Ep 6. The Harrowing

The Harrowing is the sixth and final episode of the first season of Inside No. 9, a British anthology series created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. The show revolves around a different story and characters in each episode, all taking place in a different No. 9 address.

In The Harrowing, we are introduced to Hector (David Warner), an elderly writer living alone in a large house. Hector is a veteran horror writer and is in the process of completing his final novel, which he plans to be his masterpiece. The episode begins with Hector giving an interview to a journalist about his life and career as a writer. It is then revealed that he has invited a group of young students, who are studying literature, to his house as part of a contest to win his home when he passes away.

The students are tasked with reading and critiquing Hector's final work and the winner will be gifted the house he currently resides in. The students consist of a variety of different personalities and backgrounds, including a rich girl, a goth girl, a Christian boy, and a Muslim girl, among others. They all gather in the living room to listen to Hector's reading of his latest book which is, as one would guess, a suspense and horror-filled tale. As Hector finishes reading the last chapter, the doorbell rings and a hooded figure asks to be let in. This is where the horror of the episode begins to take shape.

The atmosphere starts to change and gradually transforms into something eerie and frightening as the students explore deeper in the house. The hooded figure becomes an ominous presence, and strange things start happening throughout the house. Doors creak open, lights flicker on and off, and the students hear strange noises throughout the house. The harrowing nature of the episode is conveyed by the profound fear of the characters, which the audience can feel and perceive.

The students start to realize that Hector has a strange and sinister motive behind inviting them to his house. They begin to suspect that he is not who they thought he was, and they are put in a position where they must fight for their lives. The episode effectively uses the horror theme to create a sense of dread throughout, and through expertly crafted storytelling, it builds the suspense up until the very end.

The Harrowing stands out as an example of how horror, when done right, can be incredibly effective in telling a story. While some horror stories may rely on cheap thrills, Inside No. 9 skillfully utilizes the horror genre for storytelling, with each individual episode utilizing a different style and tone. For those who appreciate horror on a deeper level, this episode is guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end.

Visually, the episode is well crafted, and the use of shadow and darkness is prevalent throughout. The director skilfully portrays the claustrophobic nature of the house to make the audience feel as if they are trapped with the students. The tight camera angles and focus on the faces of the characters makes it clear from the outset that this episode is going to be a harrowing experience.

The ending of The Harrowing is equally effective, leaving the audience feeling a sense of closure and finality to Hector's story. The twist, which this show has become well known for, is also present, and the viewer will surely be left with a sense of surprise and intrigue.

In conclusion, The Harrowing is a masterfully crafted episode that leaves the audience in suspense until the final moments. The use of horror throughout the episode is both effective and intelligently crafted, and the atmosphere created by the director makes this episode a must-watch for anyone with a taste for the genre. The level of storytelling is excellent, and the ending is sure to leave an impression on viewers for months to come.