If you’re drawn to psychological thrillers that blend domestic drama with unsettling horror and a pervasive sense of unease, then Apple TV+’s “Servant” is a unique and compelling watch. Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, this series masterfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere within a single, luxurious Philadelphia brownstone, delving into grief, delusion, and a creeping supernatural mystery.
What is “Servant” about?
“Servant” centers on the wealthy Philadelphia couple, Dorothy and Sean Turner. Their lives are shattered by an unspeakable tragedy: the death of their infant son, Jericho, from crib death. Dorothy, a local TV news reporter, suffers a severe psychotic break from the trauma, believing that a lifelike reborn doll is, in fact, her real, living baby. To maintain her fragile state of mind, her husband Sean, a chef, and her brother Julian go along with the delusion.
The series truly begins when Dorothy hires a mysterious, young live-in nanny, Leanne Grayson, to care for “Baby Jericho” (the doll). What seems like an innocuous arrangement quickly turns sinister as strange occurrences begin to plague the household, and the doll is seemingly replaced by a real baby. Sean, the only one initially aware of the doll’s true nature, becomes deeply suspicious of Leanne, sensing a dark and potentially supernatural force at play.
As the series unfolds over its four seasons, the lines between reality and delusion blur, and the characters are plunged into a chilling mystery. Leanne’s origins are gradually revealed to be tied to a mysterious, almost cult-like religious group, and she appears to possess increasingly potent supernatural abilities that manifest within the house. The show explores themes of grief, trauma, faith, obsession, the lengths parents will go for their children, and the nature of good versus evil, all contained within the confined, gothic-like setting of the Turner home.
Why “Servant” is a compelling watch:
- Intense Psychological Thriller: The show excels at building a palpable sense of tension and unease. The confined setting, the unreliable perceptions of the characters, and the constant ambiguity keep viewers on edge.
- M. Night Shyamalan’s Influence: While created by Tony Basgallop, Shyamalan’s signature style (slow burn, unsettling atmosphere, twists, and a blend of the mundane with the supernatural) is evident throughout, particularly in his directorial contributions to several episodes.
- Atmospheric & Visual Storytelling: The cinematography, sound design, and use of the house itself as a character contribute to a deeply immersive and often claustrophobic viewing experience.
- Exploration of Grief and Trauma: At its core, the series is a profound examination of how grief can warp reality and the desperate measures people take to cope with unimaginable loss.
- Ambiguity and Mystery: The show intentionally leaves many questions unanswered for extended periods, fueling fan theories and discussions about Leanne’s true nature and the events unfolding.
Where to Watch “Servant”:
“Servant” is an Apple TV+ Original series. All four seasons are exclusively available to stream on:
- Apple TV+ (with a subscription)
You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
If you enjoyed “Servant,” you might also like:
- The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix): A highly acclaimed supernatural horror series that deeply explores family trauma and grief within a haunted house, with a strong focus on character.
- The Leftovers (Max): A profound and emotional drama that deals with the aftermath of an unexplained global disappearance, exploring themes of grief, faith, and the search for meaning.
- The Outsider (HBO/Max): A crime thriller with a supernatural element, based on a Stephen King novel, involving a mysterious entity linked to gruesome murders.
- Bates Motel (Hulu/Peacock): A prequel series to Psycho, focusing on the deeply disturbed relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, exploring psychological horror and family dynamics.
- American Horror Story (Hulu/FX): While an anthology, many seasons (like Murder House) share the confined, unsettling, and often supernatural elements of “Servant.”