This is my favorite scene from the entire show. The quiet and calmness as Riley receives forgiveness. Then the screaming completely disrupting it. I’m still crying
Two different POV shots. We get Riley, at peace at last with his life and death, being welcomed into the beyond by the forgiving spirit of the innocent life he took. And then we cut to Erin screaming in grief and horror as the love of her life burns to ashes in front of her.
@@bassmasters123 I kinda figured out pretty quickly when he'd been out on the water for ages? and when he walked away from his family, its very on brand I think for his character when he realised that he basically had another addition? Blood instead of alcohol. Was it foreshadowed?
@@lukess.s I know that it was her but when I was reading a review online it said that it was his girlfriend? I didn't think it was but I was wondering if I'd missed something. But yes I know who it was thanks
@@Bigblue091 we should actually talk about it more than we do - it’s one of the great mysteries we know nothing about. There’s a possibility death could be reversed even, but the first step is getting the idea out in the open for discussion. It’s the one thing that happens to every living thing and yet we try to ignore it for most of our lives
How does he explain death in them? I remember parts of Hill house (dreaming and confetti) and obvs this (the three monologs of death) but what do they say in Bly Manor?
I became speechless when I Monseyour found out he left a letter for him and it written on it “Dust you are and to dust you shall return” as a non -christian and he saved everyone ..It was reminded me to that poets and religious scholars people like RuMi. Your intentions and heart is more important than labels most of the times.
The town not the world.Theres a reason cults haven't taken over a mass majority of society and only work well in isolated communities This was the beginning stages of a cult.
@@moxiemaxie3543 His death set the course of events that led Erin back to Dr. Sarah, who then went to the Sheriff, who then came prepared with a firearm to the midnight mass. They saved who they could and burned the rest of the boats so no one could leave and infect the rest of the world with Vampirism. Not to mention burning the last places of shelter from the sunlight, which sealed their fate. So yes, Riley’s actions saved the world. I wish Erin or the Sheriff survived, but it’s just like what Erin said: it isn’t about them anymore, it’s about everyone else in the world. At least that’s the way I saw it. Riley served a purpose without even realizing it and achieved his redemption as a result.
I actually realized that the moment he invited her to join him on a boat. But up until the very end I was sincerely expecting her to kick him off that boat into the water and save him (by hiding under it until the evening or whatever). I just couldn't believe him to actually die that way.
He didn’t have to do that, he could of just shown her by setting his arm on fire for a couple seconds. Then be there to help her and his mum, dad, brother. X
I can't think of any other filmmaker blends the poetic with the horrible quite this well. Also shows how much more death affects the ones who are left behind.
YEP! He visualize warm, wholesome possibilities of death without despair which we all would want to live up to when our time comes, then DISCORD to remind us that even in this best case scenario, there is NO romanticism in death!
Can't say the same on my part. The moment the sun shone upon him, I said to myself, "Nope. This ain’t what's really happening here. He's just having a last vision, but in reality, he's burning up."
SAME I thought it was gonna go in a massively different direction where like, for some reason it doesn't affect Riley, and now its much harder to get anyone to believe him, but I'm so glad it did NOT go down that way.
As a fellow addict, his death really hit me. I didn’t expect him to go out like that. He had his demons and struggled to the very end, and went out in peace. “I did my best.” broke me. That’s all we can do.
I love how in her screaming you can hear multiple emotions. The sadness of someone she truly cares about dying, the confusion of the situation, and the fear that holy shit this is real.
@@mootontv2388whether you think you hear several emotions or not, that scream was more visceral than most you see in horror movies. It’s definitely unique not like every other scream.
How is Mike so damn good at story telling.. he’s a genius. There’s no other explanation for how well he crafts raw human emotion & grief & trauma & sacrifice ..
We want to say things like "he's a genius", and not to take that away from him because I think he's genuinely talented in a way a lot of people never will be, but the bulk of the answer is probably more mundane: Attention to detail, studying his craft, and plain old hard work.
This is breathtaking in so many ways, but my favorite part is his last moments being him seeing the warm, welcoming, forgiving face of the woman he accidentally killed. Every time he went to sleep, he saw her face, mangled, broken, angry... Yet the final time he closed his eyes, he sees her simply reaching out for him gently, forgiving, welcoming him into the hereafter. Then it's undercut by the most horrific, guttural, brilliant screams from the amazing Kate Siegel. Mike Flanagan, you're a genius.
Kate Siegel’s acting is AMAZING omg her screaming is so good wow she is very talented. Everyone in this show is extremely talented and especially Mike Flanagan
Her screams and wailing really sold it! Pure surprise, shock, and trauma, there's not a split second you think "oh that's an actor in front of a green screen"
Ironic that the atheist showed more similarities to Christ than the followers, Riley sacrificed himself through a terrible death to save the whole world instead of giving into the temptation of killing another person to drink their blood.
@@trevorjameson3213I don't think that's what he represents at all, thats more Bev. Father Pruitt just shows he was human, and can be led astray. He tells everyone he's doing it for God and the betterment of the island, but deep down, he's just a man that believes God has given him a second chance on the family he missed out on. He wants to believe this is all God's will more than anything else in the world, so he refuses to accept that he's in denial. He's more of an example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I think father Pruitt was a good man, and he was well meaning, he just didn't see the error of his ways. "This isn't about me. It was never supposed to be about ME, it was supposed to be about GOD!"
He was a parallel to Erin. He was a Christian that became an athiest, but died a Christian-like death. Erin was an athiest that became Christian, but died an atheist-like death. It was poetry. Bev and Annie Flynn have some interesting parallels as well, two sides on what a devoted Christian is like.
He was raised with true idealized Christian values, and didn’t give up those… even though he stopped believing in Christ and God. In fact he left Christianity because he didn’t see those values at work in his world.
Ol' Mike "Rip Your Heart Out in Episode 5" Flanagan does it again 😭 - The Haunting of Hill House: "The Bent-Neck Lady" - The Haunting of Bly Manor: "The Altar of the Dead"
It's like with BoJack Horseman. The penultimate episode of every season was usually the most emotional and heartbreaking. Of course many episodes of BH were emotional, but the penultimate ones always took it to another level. 😢
Riley was the biggest non-believer and yet his actions mirror that of Jesus as depicted in the Bible. He died in order to make Erin believe and by the end, unknowingly, the entire island accepted their mistakes, or sins, in the exact same way. Asking for forgiveness. Repenting for their horrible actions. Together.
He didn't have to die to prove his story. He could have just held his arm out in the sunlight and shown her (and his whole family) his burning hand. Or his quickly healing wounds. Then he still would have been around to help them face what was coming. What he knew Erin wouldn't turn away from. He abandoned them at the worst possible moment when he could have been a boon to his loved ones in their hour of need.
@@ghostnote-6 I thought about this as well (and joked a bit about how he bolted the minute the situation got crazy lol). I think he chose to destroy himself, rather than stick around, in fear that he would turn against his friends/family. He seemed very shaken when Paul showed him that he would react to a potential food source against his own will, so he may have feared that he would harm his loved ones. Sort of a multi-purpose method of proving to Erin what's going on, inspiring her to act (whether it be scaring her and causing her to flee, as he wanted, or bolstering her strength and survival instincts to defend herself and the others, as he knew she would want to do), and also protecting her and the others he loves by removing the threat he himself posed to them.
@@ghostnote-6 I thought about this a lot too. I think that he was more afraid of hurting his loved ones. Remember that he probably felt the hunger coming back (he already gave into it twice already when Bev came close to him and later when they gave him Sturges blood). He didn't even hesitate. AND given his backstory of immense guilt towards hurting an innocent we can deduce that he probably didn't trust himself to not hurt another innocent. Specially those he loved. Riley knew himself best. He spent years in prison doing nothing but think about the kind of person he is. Through the whole show he never once lied to anyone about himself and what kind of person he is. Even if its ugly. I think he knew he'd hurt them. I think he knew that and I think he knew that he did his best for them and himself.
