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Netflix’s The Midnight Club is a culmination of Mike Flanagan’s specialties: grief, horror, and eerie Easter eggs. The show pays homage to Christopher Pike’s bibliography, with most episode titles referencing Pike’s books. Set in 1994 at the Brightcliffe Hospice, the series follows a group of teenagers with terminal illnesses who bond over telling horror stories late at night in the hospice’s library.
Kevin’s story in The Midnight Club revolves around Dusty, a teenage serial killer controlled by a demonic entity. Inspired by Christopher Pike’s novel The Wicked Heart, Kevin’s tale reflects his personal struggles and emotional journey. Similarly, Sandra’s story, influenced by Pike’s Gimme a Kiss, explores a murder mystery involving leaked diaries and vengeful teens.
Amesh’s sci-fi tale in The Midnight Club, inspired by Pike’s See You Later, delves into time travel, video games, and saving the world. Despite simplifying Pike’s original premise, Amesh’s story still captures themes of heroism and romance. Lastly, Ilonka’s story draws inspiration from Pike’s Witch, unfolding a tale of witches and family secrets.
Overall, The Midnight Club skillfully weaves together elements of horror, storytelling, and personal growth, paying tribute to Christopher Pike’s captivating narratives.
Imani’s story: The Gift of Healing (1993)
Imani, similar to Ilonka, possesses a strong inclination towards healing. However, unlike Ilonka, Imani is a witch gifted with a healing touch and the ability to see the future through scrying. Despite her mother’s strict rules, Imani decides to use moonlight instead of sunshine for scrying, leading her to a vision of a future filled with unavoidable suffering. This narrative, inspired by Julia in Pike’s novel Witch, serves as a means for Ilonka to process her terminal diagnosis by translating her emotions through Imani’s story. The depiction of a curious witch who makes a grave mistake in Pike’s novel mirrors Ilonka’s own struggles, providing a poignant reflection of her journey.
Natsuki’s story: Road to Nowhere (1993)
Natsuki’s tale, titled ‘Road to Nowhere,’ follows Teresa, a complex and tough individual seeking solace on a night where she needed to escape. While Pike’s novel embarks on a meandering road trip, Natsuki uses the concept of a road trip and a chilling plot twist to explore themes of life, death, and the essence of existence. Both narratives center around Teresa, a girl fleeing an unwanted life, who encounters hitchhikers named Freedom Jack and Poppy Corn. However, while Pike’s story delves into dark secrets and shared stories, Natsuki’s focus lies on Teresa’s impending death and her internal struggle with the desire to continue living.
Spencer’s story: The Eternal Enemy (1993)
Spencer’s narrative, ‘The Eternal Enemy,’ delves into themes of time and fear, featuring Rel and Christopher who discover a VCR that records the future. Initially seen as a fortunate find, the VCR reveals a sinister truth beneath its surface, challenging the characters’ perception of destiny. While Pike’s novel presents a different twist, involving a cyborg girl named Rela, both tales explore the idea of interference with fate. Spencer’s version emphasizes overcoming fear and embracing activism, leading to a transformative journey for the character.
Tribute to Pike’s Collection
The tribute to Pike’s collection of novels is one giant love letter to storytelling and all the worlds it allows us to escape to — which is the very reason the kids began the Midnight Club in the first place. Flanagan’s latest Netflix series is a true feat of storytelling in every possible way.
The Midnight Club on Netflix
The Midnight Club is now streaming on Netflix.
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