Netflix recently released The Haunting Of Bly Manor and Paranormal, two highly entertaining paranormal horror series that feature similar elements and themes, but which one is better than the other? While they may share supernatural elements, they are actually fairly different from one another. Paranormal features myths and urban legends whereas The Haunting Of Bly Manor focuses solely on ghosts and hauntings. Despite their differences, both Bly Manor and Paranormal draw in a similar audience that enjoys anything to do with the macabre.
The Haunting Of Bly Manor has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, but fan opinion has been largely more divisive. Generally, Mike Flanagan's first installment in The Haunting series, The Haunting Of Hill House, is regarded as the better of the two due to its abundance of ghosts and scarier storyline. Paranormal has equally as positive reviews and not as much as a divisive fan base. It is likely that fans of Hill House anticipated a similar story in Bly Manor, which led to some disappointment. A few weeks after its release, Netflix dropped Paranormal which has been compared to Flanagan's latest series but there is a remarkable difference in which one has better ghosts, characters, plot, and ending.
Ultimately, whether or not one series is better than another is entirely subjective based on a fan or critic's unique tastes in horror. For instance, Paranormal is a detective mystery shrouded in the supernatural and if someone does not enjoy mysteries or detective stories, it is entirely possible that they would prefer The Haunting Of Bly Manor. Regardless, they've been compared to each other since they released on Netflix and it's an important comparison to make given their proximity.
Better Ghosts: The Haunting Of Bly Manor
The Haunting Of Bly Manor features more ghosts that are fully developed and become more interesting as the series continues. It is based entirely on the 1898 horror novella The Turn Of The Screw by Henry James and utilizes several other ghost stories from the author to create even more complex characters. While the story originally depicted Ms. Rebecca Jessel as the Lady of the Lake, Flanagan took the opportunity to utilize "The Romance Of Certain Old Clothes" to introduce a brand new one with an even more detailed backstory: Viola Willoughby (Kate Siegel).
She is a haunting spirit that plagues the manor and causes the gravitational pull that keeps those who die on the property tethered to its grounds. Even Peter Quint and Rebecca Jessel are given a deeper backstory that makes them all the more horrific. Peter Quint is an oppressive and abusive force in the series that threatens the children, Miles and Flora Wingrave, and even intends on killing the boy. Paranormal, on the other hand, features ghosts that are just as developed but are far more complex to the point that their mysteries continue after season 1 concludes. It may be that they'll settle their storylines by season 2, but The Haunting Of Bly Manor offers a more complete story for its ghostly characters.
Better Characters: The Haunting Of Bly Manor
The character in The Haunting Of Bly Manor are just as fully developed as the ghosts of the house. They are easy to understand and interpret whereas Paranormal's are full of secrets and backstories that aren't revealed entirely to the audience. Every addition to The Haunting series is a complete story, which allows for Flanagan to fully develop his characters throughout its nine-episodes. The only reason that the characters of Bly Manor are better than Paranormal's is because the new series has not had the opportunity to expand beyond season 1 to offer a better understanding of their motives and desires.
The villains in The Haunting Of Bly Manor are clearly developed and their story arcs are fully realized by the series finale. Danielle "Dani" Clayton, portrayed by returning cast member Victoria Pedretti, finds herself on her journey of self-discovery. This allows for a natural conclusion to her particular storyline. When she places her ghostly hand on Jamie (Amelia Eve/Carla Gugino) in the final scene of episode 9, her dedication to the people she loves remains consistent from the series beginning to its end. Ultimately, the characters are far more consistent and reliable in The Haunting Of Bly Manor.
Better Plot: Paranormal
One of the biggest faults of The Haunting Of Bly Manor is its time jumps that create plot holes and confusing timelines. Paranormal offers a much more consistent plot that will keep the audience entertained and fully engrossed from beginning to end. The series follows Dr. Refaat Ismail (Ahmed Amin) as he uncovers the truth behind his childhood friend and the supernatural events that plague his life. Every moment is entirely intentional in order to take his story to its conclusion.
