A paranormal researcher with skepticism about the concept of evil and a predatory bent (Jared Harris, never better); his three Oxford-student assistants; a violently mentally disturbed young woman who may be “possessed” (Olivia Cooke in a wrenching performance); an old dark house in the country; and the Hammer Film Productions trademark. Despite a few overdone sound shock cuts and the usual things that go bump in the night, thriller director John Pogue (
Ghost Ship, Quarantine 2: The Terminal) pries a very watchable horror film, psychological shocker, or whatever you want to call it, out of the screenplay he wrote with Craig Rosenberg and Oren Moverman (adapted from Tom de Ville’s original screenplay). The acting, especially by Harris, Cooke, and Sam Claflin, carries the ball even when the
Exorcist business fails to. A snapping good workout for all concerned (98 min.).
By
Kelly Vance