The Haunting of Bly Manor proves itself to be a true masterpiece in its complexity of characterization. A young American woman named Dani (Victoria Pedretti) takes on the position of an au pair for two young orphaned children at a rural English manor. In a previous piece, I explored how the creators of the show used supernatural possession as a metaphor for the “possession” that happens in relationships. There is, however, an underlying theme that runs parallel to Dani’s discovering her own identity outside of her lifelong romance: her embracing of her own sexuality.
Eddie’s Ghost
We discover in a flashback that Dani was once engaged to her childhood sweetheart, Eddie (Roby Attal). With the wedding looming, she breaks off the engagement, saying, “I thought I was being selfish. That I could just stick it out and, eventually, I would feel how I was supposed to.” Eddie, frustrated with Dani, gets out of his car and is killed by a passing truck. Eddie’s ghost haunts Dani as the Yellow Spectacled Spectre, appearing in mirrors behind her own reflection. It is important to note that Eddie’s “ghost” is different from the other spirits we encounter throughout the series. He is not bound to one location, nor does he speak and interact with other characters. This is a major hint that the spirit of Eddie is something entirely different from a lingering soul.
“The seamstress affectionately places her hand on the small of Dani’s back”
Prior to their breakup, we can speculate that something is amiss for Dani. There are multiple instances when she seems solemn and detached from the celebration of her and Eddie’s wedding, but the biggest clue is offered at Dani’s dress fitting. There is significant camera time devoted to the seamstress, smiling and complimenting Dani. However, the lingering shot of the seamstress’s hand on the small of Dani’s back certainly drew my own attention the first time I watched it. This is the moment where we suspect that it’s not just cold feet that explains Dani’s hesitation, but rather a suppressed sexual orientation that feels misplaced within her heterosexual relationship. The suspicion is confirmed in the flashback’s very next scene: Dani tells Eddie at dinner that the wedding can’t proceed.
Knowing the full backstory of Dani’s late fiancée, we can piece together that Eddie’s ghost is not really a ghost at all, but rather a corporeal manifestation of Dani’s guilt—guilt about discovering her autonomy within her relationship, about the circumstances of her fiancée’s death, and certainly about the internalized shame of being gay (or bisexual) in the late 1980s.
Dani’s Discovery
Episode four is the turning point for Dani as she finally comes to terms with her troubled past. After we see the tragic history of her previous relationship, we are introduced to a new relationship: one with the gardener, Jamie (Amelia Eve). Dani confesses that she still sees Eddie’s ghost, and she and Jamie share a kiss in the greenhouse – a kiss that is abruptly interrupted by the appearance of Eddie.
There is much to unpack in this scene. First, Jamie’s role as a gardener is all symbolism; her role as a nurturer, paving the way for growth, parallels the relationship she has with Dani. Dani is on a path of understanding her sexual identity, and Jamie aids Dani in lifting the veil. In addition, the kiss takes place in a greenhouse, a building created with the sole purpose of nurturing new life. Eddie’s appearance during Dani’s first sexual foray since his death is impactful; quite literally, Dani’s own guilt is staring her in the face as she attempts to start anew.
“Dani’s final standoff with Eddie’s spirit”
The two break apart when Dani sees Eddie and, directly following this encounter, Dani finally decides to throw the last remnant of Eddie into the fire: his glasses. Eddie appears across the flames and Dani says, “It’s just you and me then, hmm?” This is the first time we see Dani confronting Eddie in this way, and she seems entirely unafraid. She is confronting this guilt and shame that has followed her, and it’s no coincidence that her acceptance is occurring after her kiss with another woman. Dani and Jamie are physically intimate for the first time the next night, and the two are an item until the end of the series. Eddie is never seen again.
As Dani repressed her sexuality, she suppressed herself as an individual, as well as her own emotions. Her discovery of her sexual identity parallels her ability to let go of a past wrought with guilt and shame. The moment she finally learns to embrace who she is wholeheartedly by pursuing Jamie, she no longer finds herself bearing the burden of responsibility for Eddie’s death.
Alia Chaudhry is a graduate from the University of Virginia, and an avid horror film fan. Although she is currently pursuing a master’s degree and has plans to have a career in medicine, she has always had an interest in creative writing and filmmaking. Her favorite horror movies include Insidious, The Conjuring, and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House. She has previously written on The Haunting of Bly Manor for Horror Homeroom and is relatively new to freelance writing and excited for any future endeavors.
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