@@alejandrobonfil2818 If he was really so scared that the wouldn't be able to control himself (I'm not saying he wasn't), then why in the world would he isolate himself on a boat with the person he's the most scared of hurting? What definitely hurt her is the trauma he caused her by essentially committing suicide in front of her. That's always a psychologically violent act, and I don't see a lot of commenters acknowledging just how screwed up that is to do to someone. I'm not saying that it's bad writing, or somehow didn't make sense for his character. He had low self-esteem, and much self-hatred. He wanted out of this life, and his new circumstance gave him a real justification to do the thing he'd been thinking about for years. I just don't get all of these comments praising him as the hero of the show. He could have done SO much more to help them, or maybe even save them. He didn't even try. Others kept fighting. Erin, who didn't even have family on the island, fought for everyone. She, Doc and Sheriff fought to the end for the sake of humanity. His parents, after being turned, refused to feed. He peaced out. But, as he said to Erin, he isn't as strong as her. I would have liked to see the horrific situation bring something more out of him, but I kind of like that it didn't. It's more realistic that it didn't. Still, I don't think he's a hero.
His talk about what happens when you die, while long, really paid off with this scene. At first I thought God had different plans for him and the sun wouldn't kill him, then you see the girl he killed and you get that haunting, yet beautiful realization. The contrast of Erin screaming ended it perfectly. Its an amazing scene and one of my favorite death scenes ever.
That scene went on a little too long in my opinion and if Flanagan had one flaw it would be he tends to write really long monologues for every single character
@@scramblineggs8659 yeah and the sermon scenes are fucking brilliant writing and it’s not just Midnight Mass, but oculus and both haunting Netflix shows…..he’s definitely got talent and edits all his shit in by himself…….but he’s my favorite horror filmmaker…..his directing and since he’s such a good writer and since in all the shows I’ve seen created by him he loves to monologue…….Tarantino is guilty of that sometimes too
Mike Flanagan's vision on horror is so profoundly deep, he handles scary element so well and also make human dramas so relatable and real. I always recommend his shows/movies to horror hater, to show them how a horror story can be profound and thought-provoking.
@@darkhorse381 first of all, you're thinking of existential dread. There is no existential horror in this show. There's practically no horror at all. It literally is just a drama/thriller with a few jump scares.
Amen! Mike Flanagan's work always leaves me feeling emotionally devastated in the best way possible. Hill House, Bly Manor, Doctor Sleep (he's BRILLIANT with King adaptations, clearly a huge fan, tons of easter eggs!), Gerald's Game, Midnight Mass...every one of them is so brilliant!
I binged the entire 7 episodes in 1 day. When episode 4 hits it gets crazy! Beautiful message to this story. Not scary. But sad and interesting. The acting was phenomenal!
The dream that he'd always had. The dream of his death and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of everyone he knows and loves. His purpose. Heartbreaking and incredibly well written.
I connected the dots and realized the dream he kept talking about was about to be realized, especially when he pointed out that the last time he saw it, Erin was with him. That dream always ended during sunrise...
I really expected this to be a gut-wrenching scene where she gets killed But then it turned out to be more heart-wrenching when he sacrifices himself and overcomes his struggles And I’m forever glad I gave this show a chance
" I love you Erin Green... I always have... in one way or another....." That got me. I can hardly hold back the tears. What a great actor. He deserves an award.
Riley is a hero. He knew this was the best thing to do. He still felt guilt for accidentally killing that girl from his drunk driving at the beginning of the show, and he knew that now he would continue to murder innocent lives so the only way to save others was to kill himself. This is amazing good writing and Mike is so talented for directing this masterpiece. And Kate’s acting in this with the screaming is amazing. Everyone’s so talented
Rylie had realized, after being attacked by the creature and beginning to turn into a vampire (or demonic entity, whatever), that Father Paul was no saint and his words were wicked lies, and that creature was no angel. Even though Rylie didn't believe in the spiritual world initially, I'm sure his encounter with pure evil changed his mind, and he ended up doing what was right. For me, it was difficult listening to Father Paul completely twist scripture to fit his wicked ideas about life and that supposed angel, but that is how satan works, in deception and lies that lead to death, both physical and spiritual. Anyway, the writing in this series is truly brilliant, and the actors are absolutely top notch.
@@trevorjameson3213as someone who was raised religious but isn’t really anymore, I always appreciate when a priest is well written because most Hollywood shows just make the priest a pedophile and move on which is such an over done annoying troupe, or they are overly holy and naive but I thought they did a great job writing for Pruitt because he actually used logic when analyzing the Bible and it’s message which I can appreciate. Obviously he was wrong and the “angel” saving his life gave him the idea to save his former lover which distorted his view on all the bad stuff that was happening but most of his theories were supported by scripture.
@@trevorjameson3213I don't think Pruitt was wicked in the slightest. He's the example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Pruitt was led astray, and if you'd been in his position, you'd absolutely think God was real. He thinks he's helping everyone, he's just not honest with himself(probably because it's subconscious) that this is all self serving. He sees a second chance at a life with the woman he loves and his child, and everything else is just a bonus. He's a good man, but he's human and he gets corrupted, and he realizes the error of his ways in the end. Unlike Pruitt, Riley knows that voice isn't God, because he's an alcoholic
I haven't seen it written yet, so I just wanna make the observation that Riley's first death was on Holy Thursday (The Last Supper), and his sacrifice was the evening of Good Friday leading into Easter Vigil. This show is gonna take a couple of rewatches to catch all the symbolism for sure!
@@stephengrigg5988 He's sorta all of the above, son of a fisherman screwup but also has a "Passion" where he doubts himself and suffers, only to sacrifice himself for someone else
john pruitt knew riley sacrificed and redeemed himself his death is acknowledged he didn't get ignored and forgotten. erin even told riley's mother about this scene.
@@a_mc1569but he's angry at Riley. That is what begins the priest in questioning his actions though, he truly can't understand why Riley would throw away a "gift from God".
Ironically, Riley was as strong. He chose to put himself in a situation where he knew it would end in certain death. No escape. No expectations of redemption or forgiveness. He knew what he had become and was unwilling to sacrifice others to survive or risk passing it on.
The fact that Nearer My God To Thee is playing on the piano adds so much emotional depth for Ryan’s character. I never noticed it before, but it almost brought tears to my eyes. I’m not religious anymore, but I used to be. And the fact that Riley has been looking for absolution and just wandering around lost. Knowing he’s going to die, seeing the little girl whole, basically guiding him to heaven, is such amazing writing. Even though he’s dying, and it’s sad, he is close to his god for his sacrifice. Fucking wow!!
In the background is a piano rendition of the hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee, which was what was sang at the end of the series. It’s also the song the string band in Titanic played as the ship sank.
I knew it was familiar and when I saw the last episode, something clicked and my mind drifted to Titanic. I didn't looked into it, but your comment reminded me of that and confirmed it.
They used "Somewhere Only We Know" in the trailer and now it makes so much sense." This could be the end of everything, so why don't we go somewhere only we know." This lyric fits here so well. 🥺
Goodness this show was amazing. I see so many reviews about the monologues being too long, but that’s where all the depth comes into play. It’s complex in so many ways! I was blown away by this scene…. So heartbreaking.
From what I have seen around the net, most fair minded critics agree somewhat that the monologues were a bit excessive and I agree. That doesn't mean all the monologues needed to be cut down or even edited, but just a little bit more refinement would have bumped this series from "extremely good with a warning to be patient" to "must see art." I must say the extreme boredom and grating annoyance of a Catholic mass was perfectly captured and just as hard to sit through on film. This scene is a classic and certainly the heart of the entire film.
You can have complexity without having a character break out into an unnatural and clearly well rehearsed monologue (albeit a well written one). The only ones I liked were Paul's, a credit to the actor.
