Haunted
Haunted

Movie spotlight

Haunted

1993
Movie
86 min
English

The comedic story of 5 children unexpectedly trapped in a haunted house where they encounter Dracula, the Wolfman, Igor and the Frankenstein monster.

Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Director: Ken RussellGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Professor David Ash, a rationalist investigator of paranormal claims, is hired by a wealthy invalid to debunk the supernatural activities at a remote family estate. As he delves deeper into the history of the house and its former inhabitants, he encounters increasingly disturbing phenomena that challenge his skepticism and threaten his sanity. The investigation becomes a descent into a dark past filled with obsession, betrayal, and a lingering, malevolent presence.

Critical Reception

Haunted received a mixed reception from critics, with many praising its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from the lead cast and veteran actor John Gielgud. However, some found the plot to be convoluted and the horror elements less effective than its psychological suspense. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its gothic tone and others finding it slow-paced or unsatisfying.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gothic atmosphere and strong performances.

  • Criticized by some for a confusing plot and uneven horror pacing.

  • Appreciated for its psychological suspense and exploration of skepticism versus the supernatural.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this title, but general sentiment suggests a divided opinion, with some enjoying its classic horror feel and others finding it less engaging than other films in the genre.

Fun Fact

The film is loosely based on the 1986 novel 'Witching Hour' by John R. Corliss, though significant changes were made to the plot and characters for the screenplay.

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