“The Turning” is a 2020 supernatural horror picture that follows an often employed schematic. A cathedral looking countryside estate. A pair of potentially sinister children. A novice caregiver. Like many supposed-to-be-scary movies of the present times, it does some things well before eventually foundering out in the end.
Based on the 1898 Henry James novella ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ the film was directed by Floria Sigismondi. Sigismondi’s credits are eclectic. She’s helmed two episodes of the Emmy Award winning program ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as well as music videos by Katy Perry. The question is – can she do horror?
Kate (Mackenzie Davis) reports to the beautiful Fairchild Estate for her first live-in tutoring job. Her charge is seven-year-old Flora (Brooklynn Prince) and Flora’s punk older brother Miles (Finn Woldhard). Of course the children’s parents are deceased. Of course the only other occupant of the massive estate is the creepy caretaker (Barbara Marten). Of course little Flora advises her to stay away from the east wing of the house. Of course, Kate doesn’t listen.
Mackenzie Davis is the star of the show. She is perfect for her role in this movie; with the ability to play an empathetic yet demanding teacher as well as a terrified woman in a haunted house. Mackenzie Davis has the chops to be a leading star in a film, and it’s her talents alone that elevate this to above average.
Finn Wolfhard is exploding across the screen these days. Since his breakout in ‘Stranger Things’ his mop of black hair makes him instantly recognizable. And he does the role of creepy and obnoxious kid quite well. Barbara Marten and Brooklynn Prince are fine with their respective parts.
The film has a pleasant amount of jump scares and spooky ambiance. Beginning with an intense opening sequence, the setting of the Fairchild Estate is perfect for horror. Once inside, we get the standard fare. Antique mirrors, Flora’s dolls, and a particularly hideous interaction with a possessed mannequin. That it takes place in 1994 adds to the coolness. There are no smart phones to aid Kate in her adventures.
“The Turning” had me invested for the first act. I had goosebumps several times and was scared at a few things – the grandmother mannequin being one. But the 94 minute run time couldn’t hold my attention. Eventually the plot gets in the way and the film ends on a downer. It fits in with modern terror in its artsy approach that hopes to cover up the poor writing decisions.
“The Turning” is an okay movie. I would suggest watching it for some fun scares. You may leave with a new favorite actress, but probably not a new favorite film.
