An American Haunting (2005)

Summary: This is the story of Betsy Bell from 1819 and the weird events that led her home to be attacked by ghosts. Her dad tries everything he can but seems there’s some mystery as to whom is responsible, including the fact he disgraced his family in committing usury upon a fellow townsperson. Someone is responsible…question is, whom?           Overall: The film looking back is much better than when I was watching it. I think it comes off as the typical ghost story but taking place ala the “Scarlet Letter” time period. Which it is. But when the film ends, you see the result, who “did it”, etc. It’s a good film. Lots of great creepy atmosphere and a great cast (Donald Sutherland, Sissy Spacek, etc.). If there’s one thing the film sorta fails at, it’s the whole time period thing. We see a woman in today’s time, finding a book from 1848 about events from 1819. That’s a lot of stuff to digest and figure things out. Frankly, could have just made the entire film in 1819 and left it at that. But overall, a really nice film. Good scares. Worth a viewing for sure!           Comparison: The Village meets The Sixth Sense

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