@@awolo_9474 lmao maybe you have never been an argument before but there are some people who has the need to explain everything before they fight or something so it's not uncommon lol 💀
Everyone who is saying that Riley is a coward leaving his loved ones in the face of looming danger like that must consider the fact that Riley suffered an alcohol adduction problem, may be he wasn't sure that he can control the thirst of blood. So instead he choose to be whistleblower and make Erene aware of the danger and spending some final moments with her. But that girl who got killed by accidentally holding his hand in the end proves that Riley finally could forgive himself.
It was more his subconscious seeing the girl not some vision of her spirit. He murdered a young girl on purpose like every drunk driver does when they drink and hop into a car.
@@battaglino77"it was more his subconscious seeing the girl" Then how do you explain the visions he was having of his death for months? His subconscious was seeing into the future. "He murdered a girl on purpose like every drunk driver" No, he was blacked out, there was no malicious intent to harm anyone. If that's what you believe, you really missed the point of this entire show. I guess all those good Christians killed their families "on purpose" when they first turned😂😂
@@stephengrigg5988I think the point is more that it doesn't really matter if this is Heaven or not. Riley's kindness and love gave him this peaceful transition into death, not his faith. And that is ultimately the point of the show, I think. Love and connection are what are ultimately important
This DESTROYED ME. None of my friends have watched this so I was basically going into it blind. I was just watching because I'm a Hamish Linklater fan at first but I managed to form an emotional attachment to Riley Flynn and realising what he was about to do in this scene was absolutely DREADFUL. I'm absolutely devastated.
Everyone asking why Riley killed himself to show her his affliction rather than just putting his hand in the light and staying and helping them stop the church is forgetting one thing: he’s a recovering addict. Addicts who are in recovery know what it’s like to struggle constantly with urges and they aren’t exactly known for having the best willpower that’s what got them in the program in the first place. He didn’t trust himself not to succumb to the hunger and hurt a loved one so he knew he had to kill himself to keep them safe. Sure it was cruel to do it in front of Erin but she’s probably the only person he felt he could hold back his urges with because he loved her the most.
I teared up in this scene, here’s a man that really was doing his best, he took someone’s life over one stupid mistake and after all the hurt and struggles he no doubt went through over-it, his own personal Angel which he thought was his demon, absolved him of all that pain and literally forgave him, she must’ve waited a long time to finally be able to tell him with just one gesture “everything is going to be okay now, rest now” goodbye Riley 🥺🥺
What really is amazing, is that he has this one dream that he is on this boat and never sees anything, only the sunrise then the dream ends. Beforehand he said that his dream changed and erin was with her. We saw that dream in multiple episodes before and then it comes true. Erin in the end, even refers " life " as a dream in the last scene of the series. This is incredible writing !
His death hit home for me on a personal level i cried really hard. Because I know what it feels like to make a mistake and it cost me everything I had. Not only that but the feeling of living with no purpose is really hard. I wanted to die almost everyday of my life his emotions spoke volume to me. Also to live with guilt so powerful it takes over your life is really hard
@@Saia_xx you don't gotta be sorry and you don't have to explain. That was just a much more personal and serious comment than I'm used to seeing on RUclips
This scene broke me. I didn’t really care much for this show until this scene happened. I couldn’t help but cry and stare at the screen in shock. This is probably one of the most saddest and bittersweet scenes I’ve ever seen in a show. I don’t even know what to feel
i love truly love how smart this show is. in some bullshit flick, he would have a big fight or some nonsense. something cheap, prolly at the end. not here. we are reminded he is a rational person and with good heart he goes for the best, stoic decision without hesitation. amazing.
you're putting yourself in Riley's place, if you were Erin, okey, if Erin was a man, if he wasn't aware of what was going on, he should have found out by watching the woman he loves burn to death. Riley was terribly cowardly and used Erin because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to kill himself, not caring how it would make her feel. This cannot be love. Riley has passed out from love and life, all he wants is to get rid of his guilt, but how can he get rid of by making the woman he loves so terrified, this is nonsense, man who loves won't do what he did, never be abel to do that.
Decades from now (if any of us are still alive), when this actor dies, we will all go back to this place to mourn and appreciate something made really fucking well. Because it was. Stellar performance by both actors.
The foreshadowing for this moment was amazing: in the previous episode, Riley tells Erin that before death he will be hallucinating, like under the effect of a drug. After being transformed by the creature, he sees the town like he was under the effects of a drug and that moment he knows and we are advised that he's going to die. It's right there, and still shocking to see. Extraordinary writing, incredible show.
Even more so that we kept seeing his dream of being on the boat waiting for sunrise. The dream always ends as the sun finally rises. Then he actually dies as the sun rises. Foreshadowing but still didn’t expect it!
Yeah, his speech about hallucinating is important. It saves the TV show, and especially this scene, from going into christian VOD territory. His death is ambiguous. Is his sacrifice rewarded with absolution by his victim/angel in the afterlife? Or is this just a hallucination flashing past his eyes, but nonetheless Riley dies forgiving HIMSELF? Either way, beautiful scene.
As much as I love Riley, I think if he would have come back, that would have somehow been less epic than how the series ended. It's just a personal thing.
I think the point is that vampire or not, Riley was always going to kill himself. Even if the was no vampires or any danger, even if he had found happiness and a family with Erin. His guilt was always there and he would have forever felt hollow. And I think that's so powerful considering how many people feel this way too.
I think he always felt guilty for being alive- “ask (God) why he takes the kids and lets the drunks live” And once he knew he would now essentially be a killing machine to the end of time, he made up his mind to make sure he couldn’t be healed or come back, as well as prove his story to try to save everyone else
I genuinely thought they where gonna have Riley Drink Erin’s blood out in the water, but instead they subverted my expectations and gave us one of the most emotional and haunting deaths I’ve seen in awhile.
I will never, ever forget this scene. Ever. From when he hopelessly walks around the town after leaving the rec center to this part. He was so sad, lost and alone. The way he looked at everything, and everyone with those eyes. This will stick with me forever.
I just realized-the song playing in the background throughout this is a slower instrumental of "Nearer My God to Thee," which is later sung to devastating effect at the end of the series. This thing is just so well-constructed, I keep catching things like this as i watch it over and over again.
What I love about this scne is that his final moments are explainable by both Erins (religious) or Rileys (atheistic/scientifc) expectations of death. Whether it was his dying brain which gave him the last high he sought for the entire show (absolution for his drunk driving) or god, both interpretations are perfectly viable. Which is the beauty of the show. Interestingly, Erins death monolouge in EP 7 is essentially a scientific / pantheistic fusion of both Erins and Riley views expressed in their earlier conversation. She doesnt actually believe in literally going to heaven (which she had hoped for her unborn baby) and meet her family in person, but becoming one with the cosmos in a metaphysical sense - which she sees as god.
Rileys death was foreshadowed he said himself that he cant see after the sunlight wow this show is just too good definitely 2nd best show come out of netflix
Interesting detail: Nearer My God to Thee plays over this scene and it’s sung during the ending scene. In both cases, during the last verse, the last note is never played/sung. In both instances the music is cut off by the sun coming up and the characters dying. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to symbolize the characters going to heaven, not going to heaven, or if it’s just to add some artistic spice, but I appreciated the musical nuance.
Something so powerful about this scene is the music. Nearer My God is playing...the same song that the town is singing in the last scene when they all turn to ash. It's connecting Riley to his town and shows he is the first but not the last. I love that little detail.
When the dead girl extended her hand to Riley and just smiled. Maaaaaan!!! That gesture she was telling that she forgave him. My eyes was sweating. Also, the last scene of the series. I was bawling my eyes out 😭😭😭😭
The Music in this. During Riley’s monologue, it’s a single piano note. But when the sun hits, and he is granted forgiveness from his victim and is at peace, it finally has a harmonic note played along side. The musical composer/direction deserves a lot of recognition and praise in this show.