Dr. Refaat Ismail is one of the few characters in the series that has an entire story arc that is fully resolved by the season 1 ending. It is all dependent on the primary plot that revolves around his journey towards understanding himself and his past. Once he is able to achieve this, the plot is fully realized and leaves an air of relief as well as anticipation for what he may face in season 2.
Better Ending: Paranormal
One of the biggest critiques of The Haunting Of Bly Manor is its ending, primarily because Dani dies and leaves the love of her life behind. Paranormal's conclusion is a surprisingly, yet delightful, twist. When Dr. Ismail sees the bodies of his presumably deceased friends, he chooses to take his own life in order to join the ones he loves in the afterlife. Maggie quickly brings him back to the real world where none of them are dead and Shiraz, his childhood friend, takes control of her body.
It is revealed that Shiraz was a ghost the entire time that he knew her, but he isn't the average restless spirit. She knows more about the supernatural events impacting his life than anyone else in the world. Shiraz informs Dr. Ismail that he is being tormented by the devil. After pondering what Lucifer could want from him, he discovers that his friend Louis was actually the devil in disguise. After this major reveal, every small reference towards the paranormal makes sense, as he had been orchestrating it all in an attempt to kill him. This conclusion is far more complex and sets up the perfect story for a potential season 2 of Paranormal. It does not leave fans wanting anything different in contrast to Bly Manor's conclusion and is far more satisfying, especially for those anticipating its renewal.
Better Themes: Paranormal
Paranormal features several exciting themes that delve into several genres that come together to craft an unforgettable storyline. It is a detective mystery with supernatural spirits and symbols that are embedded in history, such as the Pharaoh featured in episode 2. The series offers more variety than The Haunting Of Bly Manor, which sticks to ghost stories and does not venture outside of this box. With such expansive themes, it offers something for fans of a variety of paranormal television shows.
While The Haunting Of Bly Manor is marketed as a ghost story, it is actually more of a love story, as an older Flora Wingrave points out at the end of the series. Paranormal does feature a love story, but it is unrequited and creates an unsettling air that keeps viewers at the edge of their seat when Dr. Ismail makes certain decisions. Everything for him is either make or break from the very beginning of the series and the theme of romance as well as the supernatural mysteries creates an entirely different atmosphere that sets it apart from Mike Flanagan's series in the best way.
Better Romance: The Haunting Of Bly Manor
In 2020, Dani and Jamie's love story has become one of the most popular in any recent series. From the very beginning, it is clear that the two are destined to be together. The Bly Manor narrator, who is revealed to be Jamie, describes the first time they saw each other and how Dani didn't need to be introduced to her because she felt as though she knew the gardener her entire life. Once the au pair's backstory is revealed, her complicated relationship with herself and her sexuality becomes a major symbol of the anxiety she experiences while staying at the manor. She even sees the ghost of her deceased ex-fiancé, James, in mirrors as a constant reminder that she cannot let go of her past and needs to let go of him so that she can begin living her life authentically.
Sadly, it is short-lived. Dani and Jamie spend approximately thirteen years together before she dies. In the greater timeline of life, their love story is a tragic one that should've been longer than it was had the Lady of the Lake not found home in Dani's body. Paranormal's love story is full of deceit and secrets. Dr. Ismail is in love with Maggie but he is engaged to another woman. It is a complicated relationship that adds an extra layer of drama to the series that was not entirely necessary. While it is an important aspect of his past and present, it was not as powerful and captivating as the one featured in The Haunting Of Bly Manor. Dani and Jamie are an unforgettable couple who will be treasured for many years to come.
Better Series: Paranormal
Ultimately, Paranormal is the better series in comparison to The Haunting Of Bly Manor. While they appear to be evenly divided, there are some aspects that weigh heavier in the debate than others. Plot, themes, and an ending are integral in crafting a successful series. While characters are arguably the most important part, they are not the only factor that dictates whether or not a television show is better. Paranormal offers audiences with much more entertaining themes with a variety of supernatural elements that go beyond the realm of the traditional ghost story. Each series offers something different, but Paranormal excels in all of the aspects that The Haunting Of Bly Manor falters. Its plot is stronger, its themes are much more entertaining, and its ending is consistent with the plot while offering the perfect opportunity to expand for its possible renewal for season 2.