7/10
Lost Amidst Slasher-Sunami...Slow-Burn Swamp-Goth...Stoltz, Leigh, & Atmospherics
1 October 2023
A Good Gothic Thriller Filmed On-Location, is the Directorial Debut for Bill Condon.

He Loads the Atmosphere Thick with Fog, Thunderstorms, Peep-Holes and People "Vacationing" in a Southern Mansion (this is a conceit that never seems real).

After a Slaughtered Dog is Found in a Closet, the most Irritating and Over-the-Top Character (dig the wig) Leaves in a Hurry, the Film Dispenses with Comedy Relief and Not a Minute too Soon.

It then Settles Down for the Mystery-Thriller it's Meant to be, with Flash-Backs, an "Is She Disturbed?" Sister (Jennifer Jason Leigh), or "Is She the Victim?" of a Disturbed Older Sister (Judith Ivy).

Plenty of Room in the Creepy Old and Dark House for Hiding and Spying and Haunting Images of the Imagination.

Eric Stoltz is a Character that Arrives and the Audience Immediately Knows it's Not for Rest and Relaxation, and the 2 Principle Players Fall in Love Faster than even a 90 Min. Movie Demands.

Those Contrivances Amount to a Suspension of Disbelief, and if You Ignore the Quick Set-Up, the Film can Hypnotize Anyone Willing to Let it.

A Lot is Done with Lights, Shadows, and Cinematography that seems Spellbound by the Story and Place. You Might Be Too, to see if You Are, it's...

Worth a Watch.
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