Haunted

A film review by Christopher Null - Copyright © 1999 Filmcritic.com

It's an old-timey ghost story as Aiden Quinn visits a creepy old haunted house at the behest of a crazy old woman who lives there with her two nephews and a niece (played by the lovely Kate Beckinsale).

Just now released on DVD, presumably in the hopes of getting any pop from an interest in Beckinsale thanks to her Pearl Harbor appearance. That's probably not going to do it, but Haunted stands fairly well on its own, a truly creepy slow burn that looks at madness and hints at incest.

Beckinsale's Miss Ward woos the visiting David Ash (Quinn), a professor and author who debunks supposed paranormal activities. But something's not quite right with Miss Ward... see if you can guess what it is.

While Haunted is a bit obvious, it is very well made and genuinely spooky thanks to a good score, solid acting by quirky lesser-knowns, plus an appearance from John Gielgud -- always a plus in your movie.

A perfect companion piece to something a little more ostentatious like The Exorcist.

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Rating

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Cast and Crew

  • Director: Lewis Gilbert
  • Producer: Anthony Andrews, Lewis Gilbert
  • Screenwriter: Tim Prager, Bob Kellett, Lewis Gilbert
  • Stars: Aidan Quinn, Kate Beckinsale, Anthony Andrews, John Gielgud, Anna Massey, Alex Lowe, Geraldine Somerville
  • MPAA Rating: R