TV SERIES REVIEW: 'Midnight Mass' deftly combines religion, angels, and miracles in an island backwater that God has forgotten

 After finishing 'Pose' this January, I decided on Midnight Mass as the next series for me to watch as I wanted a series that had some horror elements.   Surprisingly, although the trailer for the series shows some horror elements, it is actually a series Filipinos could relate to as it is about a priest who is reborn after traveling to the Holy Land.

I will leave it at that, as I would love that you readers will take the opportunity to watch this show.  It is something Filipinos can identify with since the main protagonist is a priest, there is an 'angel' character, there is a 'holier-than-thou' character, and many of the people in the island are seeking God in their ordinary lives which are mainly boring, dreadful, and monotonous.

The only put-off for me are several very long monologues by some of the characters.  I usually tune out during those long scenes since some of them are not really vital to the story, or I think so.  I just focus on the horror theme of the show and how misguided religiosity can lead us away from God instead of into God's path.

I love the scenes when the 'angel' appears and how its character is given some vampire characteristics lol.  I also dig how the island which is slowly falling into disrepair and irrelevance suddenly finds 'God' and is rejuvenated.

The denouement of this movie is one of the best I've seen in many TV series.  So great to see a TV series end with literally a 'big bang'.

This show is definitely qualified to take part in my 2023 FABE TV awards so I am listing down the categories where it could get nominated.  I am using this portion as a notes part since 2022 has just started.

The show has excellent Make Up and Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Cinematography, Art Direction, and should have a shot in the Best TV Series of the Year category.

In the acting department - the following characters stand out for me - 

Actor - Hamish Linklater (Father Paul)

           - Zach Gilford (Riley)

Actress - Kate Siegel (Erin)

Supporting Actor - Rahul Kohli (Sheriff)

Supporting Actress - Samantha Sloyan (Bev)