483 reviews
Definitely worth watching
Not exactly scary, but 'Ghostland' certainly does reach some dark levels to produce a creepy and uncomfortable horror film.
It starts off pretty cliché but it quickly finds its own footing. I enjoy the way the storyline is portrayed, it never gets predictable which is always a positive in this genre. Most of the scares are the cheap, cop-out type, which stops the film being frightening. However, it makes up for it by creating tense, uneasy scenarios for the characters.
Crystal Reed and Emilia Jones produce what's necessary in the lead role of Beth, those two do rather carry proceedings but the other members of the (small) cast aren't a hindrance in any way; the premise focuses on Beth, so you'd expect Reed and Jones to stand out most.
I was locked in for it all, despite the fact I would've liked improved scare elements as opposed to average jump scares. Still, definitely worth watching.
It starts off pretty cliché but it quickly finds its own footing. I enjoy the way the storyline is portrayed, it never gets predictable which is always a positive in this genre. Most of the scares are the cheap, cop-out type, which stops the film being frightening. However, it makes up for it by creating tense, uneasy scenarios for the characters.
Crystal Reed and Emilia Jones produce what's necessary in the lead role of Beth, those two do rather carry proceedings but the other members of the (small) cast aren't a hindrance in any way; the premise focuses on Beth, so you'd expect Reed and Jones to stand out most.
I was locked in for it all, despite the fact I would've liked improved scare elements as opposed to average jump scares. Still, definitely worth watching.
Screen Riot Podcast - Incident in a Ghostland (2018) Review
- ScreenRiotPodcast
- Jul 8, 2022
- Permalink
Underrated
I have never heard anyone speak about this movie, and I was pleasantly surprised. Beth and Vera are two sisters live with their mother and at the start of the film are moving into their late aunts home, stereotypically full of horrible dolls and puzzle mirrors. Beth is a young aspiring horror writer and Vera is her typical teenage older sister, who thinks Beth is weird. An incident occurs where 2 people get into the house and attempt to kidnap the two girls and kill their mother, but the story has lots of plot twists surrounding what actually happened. The film is actually impressively made, the jump scares were executed well and I am honestly shocked that I have never heard about this film, as I would recommend it for any horror fans.
- bevanaaron
- Jun 1, 2024
- Permalink
Disturbingly good
- notstevelam
- Jun 13, 2018
- Permalink
Intense psychological horror drama.
From the director who brought Martyrs, this one is kind of different take in mixing horror into pysychological drama. That's why I think movie is interesting. Ghostland had the intense drama and eerie moments. I know that this is not as brutal as Martyrs had before but it is also bring back cringey moments. The plot keeps me guessing because of bringing back the past into present events. That's my main concern but I love the whole acting and cinematography had the creepy feeling into it. 7/10 for making me love psychological horror.
- pajarillagajohnray
- May 29, 2018
- Permalink
Disturbing..in a good way .
Hi there horror lover,
when I saw the trailer a month ago, it gave me a vibe of old skool Taxes Chainsaw Massacre. I realy don't know why actually :) So last night is was into a horror flick and thought , why not give it a try. Couldn't wait for Hereditary to release hahaa. And I must say, I was surprised. In a positive way! It is not mainstream and there is drama in it. As well as the twist, which reveals halfway. It's kinda phsycho and disturbed. I think I can catagorise it in the genre like Green Room or Split, which I loved of it's original. There a some minor plotholes, and the ending..... could have been better taken care off, but nevertheless.....above average. Njoy the disturbance :D 7 out of 10
when I saw the trailer a month ago, it gave me a vibe of old skool Taxes Chainsaw Massacre. I realy don't know why actually :) So last night is was into a horror flick and thought , why not give it a try. Couldn't wait for Hereditary to release hahaa. And I must say, I was surprised. In a positive way! It is not mainstream and there is drama in it. As well as the twist, which reveals halfway. It's kinda phsycho and disturbed. I think I can catagorise it in the genre like Green Room or Split, which I loved of it's original. There a some minor plotholes, and the ending..... could have been better taken care off, but nevertheless.....above average. Njoy the disturbance :D 7 out of 10
An interesting blind watch
- berishaleon
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
Other Reviews Are Too Generous
I'll start by saying that I love and understand horror, and I equally understand and appreciate lower budget and independent film-making. The other reviews on imdb are a bit too forgiving of the film's downfalls though. It's acted fairly well by the main cast, but the smaller roles are filled by some trash actors who really, really blow. The script isn't terrible and the mid-way twist does inspire a real feeling of dread for a moment, but then it gets all The Hills Have Eyes/Texas Chainsaw on ya, and you pretty much can predict the rest of it. The title is pretty deceiving too- if you're expecting a ghost story, you'll be let down like I was. I see what they were aiming for here, and it was a decent effort, but had they stayed the course on the direction of the first half of the film, ditched the twist and rode it out, I believe it would have been a better story. 4.5/10
- umimelectric
- Aug 20, 2018
- Permalink
This movie Deserves at least a 8/10 rating
I don't think i have ever written a review here but i just had to write one for this movie.