One of the best scenes ever, erin's monologue scares you and then when riley's monologue makes you sad, Mike Flanagan scares you first, then makes you sad
This is one of the most effective scenes in the show. Seeing such a relatable character go like this was gut punching. I was ready to turn into Van Helsing after this episode lol
I love how the atheist character, who never converts back to the faith of his childhood, winds up being more Christian than many other actual Christians on that island.
What broke me the most is what he says right before this scene: “This all started with the stars, wondering about our place in the cosmos” truly lamenting how much religion had been twisted into this extreme and dark thing when it’s supposed to be something so beautiful
This show was so powerful in so many ways... To start with, how Riley described in the first episode how he was feeling was extremely impacting for myself, as I'm going through a very difficult moment regarding my mental health that really made me cry as if I was saying those words myself, then the amazing scene of them describing death in their perspective and finally the way that Riley died.. So selfless and only thinking about Erin, ended up saving the world in my opinion! Great show with great characters and storyline
He knew it was better to sacrifice his own life than to kill to satisfy his own urges. He already knew what it was like to take life in the first place
I just finished this series yesterday. I'm still crying about the fact how he didn't die during the accident was cause he was needed to save the world. 😭
The catharsis in what he sees juxtaposed with reality is the type of stuff that makes this show just incredible and sticks with you long after you get done watching
The juxtaposition between their experiences in this moment are what make it so amazing. He finally had a moment of calm forgiveness and she has the hell of his actual death
She is acting her soul out - the utter dismay really selling it. And her screaming continues long over the credits, maybe the most uncomfortable movie end credits I can think of
He chose this partly because he knew he would not be able to control his vampiric thirst too long. Based on what he felt the first time it was demonstrated to him.
Mike Flanagan makes such awesome stuff. He’s really good at balancing horror and drama. Take notes, Ryan Murphy. The current season of AHS also involves vampire-like people living in an oceanic town, but isn’t nearly as good 😂
Yeah AHS Red Tide and This kinda shares the blood eating vampire stuff theme. I think it’s just that Ryan AHS and Mike Flanagan horror series has very different approach and style. Flanagan is slow burn horror while Murphy is more explicit, fast-paced, and typical tv series writing. I love Midnight Mass more obviously but that doesn’t mean Ryan is bad too, cause he also make a masterpiece like AHS Asylum.
Ryan Murphy picks good actors and builds up good stories that he then throws into a blender until they become a shambled mess (the stories, not the actors). Mike Flanagan is the better storyteller hands down.
I didn’t love Red Tide but I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two drastically different shows. They were both going for a completely different style and message.
His last line hits me like a train every single time... "I did my best", that forgiveness he gives himself knowing his past, his torment, has me questioning myself every time I watch this clip
This is my favorite scene from the entire show. The quiet and calmness as Riley receives forgiveness. Then the screaming completely disrupting it. I’m still crying
This scene was probably the most foreshadowed yet unexpected scene ive ever seen on a tv show tbh
Two different POV shots. We get Riley, at peace at last with his life and death, being welcomed into the beyond by the forgiving spirit of the innocent life he took. And then we cut to Erin screaming in grief and horror as the love of her life burns to ashes in front of her.
this entire episode with how it is paced is an absolute masterpiece in storytelling
I cant...i cried too. Its so heartbreaking 😭
@@bassmasters123 I kinda figured out pretty quickly when he'd been out on the water for ages? and when he walked away from his family, its very on brand I think for his character when he realised that he basically had another addition? Blood instead of alcohol. Was it foreshadowed?
That ending when he finally sees the girl no longer disfigured as the sunlight touched him. God this show is sooooo good
She was his angel coming for him, that's my take
Do you find out who she was?
@@joshsargent9599 it’s the girl he killed in the car crash at the beginning, he finally got forgiveness from her.
@@joshsargent9599 how did you not get that lol
@@lukess.s I know that it was her but when I was reading a review online it said that it was his girlfriend? I didn't think it was but I was wondering if I'd missed something. But yes I know who it was thanks
the way it just ended with her screams was so powerful
agreed my friend
Her screams went through the credits. What an incredible scene!
It was the one credits I didn't skip because she kept screaming throughout most of it, very haunting.
@@msw8839 Indeed it did.
reminded me of hereditary and Midsomma for that matter, a woman screaming desperately is extremely off putting and sad.
Mike Flanagan's way of explaining what is death in all three series is appreciable
It kinda comforts me. Because it validates the way I see death, too.
Yes, Nell's speech about confetti was so beautiful in the hill house show
He is kind of obsessed with it.
@@Bigblue091 we should actually talk about it more than we do - it’s one of the great mysteries we know nothing about. There’s a possibility death could be reversed even, but the first step is getting the idea out in the open for discussion. It’s the one thing that happens to every living thing and yet we try to ignore it for most of our lives
How does he explain death in them? I remember parts of Hill house (dreaming and confetti) and obvs this (the three monologs of death) but what do they say in Bly Manor?
Riley’s sacrifice saved the world.
I became speechless when I Monseyour found out he left a letter for him and it written on it “Dust you are and to dust you shall return” as a non -christian and he saved everyone ..It was reminded me to that poets and religious scholars people like RuMi.
Your intentions and heart is more important than labels most of the times.
The town not the world.Theres a reason cults haven't taken over a mass majority of society and only work well in isolated communities This was the beginning stages of a cult.
@@moxiemaxie3543 His death set the course of events that led Erin back to Dr. Sarah, who then went to the Sheriff, who then came prepared with a firearm to the midnight mass. They saved who they could and burned the rest of the boats so no one could leave and infect the rest of the world with Vampirism. Not to mention burning the last places of shelter from the sunlight, which sealed their fate.
So yes, Riley’s actions saved the world. I wish Erin or the Sheriff survived, but it’s just like what Erin said: it isn’t about them anymore, it’s about everyone else in the world. At least that’s the way I saw it.
Riley served a purpose without even realizing it and achieved his redemption as a result.
@@HeroesFanProductions hey love your videos
@@moxiemaxie3543 how did he save the town? Everyone died bar the two kids - he saved the world
I realized what he was gonna do only at the last minute. What an incredible series.
I actually realized that the moment he invited her to join him on a boat. But up until the very end I was sincerely expecting her to kick him off that boat into the water and save him (by hiding under it until the evening or whatever). I just couldn't believe him to actually die that way.
Yeah I missed that one probably cause I was playing apex legends and watched this episode on my phone, instant regret watched the episode again.
Yea I honestly thought he brought her out to feed on her until the last moment
@@nickyholden861 I realized when the color of the sky started to change!
He didn’t have to do that, he could of just shown her by setting his arm on fire for a couple seconds. Then be there to help her and his mum, dad, brother. X
“I did my best”. Oh man that got me good. So good. I had to back it up and rewatch that final part.
Yeah that line got me. This scene and Hassan’s reason for moving to the island are my favorites.
@@mikemckiver862 What was his reason for moving to the island?
@@joshsargent9599 just watch the show instead of just clips dude lol
You know who also said that?
I watched it like 5 times.
I can't think of any other filmmaker blends the poetic with the horrible quite this well. Also shows how much more death affects the ones who are left behind.
YEP! He visualize warm, wholesome possibilities of death without despair which we all would want to live up to when our time comes, then DISCORD to remind us that even in this best case scenario, there is NO romanticism in death!
I’m “like” number 666.
I wanna believe that everyone who is dying finds his inner peace in that moment and is released.
It's just the people around us who can't see it.
For a split second I thought he wasn't going to be affected by the sun. But then he opens his eyes and sees the girl he killed and my heart broke lol
Can't say the same on my part. The moment the sun shone upon him, I said to myself, "Nope. This ain’t what's really happening here. He's just having a last vision, but in reality, he's burning up."
Same here 😢
SAME
I thought it was gonna go in a massively different direction where like, for some reason it doesn't affect Riley, and now its much harder to get anyone to believe him, but I'm so glad it did NOT go down that way.
@@KurtisC93 Congratulations man you're the best at watching shows good job champ!
