‘The Haunting of Hill House’ Recap: ‘Two Storms’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

I’ve come to realize over the years, that the traditions that follow the death of a loved one, are often treated with kid gloves and care when it comes to television and cinema and with good reason, because the reality when it comes to a funeral and grieving for our loved ones is that it is a painful and harrowing process. We weep endlessly and are brought to tears yet again when we see others break down and cry when their pain overcomes them. We’re angry, we hurt, so it should come as no surprise that we see funerals be depicted on the big and small screen as civilized and beautiful affairs because that somehow helps our brains cope with the pain that comes with losing someone close to us.
 
But, once in a while, some films and shows prefer to present us with something that’s a touch more raw and realistic and The Haunting of Hill House just so happens to be one of those shows. Because the next episode in the series, ‘Two Storms’, brought the Crain family together in Baltimore to grieve over the loss of their younger sister (and in Hugh’s case, daughter) Nell and well, this ended up being one of the toughest episodes of the series to watch to date due to the fact that it held nothing back when it comes to the grieving process. Because in this tale, we saw several members of the family break down, or struggle to process that Nell was gone and well, it only escalated from there.
 
For this is a family that has mountains of secrets and unresolved issues and sometimes when people pass, anger and frustration at what has happened helps to push those issues to the top of our minds and that’s precisely what happened in this tale since everyone aired their dirty laundry and their grievances and that led to some uncomfortable and powerful performances from the cast as the Crain family let years of bad blood explode in incredible fashion and well, that made this episode emotionally draining to say the least, But all raw emotions aside, it’s clear that the airing of grievances helped to set up and resolve a few plot points along the way since just about everything is out in the open now. 
 
However, while it sounds as though this particular tale focused on the dramatic aspect and nothing more, have no fear. The creepy moments were here in spades as well since this story also featured another eerie storm back in the Hill House days, one complete with spirits roaming the house and toying with the family in terrifying fashion and Nell’s spirit was hanging around in this memory and in present day as well, which also confirmed an idea I posed in the last recap in that, her apparition would no longer provide a sense of terror and instead invoke a sense of sadness since we are now fully aware that she is nothing more than a tortured soul in our world, and all one can feel now is pity when the Bent-Neck Lady pops up. 
 
But, all storytelling aside, we do need to take a moment and discuss the technical marvel this episode turned out to be as well because Director Mike Flanagan made it seem as though this entire story was captured in one single take and well, that’s incredible to say the least. Because the extended takes found here really draw you into the moment and don’t give your brain an ounce of comfort or relief when it comes to the drama playing out on the screen and that’s just magnificent to say the least and well, while this one was tough to watch, I really loved this episode through and through. Because it was bold, and powerful and raw and honest and a prime example of the fact that horror can sometimes feature more than monsters and gore, it can remind of us of other terrifying parts of our world, like saying goodbye to the people we love and the pain that comes with knowing we will never see them in our lives, ever again. Until next time.   

---