The Turning (2020)

Directed by: Floria Sigismondi | 95 minutes | drama, horror | Actors: Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, Brooklynn Prince, Barbara Marten, Joely Richardson, Niall Greig Fulton, Denna Thomsen, Kim Adis, Darlene Garr

Horror is a genre that – just like the rom-com – benefits from fresh insights and creativity. How many times can you release a generic haunted house movie or slasher before the audience stops pulling it? Often. Horror films are experiencing a revival and are releasing faster in theaters. Thanks to the Blumhouse production company, which has a warm heart for the movement and gives aspiring directors the opportunity to record their vision on celluloid. With varying results. ‘The Turning’ is not from Blumhouse, but it is another film that earned a theatrical release thanks to the popularity of the genre.

‘The Turning’ revolves around the young governess Kate (Mackenzie Davis). She is summoned to travel to a remote mansion and care for Miles (Finn Wolfhard) and his sister Flora (Brooklynn Prince). The children are real loners and remarkable to say the least. The live-in housekeeper is also not an everyday occurrence. Kate discovers something is wrong in the house.

‘The Turning’ is based on the 1898 book ‘The Turn of the Screw’ by Henry James. What was exciting more than a century ago, no longer has to be in 2020. In addition, countless similar haunted house films have already been released. ‘The Turning’ is already 1-0 behind by choosing a book that formed the basis for hundreds of similar films. Director Floria Sigismondi succeeds in shooting beautiful pictures, but that’s about it.

The acting is mediocre. Davis lacks the charisma to carry the film and Prince is not convincing as a creepy child. You see her act. What remains is a boring film in which creaking doors, strange dolls and loud noises should provide tension. This movie isn’t bad, but you’ve seen it a thousand times before under a different title and with different actors. If this is the first horror movie you watch, then this might be for you. Genre fans can safely skip this production.