Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Annalise Basso | ... | Lina Zander | |
Elizabeth Reaser | ... | Alice Zander | |
Lulu Wilson | ... | Doris Zander | |
Henry Thomas | ... | Father Tom | |
Parker Mack | ... | Mikey | |
Halle Charlton | ... | Ellie | |
Alexis G. Zall | ... | Betty | |
Doug Jones | ... | Ghoul Marcus | |
Kate Siegel | ... | Jenny Browning | |
Sam Anderson | ... | Mr. Browning | |
Chelsea Gonzalez | ... | Gloria | |
Lincoln Melcher | ... | Jack | |
Nicholas Keenan | ... | Walter | |
Michael Weaver | ... | Roger Zander | |
Ele Keats | ... | Ellie's Mom |
In 1967 Los Angeles, a young widow named Alice Zander works out of her suburban home as a spiritual medium, accompanied by her daughters, 15-year-old Paulina "Lina" and 9-year old Doris. The family is still reeling over the recent death of Roger, Alice's husband and the kids' father. At Lina's suggestion, Alice incorporates a Ouija board into her readings. While trying out the board, she unknowingly contacts a spirit named Marcus that begins to possess Doris. Alice receives a notice that the bank intends to foreclose on their home. Doris contacts the board for help, believing she is communicating with her dead father. The spirit leads her to a secret compartment behind the basement wall containing a pouch of cash. When she gives the money to her mother, the family has an Ouija session, believing they can contact Roger. When the board answers a question only Roger would know the answer to, a thrilled Alice begins believing that they are in contact with her dead husband..
I am by no means a hard core horror film buff, but I do view them from time to time. I found this one to be quite the creepy little horror flick, and it gets increasingly scary as it progresses.
As I've often noted, I have to overlook some of the really dumb decisions made by characters in horror movies, and this one is no exception. Also, the plot elements here are similar to many I've seen in this genre. However, I felt it was quite well presented with good acting from all the cast, well directed by Mike Flanagan, and solidly written by Flanagan and Jeff Howard.
Overall, this film rather creeped me out and I'm still thinking about that scary ending.