As a fellow addict, his death really hit me. I didn’t expect him to go out like that. He had his demons and struggled to the very end, and went out in peace.
“I did my best.” broke me. That’s all we can do.
Thank you sharing I too went through what you both went through and this scene got to me
Me too. I hate my life right now but all we can do is take it one day at a time and try to live righteously. l
You got me with this - fellow addict.
And I..... 18 years and I'm so close to losing it all with a broken heart. But I know I won't. And that there is courage.... 1 second at a time. 🙏
@@iancrockett3749 How are you doing today Ian?
I love how in her screaming you can hear multiple emotions. The sadness of someone she truly cares about dying, the confusion of the situation, and the fear that holy shit this is real.
You just made all that up, the actress didnt do some out of ordinary scream that has multiple emotions lmaaoooooo, tf drugs you on?
@@mootontv2388who would have guessed that a marvel fan is confused by basic media analysis lmfao
Absolutely. I completely agree. ll those emotions are there.
@@cozyjuu2740 you guys are just reaching at this point…
@@mootontv2388whether you think you hear several emotions or not, that scream was more visceral than most you see in horror movies. It’s definitely unique not like every other scream.
How is Mike so damn good at story telling.. he’s a genius. There’s no other explanation for how well he crafts raw human emotion & grief & trauma & sacrifice ..
He was a really good actor in Friday night lights the show
We want to say things like "he's a genius", and not to take that away from him because I think he's genuinely talented in a way a lot of people never will be, but the bulk of the answer is probably more mundane:
Attention to detail, studying his craft, and plain old hard work.
@IdkMaybeShawn whatever it is, we're lucky to have people like him still telling good stories.
This is breathtaking in so many ways, but my favorite part is his last moments being him seeing the warm, welcoming, forgiving face of the woman he accidentally killed. Every time he went to sleep, he saw her face, mangled, broken, angry... Yet the final time he closed his eyes, he sees her simply reaching out for him gently, forgiving, welcoming him into the hereafter.
Then it's undercut by the most horrific, guttural, brilliant screams from the amazing Kate Siegel.
Mike Flanagan, you're a genius.
Kate Siegel’s acting is AMAZING omg her screaming is so good wow she is very talented. Everyone in this show is extremely talented and especially Mike Flanagan
She acts through her eyes..so expressive....loved her performance...in that last episode where she explains her perception of death
YES .. and of course she’s cast in everything her husband makes BUT she proves it’s not just nepotism, she’s a really phenomenal actress
Her screams and wailing really sold it! Pure surprise, shock, and trauma, there's not a split second you think "oh that's an actor in front of a green screen"
Her delivery of the "What Happens When You Die" mologue is tear jerking...She is an amazing actress
@@megha6865 yeah her perception is the truth bro, she had a spiritual awakening
Ironic that the atheist showed more similarities to Christ than the followers, Riley sacrificed himself through a terrible death to save the whole world instead of giving into the temptation of killing another person to drink their blood.
Yes, and Father Paul presented a false Christ, twisting scripture to fit his evil, wicked ideas.
that is the intention.
@@trevorjameson3213I don't think that's what he represents at all, thats more Bev. Father Pruitt just shows he was human, and can be led astray. He tells everyone he's doing it for God and the betterment of the island, but deep down, he's just a man that believes God has given him a second chance on the family he missed out on. He wants to believe this is all God's will more than anything else in the world, so he refuses to accept that he's in denial. He's more of an example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I think father Pruitt was a good man, and he was well meaning, he just didn't see the error of his ways.
"This isn't about me. It was never supposed to be about ME, it was supposed to be about GOD!"
He was a parallel to Erin. He was a Christian that became an athiest, but died a Christian-like death. Erin was an athiest that became Christian, but died an atheist-like death. It was poetry. Bev and Annie Flynn have some interesting parallels as well, two sides on what a devoted Christian is like.
He was raised with true idealized Christian values, and didn’t give up those… even though he stopped believing in Christ and God. In fact he left Christianity because he didn’t see those values at work in his world.
Those credits with her screaming was haunting
Of hill house 😂
@@Emma-nuell Of Bly manor
Ol' Mike "Rip Your Heart Out in Episode 5" Flanagan does it again 😭
- The Haunting of Hill House: "The Bent-Neck Lady"
- The Haunting of Bly Manor: "The Altar of the Dead"
Bent Neck lady episode is one of the most messed up episodes ever...
@@kovy4win until now, i’m still traumatized by it tbh
And tbh, I will never get over the last few minutes of the last episode of Bly Manor. 🥺, Nothing tugs at my heartstrings more.
Mike Flanagan is *chef’s kiss a brilliant director!
It's like with BoJack Horseman. The penultimate episode of every season was usually the most emotional and heartbreaking.
Of course many episodes of BH were emotional, but the penultimate ones always took it to another level. 😢
I swear that when he said "I did my best", with that little smile, my heart broke into a million pieces
Riley was the biggest non-believer and yet his actions mirror that of Jesus as depicted in the Bible.
He died in order to make Erin believe and by the end, unknowingly, the entire island accepted their mistakes, or sins, in the exact same way. Asking for forgiveness. Repenting for their horrible actions.
Together.
Wow...
He didn't have to die to prove his story. He could have just held his arm out in the sunlight and shown her (and his whole family) his burning hand. Or his quickly healing wounds. Then he still would have been around to help them face what was coming. What he knew Erin wouldn't turn away from. He abandoned them at the worst possible moment when he could have been a boon to his loved ones in their hour of need.
@@ghostnote-6 I thought about this as well (and joked a bit about how he bolted the minute the situation got crazy lol).
I think he chose to destroy himself, rather than stick around, in fear that he would turn against his friends/family. He seemed very shaken when Paul showed him that he would react to a potential food source against his own will, so he may have feared that he would harm his loved ones. Sort of a multi-purpose method of proving to Erin what's going on, inspiring her to act (whether it be scaring her and causing her to flee, as he wanted, or bolstering her strength and survival instincts to defend herself and the others, as he knew she would want to do), and also protecting her and the others he loves by removing the threat he himself posed to them.
@@ghostnote-6 I thought about this a lot too. I think that he was more afraid of hurting his loved ones. Remember that he probably felt the hunger coming back (he already gave into it twice already when Bev came close to him and later when they gave him Sturges blood). He didn't even hesitate.
AND given his backstory of immense guilt towards hurting an innocent we can deduce that he probably didn't trust himself to not hurt another innocent. Specially those he loved.
Riley knew himself best. He spent years in prison doing nothing but think about the kind of person he is. Through the whole show he never once lied to anyone about himself and what kind of person he is. Even if its ugly.
I think he knew he'd hurt them. I think he knew that and I think he knew that he did his best for them and himself.
@@alejandrobonfil2818 If he was really so scared that the wouldn't be able to control himself (I'm not saying he wasn't), then why in the world would he isolate himself on a boat with the person he's the most scared of hurting? What definitely hurt her is the trauma he caused her by essentially committing suicide in front of her. That's always a psychologically violent act, and I don't see a lot of commenters acknowledging just how screwed up that is to do to someone.
I'm not saying that it's bad writing, or somehow didn't make sense for his character. He had low self-esteem, and much self-hatred. He wanted out of this life, and his new circumstance gave him a real justification to do the thing he'd been thinking about for years. I just don't get all of these comments praising him as the hero of the show. He could have done SO much more to help them, or maybe even save them. He didn't even try. Others kept fighting. Erin, who didn't even have family on the island, fought for everyone. She, Doc and Sheriff fought to the end for the sake of humanity. His parents, after being turned, refused to feed. He peaced out. But, as he said to Erin, he isn't as strong as her.
I would have liked to see the horrific situation bring something more out of him, but I kind of like that it didn't. It's more realistic that it didn't. Still, I don't think he's a hero.
His talk about what happens when you die, while long, really paid off with this scene. At first I thought God had different plans for him and the sun wouldn't kill him, then you see the girl he killed and you get that haunting, yet beautiful realization. The contrast of Erin screaming ended it perfectly. Its an amazing scene and one of my favorite death scenes ever.
