*Spoiler Alert* If you have not watched "Midnight Mass" on Netflix yet, and are planning to do so, choose whether to skip this post or not. Possible spoiler alerts are included. I'll provide readers with the hidden messages and themes.
Midnight Mass background
The story is segmented into 7 episodes, each one lasting about an hour. The setting is Crockett Island (Crock-Pot), with a population of 127 people. Most of the population have already left for the mainland and a better life.
It's a seafaring hamlet replete with weather-worn, dilapidated buildings: a small church, a small school, a lone doctor's office, homes and a new recreation center.
Mike Flanagan ("The Haunting of Hill House" and "Bly Manor") wrote the series with his brother, and Mike was the director. Superior characters are portrayed with quality actors. The cinematography is excellent.
Characters
The characters are Monsignor Pruitt, Father Paul Hill; Sarah and Mildred Gunning, and Riley Flynn, who is a recently released convict)and his parents Ed and Annie and his brother, Warren; Leeza - a paralyzed teen, the pregnant school teacher, Erin Greene; the town leader and also a teacher, Beverly Keane; Sheriff Hassan and his son Ali; Mayor Wade Scarborough and his wife Dolly (parents of Leeza); and Joe Collie, the island alcoholic.
Meanings
The Catholic faith and all it entails is explored through rituals and especially the Mass and the Sacrament. But it is a story of religion gone wrong and how easily people can be led astray. Yes, it is a horror story - a Flannigan preference.
However, the series is biblically-centered. Each episode has as its title a Bible book. The characters routinely quote Scripture, and some out of context to suit their wrong beliefs. There is a lot of dialogue that you must pay attention to to follow the story, as there are several twists.
Central theme
The central theme is each character's need for forgiveness and acceptance. It's a rather powerful message of our need to forgive others and accept others for who they are, regardless of their characteristics. People can change.
There are also a series of miracles that continue from episode to episode. Watch for them. Some are obvious, some not so much, but if you're paying close attention, you will see them quite plainly.
I don't want to provide the story line other than what I have so as not to ruin people who will be watching the series.
Message for today
We all have spiritual needs.We all seek forgiveness and acceptance. But in seeking the aforementioned, we must be careful we are not led astray, for there are a plethora of false religions and teachers in our world.
Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, NIV).
Seek Him today and do not be led astray.
I binge watched this series. It is indeed excellent. Your summary sans revealing the outcome is right on point. Yes, there are plenty of Bible verses and rituals taken out of context. Nevertheless, it is an exceptional series well worth watching. The question is: will there be a sequel? It appears entirely possible.