faith is at odds with the Christian faith of the majority of the island inhabitants.
Riley’s Return and Reconnection
Another person who has just come to the island is a man called Riley who grew up on the island but has just been released from prison. Riley is trying to rebuild his life, and reconnect with his parents, his brother, and his childhood sweetheart, Erin who is a teacher at the local school. Their long conversations are deep and touching, possibly being the most significant part of the movie.
Enigmatic Father Paul Hill
Perhaps the most interesting character in Midnight Mass is Father Paul Hill. Father Hill shows up on the island and claims that he is the replacement for their aging and ill priest, Monsignor Pruitt. Father Hill really is a very captivating character and from the moment he shows up, you feel that there is something off about him.
Unveiling the Mystery
He has a very mesmerizing thing about him and a large and strange box arrives on the island that is very important to him. Also, he is only able to hold mass when the sun goes down. That right there lets you know what kind of thing we are in for with Midnight Mass. I would not call this a full-on “vampire show” however, it certainly would be placed into the vampire category in my humble opinion.
Well-Paced Seven Episodes
I feel that seven episodes were the perfect length for this show. It gives each of the main characters their time to shine and you feel like you get to know them well enough. You know that the show is building up to something big with what is in that box and how it will affect the whole town and it keeps you wanting to watch episode after episode.
Exploring Themes of Faith
One aspect of the show I am kind of reluctant to talk about is the way it deals with faith. I know this may make some people roll their eyes, but the way Midnight Mass deals with the issues of blind faith and free will is very well done and not preachy or pretentious as it could have been.
A Captivating Journey
From start to end, this is a show that keeps you invested in what is going on. You think you know what is going on, but at the same time, you are never 100 percent sure. While I would love a second season, I do feel that the ending here does serve as an actual ending as well as giving them the option to come back and do another season of the show.