That scene went on a little too long in my opinion and if Flanagan had one flaw it would be he tends to write really long monologues for every single character
I think the monologues really fit this show though, being that it's heavily influenced and based around hymns and sermons.
@@scramblineggs8659 yeah and the sermon scenes are fucking brilliant writing and it’s not just Midnight Mass, but oculus and both haunting Netflix shows…..he’s definitely got talent and edits all his shit in by himself…….but he’s my favorite horror filmmaker…..his directing and since he’s such a good writer and since in all the shows I’ve seen created by him he loves to monologue…….Tarantino is guilty of that sometimes too
@@kdizzle901😢
@@kdizzle901midnight mass I felt the monologues were much weaker than those in Hill House but Riley’s monologue was probably my favorite one.
Mike Flanagan's vision on horror is so profoundly deep, he handles scary element so well and also make human dramas so relatable and real. I always recommend his shows/movies to horror hater, to show them how a horror story can be profound and thought-provoking.
I'm still a horror hater. A few jump scares does not a horror make. This show is a supernatural thriller, not a horror.
@@xenn4985 It’s just a different kind of horror. Horrifies you on an existential level. Horror doesn’t need to have jump scares
@@darkhorse381 first of all, you're thinking of existential dread. There is no existential horror in this show. There's practically no horror at all. It literally is just a drama/thriller with a few jump scares.
Amen! Mike Flanagan's work always leaves me feeling emotionally devastated in the best way possible. Hill House, Bly Manor, Doctor Sleep (he's BRILLIANT with King adaptations, clearly a huge fan, tons of easter eggs!), Gerald's Game, Midnight Mass...every one of them is so brilliant!
i really don't like horror but the haunting of hill house is one of my favorite shows, ever. and i really loved midnight mass
I binged the entire 7 episodes in 1 day. When episode 4 hits it gets crazy! Beautiful message to this story. Not scary. But sad and interesting. The acting was phenomenal!
I did the same thing. Quite a good show. Grey's Anatomy chick....shit. she's so good at making one hate her LOL
First 3 episodes were scary or creepy and then it just becomes Batshit crazy and I'm here for all of it
Same, binged in one day as well. Loved it. The acting was great, especially from Hamish Linklater.
Most horror is meant not to "scare" but to make you feel unsettled and disturbed by what's going on.
all i know is that i havent hated somone like joffrey till i met bev keanne. fucken great show
The dream that he'd always had. The dream of his death and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of everyone he knows and loves. His purpose.
Heartbreaking and incredibly well written.
To the ones we love🥃
The Sun is so beautifully incorporated into his story
It's also why he never saw beyond the sunrise. Because his story on Earth ends with that sunrise.
Who did he save tho cause they all died Imao
@@itsjinxnow4814 Those two kids on the boat were the sole survivors.
I started realizing what Riley's plan was all along when it started getting lighter in the sky and I just kept shouting out "No, No, NO, NO, NO!!"
I connected the dots and realized the dream he kept talking about was about to be realized, especially when he pointed out that the last time he saw it, Erin was with him. That dream always ended during sunrise...
in the end they were all gonna die anyway....he just showed them how to defeat the bads.
I really expected this to be a gut-wrenching scene where she gets killed
But then it turned out to be more heart-wrenching when he sacrifices himself and overcomes his struggles
And I’m forever glad I gave this show a chance
“Forgiveness is warm, like a tear on the cheek…” -Nellie Craine
" I love you Erin Green... I always have... in one way or another....." That got me. I can hardly hold back the tears. What a great actor. He deserves an award.
Riley is a hero. He knew this was the best thing to do. He still felt guilt for accidentally killing that girl from his drunk driving at the beginning of the show, and he knew that now he would continue to murder innocent lives so the only way to save others was to kill himself. This is amazing good writing and Mike is so talented for directing this masterpiece. And Kate’s acting in this with the screaming is amazing. Everyone’s so talented
Rylie had realized, after being attacked by the creature and beginning to turn into a vampire (or demonic entity, whatever), that Father Paul was no saint and his words were wicked lies, and that creature was no angel. Even though Rylie didn't believe in the spiritual world initially, I'm sure his encounter with pure evil changed his mind, and he ended up doing what was right. For me, it was difficult listening to Father Paul completely twist scripture to fit his wicked ideas about life and that supposed angel, but that is how satan works, in deception and lies that lead to death, both physical and spiritual. Anyway, the writing in this series is truly brilliant, and the actors are absolutely top notch.
@@trevorjameson3213as someone who was raised religious but isn’t really anymore, I always appreciate when a priest is well written because most Hollywood shows just make the priest a pedophile and move on which is such an over done annoying troupe, or they are overly holy and naive but I thought they did a great job writing for Pruitt because he actually used logic when analyzing the Bible and it’s message which I can appreciate. Obviously he was wrong and the “angel” saving his life gave him the idea to save his former lover which distorted his view on all the bad stuff that was happening but most of his theories were supported by scripture.
@@trevorjameson3213I don't think Pruitt was wicked in the slightest. He's the example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Pruitt was led astray, and if you'd been in his position, you'd absolutely think God was real. He thinks he's helping everyone, he's just not honest with himself(probably because it's subconscious) that this is all self serving. He sees a second chance at a life with the woman he loves and his child, and everything else is just a bonus. He's a good man, but he's human and he gets corrupted, and he realizes the error of his ways in the end. Unlike Pruitt, Riley knows that voice isn't God, because he's an alcoholic
I haven't seen it written yet, so I just wanna make the observation that Riley's first death was on Holy Thursday (The Last Supper), and his sacrifice was the evening of Good Friday leading into Easter Vigil. This show is gonna take a couple of rewatches to catch all the symbolism for sure!
I'm not read up on my scripture, but I read Riley as a saint type character. Maybe he's a Jesus metaphor idk, but at the least a selfless character.
@@stephengrigg5988 He's sorta all of the above, son of a fisherman screwup but also has a "Passion" where he doubts himself and suffers, only to sacrifice himself for someone else
Riley’s death was devastating.
I just wished that father John mourned Riley, after he felt him die. He never did.
This was his doing too.
He absolutely did have grief and mourned, what?
john pruitt knew riley sacrificed and redeemed himself his death is acknowledged he didn't get ignored and forgotten. erin even told riley's mother about this scene.
John was devastated when he discovered it, but he pushed his feelings aside and ignored them, thinking he's doing the right thing.
@@a_mc1569but he's angry at Riley. That is what begins the priest in questioning his actions though, he truly can't understand why Riley would throw away a "gift from God".
Ironically, Riley was as strong. He chose to put himself in a situation where he knew it would end in certain death. No escape. No expectations of redemption or forgiveness. He knew what he had become and was unwilling to sacrifice others to survive or risk passing it on.
The fact that Nearer My God To Thee is playing on the piano adds so much emotional depth for Ryan’s character. I never noticed it before, but it almost brought tears to my eyes. I’m not religious anymore, but I used to be. And the fact that Riley has been looking for absolution and just wandering around lost. Knowing he’s going to die, seeing the little girl whole, basically guiding him to heaven, is such amazing writing. Even though he’s dying, and it’s sad, he is close to his god for his sacrifice. Fucking wow!!
In the background is a piano rendition of the hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee, which was what was sang at the end of the series.
It’s also the song the string band in Titanic played as the ship sank.
I don’t want to ruin anything but this song is in the tv show again for other scenes.
I knew it was familiar and when I saw the last episode, something clicked and my mind drifted to Titanic. I didn't looked into it, but your comment reminded me of that and confirmed it.
The music also being from Titanic only added to the heartbreak!
@@superapple6186 I don’t know how that would ruin anything, but good ear! Do you remember which specific scene it’s in?
