Caroline works in a hospice as an aide worker. After losing yet another patient, Caroline decides to leave the hospice and takes a job caring for an elderly man in a large plantation home. The man, Ben, had had a stroke and has been left paralysed without the ability to speak. His wife, Violet, is a traditional southern lady who has turned down other applicants but is pushed to take on Caroline by her lawyer. As Caroline begins to care for Ben, she discovers the dark history surrounding the house and its former occupants, as well as Violet and Ben’s beliefs that the former servants still haunt the house.
I’ve seen this movie a number of times, but I don’t think I know anyone else who has, too. I don’t even think I’ve heard or seen anyone talk about it. It has an interesting concept, although may be viewed as just another haunted house flick.
Kate Hudson is likeable, but she usually is in my opinion. Her character is brave enough to go poking around a gross, dark attic, which I wouldn’t be able to do. Especially after the rattling of that small door.
John Hurt feels a bit wasted here, since he rarely gets to do anything, yet I’m still glad that he’s there. It can’t be easy playing a character who doesn’t move or even bathe himself. All of his performance comes from his eyes.
This is the first movie that I’ve seen that uses Hoodoo. I mean Child’s Play gave us traditional Voodoo, which is apparently more religion based, while Hoodoo is more magical based. Just going by what Caroline’s friend Jill says. It was interesting and gave the whole movie an eerie vibe, particularly with its use of records with rituals on it.
The movie has a good twist ending, which I wish I’d forget every time I watch it just for the surprise again. It may take a bit of thinking, but it’s not hard to figure out once you get there. I think it’s a great story with some standout performances and an interesting location. A little bit like Candyman 2, which also featured a Louisiana plantation. I thought there are some really good shots here, too. Quite creative.
Where to watch: Justwatch
Linsey Loves Horror 