Amityville: The Awakening - A House with More Than Just a Creaky Floorboard

A Spooky Surprise That's Half-Haunting, Half-Huh?

So, you think you've seen it all in the horror genre? Think again! Franck Khalfoun's *Amityville: The Awakening*, a 2017 horror-thriller, dares to re-enter the infamous Amityville house, promising chills, thrills, and maybe a few… snickers? This review will delve into the shadowy corners of this cinematic revisit, revealing whether it's a haunting masterpiece or a haunted house of horrors… of boredom.

Synopsis: Mommy Dearest Meets the Devil's Decor

A single mother, desperate to heal her comatose son, moves her family into the infamous Amityville house. She believes its dark energy might hold the key to his recovery. Sounds reasonable, right? Wrong! Instead, her kids start experiencing all sorts of spooky shenanigans – ghostly visions, creepy noises, and enough unexplained phenomena to fill a paranormal investigator's notebook. Let's just say the housewarming party went sideways faster than a possessed Ouija board.

Technical Prowess: A Cinematic Séance

Khalfoun's direction utilizes a classic, slow-burn approach. The cinematography is expertly crafted, building suspense with shadowy camerawork and lingering shots. Think of it as a visual ghost story, whispering secrets in the dark. However, the special effects are a mixed bag—some genuinely chilling moments are offset by others that appear more… budget-conscious. It's like a haunted house that's a bit shabby chic: spooky, but also kind of needing a lick of paint.

Acting: A Cast of Freaking Characters

Mckenna Grace, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Bella Thorne carry the film. Grace, in particular, delivers a standout performance, capturing the vulnerability and fear of a child caught in the supernatural whirlwind. Leigh and Thorne contribute solid performances, although Thorne's character felt somewhat… under-utilized. It’s like having a perfectly good haunted doll in the attic—but forgetting to use it!

Themes and Terrifying Truths: More Than Just Jump Scares

Beyond the jump scares and ghostly apparitions, *Amityville: The Awakening* explores the desperate lengths parents will go to for their children. It touches upon themes of grief, guilt, and the burden of familial responsibility—a creepy twist on the family drama. Frankly, the film's exploration of parental desperation is more chilling than the ghosts themselves. However, the movie's attempts at thematic depth are unfortunately undercut by some somewhat predictable plot points.

Verdict: A Slightly Creaky Conclusion

*Amityville: The Awakening* isn't exactly the scariest film you’ll ever see, but it has moments of genuine creepiness. Its low-key approach to horror will certainly appeal to those seeking a suspenseful, more mature viewing experience. While not a groundbreaking addition to the Amityville franchise, it's a passable fright flick for those with a penchant for atmospheric horror.

Rating: 4.0/5 stars (a solid spookfest that doesn’t quite reach its full potential).

Recommended for: Fans of atmospheric horror, those seeking a less-in-your-face scare, and anyone who enjoys a good haunted house story, even if it’s a bit… creaky around the edges.

In conclusion, *Amityville: The Awakening* is like a slightly haunted antique: it has its charm, but could use a little bit of a polish. Still, a perfectly acceptable way to spend an evening, if you’re not easily spooked.

Note : 5/5

Publié le 15 Dec 2024