I have watched a huge amount of horrors and this movie is not just a movie with 3 jump-scares and call it a day.
This movie had me on a small amount of fear for at least the last 70%.
But the weird way that the horror element is brought here is just so disturbing that it completely sucked me up emotionally and physically.
Very good acting, great twist in the story and just actually a great horror!
(i never wrote a review so i probably suck at this lol but i hope u understand.)
(i never wrote a review so i probably suck at this lol but i hope u understand.)
- peterbaeten
- Jul 13, 2018
- Permalink
Not a ghost movie.
Don't let the title deceive you. This is not a ghost movie like "Conjuring". This is more like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Hostel"
For comparison, I give only 5 stars for "A Quiet Place" in regards to 'horror'. Ghostland is way better than "A Quiet Place".
For comparison, I give only 5 stars for "A Quiet Place" in regards to 'horror'. Ghostland is way better than "A Quiet Place".
- classicsmy
- Apr 18, 2018
- Permalink
Cringey in all the wrong ways
Despite wonderful performances by the younger cast members, this film is an overall loss. It is supposedly a critique of the misogynistic torture porn that plagues horror movies but ends up as less of a critique and more of a gruesome homage. If you're going to attempt to make a film so pretentious, at least make sure it's actually good.
- gartnermorgan
- Feb 25, 2022
- Permalink
Incredibly haunting psychological horror. Must see for horror fans.
Wow, wow, wow! I've been a horror fan for many years and many people ask me why since the genre is saturated with mediocre and flat out crap films, but I always say that I love it because when you find a good horror it's a true gem better than any other movie you'll find in any other genre and that's exactly what 'Ghostland' is - a freakin' gem!
I went into it completely blind (which I would recommend everyone to do) and based on the title and cover, I expected a typical mediocre haunted house horror, but I was proved wrong. The eerie tone that's immediately present in the opening scenes grabbed my attention and pulled me in, and it wastes no time in jumping straight into the nitty gritty. I was practically glued to my screen from beginning to end.
The acting is fantastic, the story is well-crafted and it ticks every box you could ask for from a horror. It incorporates psychological horror with sheer brutality and the result is harrowing. It takes A LOT to get under my skin and since I've seen so many horrors I'm rather desensitised, but 'Ghostland' deeply effected me. There were so many moments where I physically couldn't bear to watch, but couldn't bring myself to look away because I was so engrossed. Once again, due to the amount of horror movies I've watched over the years I find that I'm generally able to figure out the plot within the first quarter of the movie, but 'Ghostland' has so many twists and turns that you never know what's going to happen next. What you think the story is at the beginning, is very far from what it becomes and that unpredictably is what makes it so fantastic.
Although there's a lot of violence (similar to that featured in movies like 'The Hostel'), the movie isn't just built upon mindless violence, but a very intense and relentless insight into the human psyche. The psychological aspect of this movie is definitely what gives it its edge and it really got into my head. After the end credits came on, myself and my family were all saying how much it had effected us and even half an hour later, it was still at the forefront of our minds (in fact, I'm pretty sure most of us won't be having the most restful night's sleep tonight!)
'Ghostland' is the best horror I've seen in many years and I would recommend it to every horror fan, particularly those that are fans of psychological horror. Be prepared though, this movie is a tough ride and will put you through the ringer. It's one I certainly won't forget any time soon.
