User Reviews

This film by Stacie Passon is an adaptation of Shirley Jackson's 1962 novel. Two sisters live in seclusion with their uncle on a large estate outside the city, burdened by a dark family secret. Their few interactions with the local residents are met with hostility. Although the story becomes predictable early on, its dramatic power lies in the fact that the sisters' isolation and retreat into their perceived safety are **** by an outside intruder, ultimately leading to catastrophe. The characters are well-developed and equally well-acted, drawing the viewer deep into the protagonists' inner lives. This makes the film hauntingly beautiful and highly watchable.

If you come into this film with expectations, or develop any through the course of viewing it, you may readily find disappointment. One must enjoy it for what it is rather than what one might wish. The consensus on this film is unfortunately quite understandable. A pity, since this happens to be a lovely little picture with some fine acting acting and excellent production value. A treat for the appreciative.

Mindless drivel for 90 minutes. I wish I could get a refund from red box. I love Taissa Farmiga but the acting was

Functional but hardly. It's too slow for its own good and because of that it feels longer than it really is. This is also aggravated because the story itself never seems to go anywhere and although it tries for its style and how well it's filmed, the narrative never gets you involved. Taissa Farmiga stands out and makes it clear that she can be looking for better options while Alexandra Daddario may be very beautiful but she simply doesn't deliver the goods.

A very serviceable, atmospheric retelling of the plot of Jackson's classic novel. This film is well-crafted, brilliantly performed, and stylistically effective. However, there is a unique, disturbing, off-kilter quality to the novel, giving it power and depth, that cannot be recaptured through a visual medium. Through no fault of its own, the film falls just short of the mark.