If you’re a fan of the horror genre, then you’ve probably witnessed a few good jump scares in your time.
However, of all the incredible scenes that have given us a fright, there’s one that has repeatedly left viewers trying to catch their breaths again and again – and it’s thanks to one of Netflix’s hit shows.
Directed by Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Hill House follows a fractured family who are forced to confront the dark memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them far away from it.
While the entire series proved to be popular amongst fans – most of whom were left hiding behind their hands throughout the entirety of it – there was one scene that really got people talking.
And yes, I’m talking about the now-infamous “car scene” during episode eight, ‘Witness Marks’.
Fans were left scared after watching ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’ Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty/Netflix
Let me set the mood for you.
The remaining Crain sisters – Theo (played by Kate Siegel) and Shirley (portrayed by Elizabeth Reaser) – are driving up to Hill House in hopes of rescuing their missing brother, Luke (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen), from whatever demonic activity that’s going on in there.
The pair have argued thanks to a pretty awkward misunderstanding involving Shirley’s husband and Theo and they couldn’t reach any sort of middle ground.
However, there’s no better way to cut the tension than the ghost of your dead sister, right?
Nell (who is played by Victoria Pedretti in the series) was tragically hanged after being lured back into Hill House by the ghost of her dead mother, Olivia. She then becomes the very figure who has been haunting her nightmares – the notorious ghoul known as Bent Neck Lady.
In the scene, Nell shoots forward between the seats of her bickering sisters, screaming at the top of her lungs which leads Shirley to swerve to the side of the road, while Theo immediately jumps out of the car, clearly shaken at the appearance of her dead sister.
Elizabeth Reaser, Carla Gugino, Michiel Huisman, Victoria Pedretti, Kate Siegel and Oliver Jackson-Cohen all star in Netflix’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’ Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
People took to social media immediately after watching the scene to discuss how much it scared them.
Over on YouTube, one person commented: “This is one of the best jump scares of all time. No build up, no suspenseful music. Just a very dramatic heated dialog between two sisters and then BOOM!”
A second wrote: “This is probably the greatest jumpscare ever made. It even has a meaning behind it with Nell being tired of their arguing, so it is not just a random scare.”
“This by far was the best jump scares of the series possible one of the best period. I don’t get scared easily but this scene made me jump so bad I had my drink everywhere,” commented another.
“That car scene with Shirley and Theo really one of the best jumpscare I’ve seen,” wrote one X user.
Weirdly enough though, this jump scare leads to the two sisters finally talking it out and burying the hatchet.
The Haunting of Hill House is available to watch on Netflix.