Because this songs fit perfectly in this TV series especially when there's is church and faith going around in the stories 🙄
They used "Somewhere Only We Know" in the trailer and now it makes so much sense." This could be the end of everything, so why don't we go somewhere only we know." This lyric fits here so well. 🥺
I just finished the series. Mike Flanagan is a true genius
Totally agreed! I even made a review of it on my RUclips channel. 😊
And that "Nearer, my God, to Thee" motif playing in the background. It even whiplashes from serenity to horror in the same place.
Goodness this show was amazing. I see so many reviews about the monologues being too long, but that’s where all the depth comes into play. It’s complex in so many ways! I was blown away by this scene…. So heartbreaking.
I honestly loved every single monologue. I watched the entire series twice in two days and never got bored.
From what I have seen around the net, most fair minded critics agree somewhat that the monologues were a bit excessive and I agree. That doesn't mean all the monologues needed to be cut down or even edited, but just a little bit more refinement would have bumped this series from "extremely good with a warning to be patient" to "must see art." I must say the extreme boredom and grating annoyance of a Catholic mass was perfectly captured and just as hard to sit through on film. This scene is a classic and certainly the heart of the entire film.
You can have complexity without having a character break out into an unnatural and clearly well rehearsed monologue (albeit a well written one). The only ones I liked were Paul's, a credit to the actor.
@@awolo_9474 lmao maybe you have never been an argument before but there are some people who has the need to explain everything before they fight or something so it's not uncommon lol 💀
Show, not tell
Everyone who is saying that Riley is a coward leaving his loved ones in the face of looming danger like that must consider the fact that Riley suffered an alcohol adduction problem, may be he wasn't sure that he can control the thirst of blood. So instead he choose to be whistleblower and make Erene aware of the danger and spending some final moments with her. But that girl who got killed by accidentally holding his hand in the end proves that Riley finally could forgive himself.
It was more his subconscious seeing the girl not some vision of her spirit. He murdered a young girl on purpose like every drunk driver does when they drink and hop into a car.
@@battaglino77 Didn't he pass out?
@@battaglino77"it was more his subconscious seeing the girl"
Then how do you explain the visions he was having of his death for months? His subconscious was seeing into the future.
"He murdered a girl on purpose like every drunk driver"
No, he was blacked out, there was no malicious intent to harm anyone. If that's what you believe, you really missed the point of this entire show. I guess all those good Christians killed their families "on purpose" when they first turned😂😂
@@stephengrigg5988I think the point is more that it doesn't really matter if this is Heaven or not. Riley's kindness and love gave him this peaceful transition into death, not his faith. And that is ultimately the point of the show, I think. Love and connection are what are ultimately important
I started crying immediately when he saw Tara. This was beautifully done
This DESTROYED ME. None of my friends have watched this so I was basically going into it blind. I was just watching because I'm a Hamish Linklater fan at first but I managed to form an emotional attachment to Riley Flynn and realising what he was about to do in this scene was absolutely DREADFUL. I'm absolutely devastated.
He did his best and that's everything we should be asking of ourselves.
Everyone asking why Riley killed himself to show her his affliction rather than just putting his hand in the light and staying and helping them stop the church is forgetting one thing: he’s a recovering addict. Addicts who are in recovery know what it’s like to struggle constantly with urges and they aren’t exactly known for having the best willpower that’s what got them in the program in the first place. He didn’t trust himself not to succumb to the hunger and hurt a loved one so he knew he had to kill himself to keep them safe. Sure it was cruel to do it in front of Erin but she’s probably the only person he felt he could hold back his urges with because he loved her the most.
"I did my best" 😭
I teared up in this scene, here’s a man that really was doing his best, he took someone’s life over one stupid mistake and after all the hurt and struggles he no doubt went through over-it, his own personal Angel which he thought was his demon, absolved him of all that pain and literally forgave him, she must’ve waited a long time to finally be able to tell him with just one gesture “everything is going to be okay now, rest now” goodbye Riley 🥺🥺
What really is amazing, is that he has this one dream that he is on this boat and never sees anything, only the sunrise then the dream ends. Beforehand he said that his dream changed and erin was with her. We saw that dream in multiple episodes before and then it comes true. Erin in the end, even refers " life " as a dream in the last scene of the series. This is incredible writing !
This was the saddest and the most emotional scene you will ever see. Riley forgive himself and went to the light. But also saved the world.
The way Erin screams is just..bone chilling. From Hillhouse to Blymanor to Midnight Mass, this actress deserves All the prizes
Don't forget Hush, too!!!! Forever my favourite movie. She very quickly became one of my all time favourites to watch on screen :')
@@jaycinejohns1590 Thats a Flanegan project too but I never seen it defintely need to though!!!
Literally wtf moment. It comes out of nowhere. Don't ruin it 4 anyone.
Keep it in ur pocket.
@@obiwankwiegand What?😂
His death hit home for me on a personal level i cried really hard. Because I know what it feels like to make a mistake and it cost me everything I had. Not only that but the feeling of living with no purpose is really hard. I wanted to die almost everyday of my life his emotions spoke volume to me. Also to live with guilt so powerful it takes over your life is really hard
What did you do?
@@stephengrigg5988 it’s personal sorry
@@Saia_xx you don't gotta be sorry and you don't have to explain. That was just a much more personal and serious comment than I'm used to seeing on RUclips
This scene broke me. I didn’t really care much for this show until this scene happened. I couldn’t help but cry and stare at the screen in shock. This is probably one of the most saddest and bittersweet scenes I’ve ever seen in a show. I don’t even know what to feel
i love truly love how smart this show is. in some bullshit flick, he would have a big fight or some nonsense. something cheap, prolly at the end. not here. we are reminded he is a rational person and with good heart he goes for the best, stoic decision without hesitation. amazing.
you're putting yourself in Riley's place, if you were Erin, okey, if Erin was a man, if he wasn't aware of what was going on, he should have found out by watching the woman he loves burn to death. Riley was terribly cowardly and used Erin because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to kill himself, not caring how it would make her feel. This cannot be love. Riley has passed out from love and life, all he wants is to get rid of his guilt, but how can he get rid of by making the woman he loves so terrified, this is nonsense, man who loves won't do what he did, never be abel to do that.
@@zeynepgulsu1899 this is literally the most bs thing I’ve heard.
@@JD-jz5gu because you've been brainwashed by misogyny
@@zeynepgulsu1899 what😂
@@JD-jz5gu what is so funny?
Decades from now (if any of us are still alive), when this actor dies, we will all go back to this place to mourn and appreciate something made really fucking well. Because it was. Stellar performance by both actors.
The foreshadowing for this moment was amazing: in the previous episode, Riley tells Erin that before death he will be hallucinating, like under the effect of a drug. After being transformed by the creature, he sees the town like he was under the effects of a drug and that moment he knows and we are advised that he's going to die. It's right there, and still shocking to see. Extraordinary writing, incredible show.
Even more so that we kept seeing his dream of being on the boat waiting for sunrise. The dream always ends as the sun finally rises. Then he actually dies as the sun rises.
Foreshadowing but still didn’t expect it!
Yeah, his speech about hallucinating is important. It saves the TV show, and especially this scene, from going into christian VOD territory. His death is ambiguous. Is his sacrifice rewarded with absolution by his victim/angel in the afterlife? Or is this just a hallucination flashing past his eyes, but nonetheless Riley dies forgiving HIMSELF? Either way, beautiful scene.
😢. Heartbreaking right there but I’m glad he found peace and redemption
I can't believe he actually died here lol I thought he was gonna resurrect or something
I was hoping he was going to find a way to convince her that what he was saying was true and they could try and save everybody.
As much as I love Riley, I think if he would have come back, that would have somehow been less epic than how the series ended. It's just a personal thing.
I believe he did resurrect because he found peace with his actions and forgave himself and did his best.
I think the point is that vampire or not, Riley was always going to kill himself. Even if the was no vampires or any danger, even if he had found happiness and a family with Erin.
His guilt was always there and he would have forever felt hollow.
And I think that's so powerful considering how many people feel this way too.
