Something Evil
Something Evil

Movie spotlight

Something Evil

1972
Movie
73 min
English

A young couple moves into a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. What they don't know is that there is an unseen presence in the house, and that it wants to take possession of the wife.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Steven SpielbergGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A modern family inherits a remote farm in Pennsylvania, only to discover it is inhabited by a sinister presence. The family's teenage son begins to be influenced by an ancient evil residing in the house, which attempts to possess him and unleash its darkness upon the world. The parents must race against time to understand the supernatural forces at play and find a way to protect their child and themselves from the encroaching horror.

Critical Reception

Something Evil was a made-for-television film that served as an early directorial effort for Steven Spielberg. While it received moderate attention upon its initial release, it is largely considered a minor work in Spielberg's filmography, often overshadowed by his later, more acclaimed projects. Critically, it is noted for its atmospheric tension and early signs of Spielberg's directorial flair, though it also draws comments regarding its pacing and some dated horror tropes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its spooky atmosphere and early directorial touches by a young Steven Spielberg.

  • Criticized for its slow pacing and reliance on common horror clichés.

  • Regarded as a decent, albeit unremarkable, made-for-TV horror movie from the early 70s.

Google audience: Audience reception is scarce for this made-for-TV movie, but general consensus suggests it's a competent, if not groundbreaking, horror film that showcases Spielberg's nascent talent.

Fun Fact

This was one of Steven Spielberg's earliest directing credits, predating his breakout feature film 'The Sugarland Express' (1974).

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Beware the supernatural jam jars! Early Steven Spielberg TV movie that is a considerable step down from Duel released the previous year, but showing signs of a directorial craft to follow. Something Evil is not a great horror movie, w...