Horror movies and shows are designed to challenge our comfort zones by tapping into our deepest fears, unsettling our senses, and pushing the boundaries of what we find acceptable. They frequently incorporate jump scares that startle us to evoke strong emotional reactions, delivering a quick surge of fear and amplifying the tension in the moment.
When it comes to horror television, few moments have left audiences as shaken as this one particular unforgettable jump scare in The Haunting of Hill House. Masterfully timed and expertly crafted, this jump scare catches viewers completely off guard, leaving them with their hearts racing and their minds reeling. While this horror series has many jump scares sprinkled throughout, it’s this particular jump scare that rises above the rest, becoming a defining moment of terror that fans still talk about to this day.
Have you figured out which scene in the show we're talking about? You probably have already if you’ve watched The Haunting of Hill House even once. It's the infamous car scene in episode 8. In this scene, it features one of the most iconic and effective jump scares in TV history.
Now, here's a breakdown of how the scene goes. Towards the end of the eighth episode, Shirley and Theo Crain are headed back to Hill House to rescue their missing brother, Luke, from the clutches of the sinister spirits within. But their drive is far from smooth. Just two episodes earlier, Shirley discovered Theo seemingly getting close to her husband, Kevin, and the tension between them has yet to be resolved.
A tense argument ensues, making the drive all the more uncomfortable. Then, just when things seem at their breaking point, a chilling interruption occurs. The ghost of their deceased sister, Nell, suddenly makes her terrifying appearance. The shock is so overwhelming that they lose control of the car, veering off the road in their panic.
Below, we shared a clip of the scene from The Haunting of Hill House that features the jump scare. It starts at the 1:36 mark.
What makes this jump scare so unsettling is how completely unexpected it is. The sisters are in the middle of a heated argument, and while tensions are high, you’re not prepared for the sudden intrusion of something supernatural. You might anticipate a dramatic emotional outburst, but not the jarring appearance of their dead sister. You're so focused on the argument that the moment Nell’s ghost suddenly appears in the backseat, it completely shifts your attention.
The timing of the jump scare is impeccable. It just happens. You have no time to prepare. There's no eerie music foreshadowing her arrival, no warning signs to brace yourself. Instead, it's a sudden interruption that catches you completely off guard. This makes the scene all the more terrifying, and it's one that often revisits my mind.
As mentioned earlier, The Haunting of Hill House features many other well-executed jump scares. So, if you haven't watched the series yet on Netflix, brace yourself for an experience that will keep you on edge from start to finish.