I think he always felt guilty for being alive- “ask (God) why he takes the kids and lets the drunks live” And once he knew he would now essentially be a killing machine to the end of time, he made up his mind to make sure he couldn’t be healed or come back, as well as prove his story to try to save everyone else
The fact that the quietest version of “Nearer My God To Thee” plays in the background and ends on the same penultimate note that the islanders end on…
I genuinely thought they where gonna have Riley Drink Erin’s blood out in the water, but instead they subverted my expectations and gave us one of the most emotional and haunting deaths I’ve seen in awhile.
I will never, ever forget this scene. Ever. From when he hopelessly walks around the town after leaving the rec center to this part. He was so sad, lost and alone. The way he looked at everything, and everyone with those eyes. This will stick with me forever.
now we know why he can't go beyond past that dream. amazing.
I think that "dream" shows how the atheist character may have been connected with a higher power. Those dreams sure seemed like visions by the end
The show was great, but this episode was a fuckin MASTERPIECE.
I loved this episode the best! I’m glad Riley got this moment of redemption.
@@janedoll3237 Agreed. I love the cut to black at the end and we can still hear her screaming. Great stuff.
Haha, wouldn't say masterpiece mate.
@@paulmelling8297 what is wrong with you
I just realized-the song playing in the background throughout this is a slower instrumental of "Nearer My God to Thee," which is later sung to devastating effect at the end of the series. This thing is just so well-constructed, I keep catching things like this as i watch it over and over again.
What I love about this scne is that his final moments are explainable by both Erins (religious) or Rileys (atheistic/scientifc) expectations of death.
Whether it was his dying brain which gave him the last high he sought for the entire show (absolution for his drunk driving) or god, both interpretations are perfectly viable. Which is the beauty of the show. Interestingly, Erins death monolouge in EP 7 is essentially a scientific / pantheistic fusion of both Erins and Riley views expressed in their earlier conversation. She doesnt actually believe in literally going to heaven (which she had hoped for her unborn baby) and meet her family in person, but becoming one with the cosmos in a metaphysical sense - which she sees as god.
Rileys death was foreshadowed he said himself that he cant see after the sunlight wow this show is just too good definitely 2nd best show come out of netflix
Interesting detail: Nearer My God to Thee plays over this scene and it’s sung during the ending scene. In both cases, during the last verse, the last note is never played/sung. In both instances the music is cut off by the sun coming up and the characters dying. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to symbolize the characters going to heaven, not going to heaven, or if it’s just to add some artistic spice, but I appreciated the musical nuance.
Something so powerful about this scene is the music. Nearer My God is playing...the same song that the town is singing in the last scene when they all turn to ash. It's connecting Riley to his town and shows he is the first but not the last. I love that little detail.
When he says "I did my best..."
it hits me so hard
When the dead girl extended her hand to Riley and just smiled. Maaaaaan!!! That gesture she was telling that she forgave him. My eyes was sweating. Also, the last scene of the series. I was bawling my eyes out 😭😭😭😭
The Music in this. During Riley’s monologue, it’s a single piano note. But when the sun hits, and he is granted forgiveness from his victim and is at peace, it finally has a harmonic note played along side. The musical composer/direction deserves a lot of recognition and praise in this show.
One of the best scenes ever, erin's monologue scares you and then when riley's monologue makes you sad, Mike Flanagan scares you first, then makes you sad
The fact that she kept crying in the roll credits is brutal
I somehow felt like this was going to happen. But when it did it striked me anyway, that's when you know a scene is very well done.
This is one of the most effective scenes in the show. Seeing such a relatable character go like this was gut punching. I was ready to turn into Van Helsing after this episode lol
Right.
Fuck vampires.
“ *I did my best* ”
- me *sobs*😭😭😭
I love how the atheist character, who never converts back to the faith of his childhood, winds up being more Christian than many other actual Christians on that island.
What broke me the most is what he says right before this scene:
“This all started with the stars, wondering about our place in the cosmos” truly lamenting how much religion had been twisted into this extreme and dark thing when it’s supposed to be something so beautiful
This show was so powerful in so many ways... To start with, how Riley described in the first episode how he was feeling was extremely impacting for myself, as I'm going through a very difficult moment regarding my mental health that really made me cry as if I was saying those words myself, then the amazing scene of them describing death in their perspective and finally the way that Riley died.. So selfless and only thinking about Erin, ended up saving the world in my opinion!
Great show with great characters and storyline
Sometimes I come back to scenes like this from Mike Flanagan’s series. It hits every time. His descriptions of death are so beautiful.
dude at least change the title of this video to something that doesn't spoil one of the best turns in the story
One of the most powerful and touching scene in the history of television
He knew it was better to sacrifice his own life than to kill to satisfy his own urges. He already knew what it was like to take life in the first place
It still blows my mind how they played Riley up as the main protagonist and then made him the first casualty of this whole mess 5 episodes in.
Mike Flanagan just cant miss. Excelent shows and spot on actors. Not a single bad episode In anything i've seen
This is one of the most hauntingly gorgeous ending to an episode of a show that i can remember i had goosebumps the first time i saw this part
I just finished this series yesterday. I'm still crying about the fact how he didn't die during the accident was cause he was needed to save the world. 😭
The catharsis in what he sees juxtaposed with reality is the type of stuff that makes this show just incredible and sticks with you long after you get done watching
The juxtaposition between their experiences in this moment are what make it so amazing. He finally had a moment of calm forgiveness and she has the hell of his actual death
Man that is one visceral scream. Great acting.
She is acting her soul out - the utter dismay really selling it. And her screaming continues long over the credits, maybe the most uncomfortable movie end credits I can think of
I kind of figured it out when he mentioned earlier that his dream with her on the boat always stopped right before sunrise.
Such a beautiful scene.
"I did my best." They both loved eachother so much. The acting was incredible. It all seems so authentic.
He chose this partly because he knew he would not be able to control his vampiric thirst too long. Based on what he felt the first time it was demonstrated to him.
yea it had taken over the pastor and the churchgoers plus his alcoholism in the past probably knew he wasn't gonna be able o control the thirst.
Mike Flanagan makes such awesome stuff. He’s really good at balancing horror and drama. Take notes, Ryan Murphy. The current season of AHS also involves vampire-like people living in an oceanic town, but isn’t nearly as good 😂
Yeah AHS Red Tide and This kinda shares the blood eating vampire stuff theme. I think it’s just that Ryan AHS and Mike Flanagan horror series has very different approach and style. Flanagan is slow burn horror while Murphy is more explicit, fast-paced, and typical tv series writing. I love Midnight Mass more obviously but that doesn’t mean Ryan is bad too, cause he also make a masterpiece like AHS Asylum.
Ryan Murphy picks good actors and builds up good stories that he then throws into a blender until they become a shambled mess (the stories, not the actors). Mike Flanagan is the better storyteller hands down.
I didn’t love Red Tide but I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two drastically different shows. They were both going for a completely different style and message.
AHS is also at the whim of the network ultimately. I’m sure if Ryan Murphy took the streaming route, he’d make some bonkers shit
Riley: I did my best, I did my best
So sad this part
His last line hits me like a train every single time... "I did my best", that forgiveness he gives himself knowing his past, his torment, has me questioning myself every time I watch this clip
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but “Nearer My God to Thee” is playing softly in the background. Great foreshadowing!!
This show, fantastic delivery… they killed off characters not for shock value but for the plot to advance, amazing really.
we all have to admit the scream really is heart breaking to hear
Zach Gilford is an amazing actor. This scene made me cry and genuinely sad and upset about Riley’s death.
I had to tweet to him ,enquiring of his well being after watching the show . He said that he was doing fine .
Riley faced with the prospect of eternal life, quickly and calmly decides to end it because of the life he took. Gotta respect him for that.
They had a beautiful relationship, loving, honest and genuine.
This is NOT one of my favourite series, but this scene is the best scene I’ve ever seen in a movie or series in my life.