Is Black Narcissus on Netflix?

In the mood for a haunting psychological drama about nuns? Then you might want to check out Black Narcissus.

Based on the best-selling 1939 novel by Rumer Godden, Black Narcissus was first adapted into a 1947 film that turned out to be a landmark. For the 2020 TV adaptation, writers Amanda Coe and director Charlotte Bruus Christensen decided that their “primary source material” would be Godden’s original book rather than the iconic film that followed, reports Variety. But if you’ve seen the movie, you might still spot some of its influence in the show.

According to Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus, Black Narcissus “doesn’t quite escape the shadow of its cinematic forebear,” but manages to “sufficiently keeps the faith with excellent performances and visual splendor.”

What is Black Narcissus about?

FX describes the miniseries’ plot with:

"A remote clifftop palace once known as the ‘House of Women’ holds many dark secrets. When the young nuns of St. Faith attempt to establish a mission there, its haunting mysteries awaken forbidden desires that seem destined to repeat a terrible tragedy."

Or as Variety puts it, it’s a chilling story about British nuns who are “slowly losing their grips” while at a mysterious Himalayan outpost full of strange happenings. And the acting is said to be pretty solid.

Gemma Arterton takes on Deborah Kerr’s famous role as Sister Clodagh. Gina McKee, Rosie Cavaliero, Patsy Ferran, Alessandro Nivola, and Karen Bryson are also on the show for supporting roles. The late and great Diana Rigg rounds out the talented cast.

Is Black Narcissus streaming on Netflix?

Sadly, this one is not available on Netflix. It’s an FX limited series, but there a few other places to watch it other than FX if you’re interested. The 2020 adaptation produced by FX and the BBC is also available for streaming on BBC One in the UK, and on Hulu in the US.