Ghost stories will always be popular and while it’s difficult to tell an original tale of hauntings and houses nowadays, it’s the way it’s told that makes it a success or not. Just look at the original Paranormal Activity as an example of how a fresh retelling can become a blockbuster success.
Haunt is an atmospheric piece with a few genuine shocks and a decent backstory that makes it stand out above many other films of this ilk and, despite its quiet entry into the annals of the film horror genre, it’s one worth a peek if you dare to uncover your eyes.
The story focuses on Evan, the 18 year old son of a family who moves into a house with history. As Evan forms a blossoming relationship with the neighbour’s physically abused daughter, they trigger the ghosts of the past and unknowingly begin following a similar path that led to tragedy for the last tenants.
Australia’s Jacki Weaver features as the only survivor of that last family and she is the star attraction with a character so finely realised that her every scene is mesmerising. We’re never sure if she’s a grieving mother or something far more sinister.
Adelaide’s own Harrison Gilbertson also does a fine job as the introverted teen Evan, as does Liana Liberato as his love interest. They carry the show comfortably with the rest of the ensemble circling around them in the wider story.
Writer Andrew Barrer, who is currently working on a script for Transformers 5, has put a great deal of effort into fleshing out this paranormal flick and it pays off, giving the viewer not only the current tale of terror, but a decent nightmare over what came beforehand. The use of a home-made radio device to speak with the spirits may not be unique but its sense of familiarity oddly adds to the anticipated thrills.
Haunt is one of the more decent and enjoyable paranormal stories to come out of late, with enough twists to keep it feeling fresh despite telling a well-told tale.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 8
Haunt is releasing on DVD and Video on Demand on 9 December 2015.
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