31 Days of Halloween: Haunt

Haunt (2019)
******* (7 out of 10 stars)
Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Producer: Broken Road Productions, Nickel City Pictures
Starring: Katie Stevens, Will Brittain, Lauryn Alisa McClain

“You think you’re the only ones to have gotten this far?” – Witch

In the shadowy realm of Halloween night, a group of friends ventures into an “extreme” haunted house, only to find their darkest fears brought to life. “Haunt” (2019) is a chilling foray into the macabre, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who weave a tapestry of terror that is both gripping and ghastly.

The film stars Katie Stevens as Harper, whose performance anchors the narrative with a blend of vulnerability and resilience. Will Brittain and Lauryn Alisa McClain round out the cast, delivering commendable performances that heighten the tension and dread.

“Haunt” excels in creating an atmosphere thick with suspense. The haunted house itself is a character, its labyrinthine corridors and sinister traps evoking a palpable sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. The directors masterfully manipulate the setting, ensuring that every creak and shadow serves to unnerve the audience.

However, as the film hurtles towards its climax, it stumbles. Inconsistencies in how wounds are treated—or occasionally just forgotten—detract from the otherwise meticulous attention to detail. These lapses in continuity momentarily break the spell, pulling the viewer out of the immersive experience.

Despite these flaws, “Haunt” remains a solid entry in the horror genre. It is a film that understands the primal fear of the unknown and exploits it to great effect. The scares are genuine, the tension unrelenting, and the atmosphere suffused with a sense of malevolent foreboding.

For those seeking a frightful delight this Halloween season, “Haunt” is a worthy addition to your viewing list. I bestow upon it a rating of 7 out of 10 stars. It is a film that, despite its imperfections, manages to haunt the mind long after the credits roll.