The Reel Review
When eccentric rifle company heiress Sarah Winchester moved to rural California in 1884, she embarked on a 38 year construction project on her estate, adding a random hodgepodge of rooms, hallways and stairwells, many of which led to nowhere, as a result of what she claimed were conversations with the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles. Helen Mirren stars as our guilt-ridden architect to the spirit world in this surprisingly well-written and stylish period horror film, supported by solid performances by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty) as the opioid-addicted psychiatrist sent to see if she’s crazy and Sarah Snook (Jessabelle) as her newly-widowed niece. The film will feel hokey, slow and a bit boring to those looking for loads of scares – although the few it has are spookily well done – but for moviegoers who appreciate a smartly-crafted horror film, this one fits the bill.
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