The Changeling
The Changeling

The Changeling

1980Movie105 minEnglish

After a tragic event happens, composer John Russell moves to Seattle to try to overcome it and build a new and peaceful life in a lonely big house that has been uninhabited for many years. But, soon after, the obscure history of such an old mansion and his own past begin to haunt him.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Google Users87%
Director: Peter MedakGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A composer, John Russell, dealing with the tragic death of his wife and daughter, retreats to Seattle to teach at a university. He rents a secluded, gothic Victorian mansion, unaware that it is haunted by a malevolent spirit. As he begins to uncover the house's dark secrets and a century-old murder mystery, John finds himself increasingly entangled with the supernatural presence.

Critical Reception

The Changeling was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its sophisticated approach to horror, blending psychological tension with genuine scares. Critics praised its atmosphere, George C. Scott's performance, and its slow-burn narrative, often citing it as one of the best haunted house films of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Masterful atmospheric horror that relies on suspense rather than gore.
  • George C. Scott delivers a compelling and nuanced performance.
  • A slow-burn mystery that builds to a satisfyingly spooky climax.

Google audience: Audiences generally praise 'The Changeling' for its effective chills, intelligent storytelling, and the strong lead performance. Many appreciate its classic haunted house feel and the way it builds suspense, finding it a genuinely frightening and well-crafted horror film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with the mansion used as the primary setting being the historic Kerrisdale estate.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**George C. Scott grapples with a haunted house**_ A grieving composer (Scott) rents a mansion in Seattle that’s been unoccupied for a dozen years and starts a relationship with the Historical Society agent who offered it to him (Trish ...
John Chard

John Chard

How did you die, Joseph? The Changeling is directed by Peter Medak and co-written by Russell Hunter, William Gray and Diana Maddox. It stars George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas, John Colicos and Jean Marsh. Plot finds Sco...