I went into it completely blind (which I would recommend everyone to do) and based on the title and cover, I expected a typical mediocre haunted house horror, but I was proved wrong. The eerie tone that's immediately present in the opening scenes grabbed my attention and pulled me in, and it wastes no time in jumping straight into the nitty gritty. I was practically glued to my screen from beginning to end.
The acting is fantastic, the story is well-crafted and it ticks every box you could ask for from a horror. It incorporates psychological horror with sheer brutality and the result is harrowing. It takes A LOT to get under my skin and since I've seen so many horrors I'm rather desensitised, but 'Ghostland' deeply effected me. There were so many moments where I physically couldn't bear to watch, but couldn't bring myself to look away because I was so engrossed. Once again, due to the amount of horror movies I've watched over the years I find that I'm generally able to figure out the plot within the first quarter of the movie, but 'Ghostland' has so many twists and turns that you never know what's going to happen next. What you think the story is at the beginning, is very far from what it becomes and that unpredictably is what makes it so fantastic.
Although there's a lot of violence (similar to that featured in movies like 'The Hostel'), the movie isn't just built upon mindless violence, but a very intense and relentless insight into the human psyche. The psychological aspect of this movie is definitely what gives it its edge and it really got into my head. After the end credits came on, myself and my family were all saying how much it had effected us and even half an hour later, it was still at the forefront of our minds (in fact, I'm pretty sure most of us won't be having the most restful night's sleep tonight!)
'Ghostland' is the best horror I've seen in many years and I would recommend it to every horror fan, particularly those that are fans of psychological horror. Be prepared though, this movie is a tough ride and will put you through the ringer. It's one I certainly won't forget any time soon.
- shannen-l-c
- Jul 13, 2018
- Permalink
More disturbing than Hereditary? I'm sure it is.
Jesus Christ.
It's Rob Zombie's house.
They came up with the following slogans for "Hereditary": "The scariest film ever" and "A highlight in horror in the last 50 years". Well, I wonder what they would say about "Incident in a Ghostland"? I won't say this is the most masterful horror of all time. And no, it's not as frightening as "The Exorcist". That one scared me to death in those days. "Incident in a Ghostland" uses the same concept as in "The seasoning house" and "I spit on your grave". The sexual abuse of innocent girls and the psychological damage these desperate victims suffer from. It's not trembling and shaking all the time, but the whole movie you'll have that uncomfortable feeling.
Now, the concept of such movies is actually quite simple. In the first instance, they try to shock you with confrontational images so you'll feel sick with disgust and anger. In such a way that the second part feels like a relief. Just like Jean-Claude Van Damme in his old movies where he fights back and wins, after being beaten up real bad. Or when an almost defeated underdog in a football match can turn the tide. That's how the second part feels. You are a member of a fan club for the victims who fight back and avenge the injustice done to them. As in "I spit on your grave" where I couldn't suppress a heartfelt, loud "Yes" with every execution of one of the perpetrators. And the way the victims take revenge should be ruthless and merciless. The more pain, the better. In short, a film that contrasts two opposing feelings frontally. The feeling of destruction, despair and physical pain, versus relief, liberation and a victory.
In a way, "Incident in a Ghostland" tries to break this pattern. Yes, there's that moment of extreme violence and that moment the situation looks desperate. And just when you think it's going smooth, the film takes a completely new path and the struggle for survival begins again. Further revealing only leads to spoiling the fun for those who haven't seen the film yet. But the twist in the story also surprised me. To be honest, it's not often that a film does this to me. Usually, I see it coming a mile away. But not now.
The film was directed by Pascal Laugier who's best known for his controversial film "Martyrs". A film that was proclaimed as the mother of all "torture-porn" and apparently rolls over you like a steamroller. An extremely brutal film many found disgusting. I never watched it myself. Deep inside I would like to see this movie but something tells me that the extreme violence will hit me too deeply. That's why I avoid it. Had I known that Laugier directed this movie as well, I might have ignored it too. And now I'm on the horns of a dilemma. Is this a film where Laugier went soft? Or should I try to watch "Martyrs" anyway?
