Winchester (2018) [Movie Review]

Dir: Michael and Peter Spierig
Starring: Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke
Dur: 1 hr 39 mins
Genre: Horror
Rating: 6/10

Winchester claims to be based on true events and anything that is based on true events naturally draws my attention. I went in to see this film as if it was some kind of history documentary. Of course, I’m not so naïve to watch it that way but nevertheless, that’s how I approached it; hoping to learn something of the legend behind the Winchester haunting.

The film is pretty well made. By way of storyline, the film puts out a rather simple premise. Sarah Winchester, the landlady is a grieving widow and CEO of the Winchester gun manufacturing company. Ever since the death of her family, she has developed the ability to communicate with the dead and she uses it to help victims of murder find eternal rest. A doctor who has his own set of problems is brought in to investigate her mental state at the behest of the company executives. Later, it is revealed that she herself had asked for this specific doctor. Things get creepy and the story moves on.

What I liked about this film was its daring to reveal the demons. It showcases two kinds of spirits, the benevolent and the malevolent. A kid and his young mother are the centre of attention. It just has to be this way usually doesn’t it! Kids somehow help bring out greater emotion in such films and so do young, pretty women. Although, this film does well not to dwell too much on them but rather keeps the story circling around Mrs. Winchester her doctor, Eric Price.

On the other hand, the film is not all that spooky. It has its moments but that’s about it. The characters are rather dull and a few more scares would surely have gone a long way in making this a commercial success. Critics haven’t taken too well to the film. I liked it for what it is. Although I did feel that the storyline was gradually spiraling outwards into madness. Luckily the movie ended when it did for otherwise it could have gone on to become an even greater disaster.    

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