The BBC’s Christmas ghost story tradition is a beloved part of British culture, and this year, Mark Gatiss takes the helm with an adaptation of E.F. Benson’s Man-Size in Marble. A chilling tale of spectral knights and the consequences of ignoring ancient warnings, the story is an excellent choice for Gatiss, who has a deep affinity for Gothic horror and classic ghost tales. His adaptation promises to reintroduce this haunting narrative to a new generation of viewers, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
At its core, Man-Size in Marble is a story about the power of belief and the thin veil between the rational and the supernatural. The newlywed protagonists, steeped in the optimism of modernity, find themselves at odds with the sinister legends of the village they now call home. Their skepticism, while relatable, becomes their undoing as the story unfolds. Gatiss’s skill lies in his ability to explore such psychological undercurrents, turning ordinary moments into scenes of creeping dread.
Visually, Gatiss is likely to lean into the atmospheric potential of the story’s setting—a remote village, an ancient church, and a shadowy landscape imbued with Gothic elements. His direction often emphasizes the contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the terror that lies beneath its surface. The marble effigies of the knights, central to the story’s horror, will undoubtedly become iconic visuals under Gatiss’s lens, embodying the tension between stillness and sinister potential.
This adaptation also serves as a celebration of E.F. Benson’s contributions to the ghost story genre. Though Benson is best known for his Mapp and Lucia novels, his ghost stories are equally masterful, often exploring themes of fate, loss, and retribution. Gatiss’s passion for these tales ensures that Man-Size in Marble will not only terrify but also highlight the literary significance of its author.