Is it worth to watch this movie? Actually yes. And that because it's beyond simply a brutal "home-invasion movie" with the torture, abuse, and humiliation of young girls. Here Laugier also brings the psychological impact of such a traumatic experience in the picture. He shows how the human psyche works from an individual who experiences something such as this barbaric invasion by two murderous maniacs. It's not a film for sensitive souls even though the violence isn't explicitly shown. However, the consequences of these brutal assaults are clearly visible. That's why I give a thumbs-up for the make-up department.
The set-up as a whole is very successful. The house where Pauline (Mylène Farmer) and her two daughters Beth (Emilia Jones \ Crystal Reed) and Vera (Taylor Hickson \ Anastasia Phillips) move in, is a real junk house full of rarities and old dolls. Not that it plays a prominent role in the film, but it contributes to the entire oppressive and dark atmosphere. The acting of the two girls is mainly limited to screaming and anxiously waiting for the two halfwits to show up again. Except for Beth who became a successful writer of horror stories. Until she returns to the hell-house and is being confronted with the suffering. Mother Pauline behaves as a soothing and encouraging character. And then finally you have the two assailants. One crazier than the other, in terms of appearance. One is a goth-like person who you'll only get to see briefly most of the time. The second a colossal, moronic monster who's inhumanly strong. A drooling and groaning primate who prefers to play with dolls. And he likes it even better when those dolls are alive.
All in all, "Incident in a Ghostland" is fascinating in a way. Even though the level of sadism is quite high and you can't shake off the feeling of fear and panic during the whole movie. The entire film is an avalanche of hysteria with that constant sense of helplessness. It's not a horror movie about possessed houses or paranormal phenomena with the familiar jump scares and creepy moments. This is a frightening film about something that can happen in reality and that we see on the news on a regular basis. The story itself seems rather simple, but Beth's condition creates an extra dimension. In any case, it's a lot more frightening than "Hereditary", THE horror from 2018 (sarcastic tone).
They came up with the following slogans for "Hereditary": "The scariest film ever" and "A highlight in horror in the last 50 years". Well, I wonder what they would say about "Incident in a Ghostland"? I won't say this is the most masterful horror of all time. And no, it's not as frightening as "The Exorcist". That one scared me to death in those days. "Incident in a Ghostland" uses the same concept as in "The seasoning house" and "I spit on your grave". The sexual abuse of innocent girls and the psychological damage these desperate victims suffer from. It's not trembling and shaking all the time, but the whole movie you'll have that uncomfortable feeling.
Now, the concept of such movies is actually quite simple. In the first instance, they try to shock you with confrontational images so you'll feel sick with disgust and anger. In such a way that the second part feels like a relief. Just like Jean-Claude Van Damme in his old movies where he fights back and wins, after being beaten up real bad. Or when an almost defeated underdog in a football match can turn the tide. That's how the second part feels. You are a member of a fan club for the victims who fight back and avenge the injustice done to them. As in "I spit on your grave" where I couldn't suppress a heartfelt, loud "Yes" with every execution of one of the perpetrators. And the way the victims take revenge should be ruthless and merciless. The more pain, the better. In short, a film that contrasts two opposing feelings frontally. The feeling of destruction, despair and physical pain, versus relief, liberation and a victory.
In a way, "Incident in a Ghostland" tries to break this pattern. Yes, there's that moment of extreme violence and that moment the situation looks desperate. And just when you think it's going smooth, the film takes a completely new path and the struggle for survival begins again. Further revealing only leads to spoiling the fun for those who haven't seen the film yet. But the twist in the story also surprised me. To be honest, it's not often that a film does this to me. Usually, I see it coming a mile away. But not now.
The film was directed by Pascal Laugier who's best known for his controversial film "Martyrs". A film that was proclaimed as the mother of all "torture-porn" and apparently rolls over you like a steamroller. An extremely brutal film many found disgusting. I never watched it myself. Deep inside I would like to see this movie but something tells me that the extreme violence will hit me too deeply. That's why I avoid it. Had I known that Laugier directed this movie as well, I might have ignored it too. And now I'm on the horns of a dilemma. Is this a film where Laugier went soft? Or should I try to watch "Martyrs" anyway?
Is it worth to watch this movie? Actually yes. And that because it's beyond simply a brutal "home-invasion movie" with the torture, abuse, and humiliation of young girls. Here Laugier also brings the psychological impact of such a traumatic experience in the picture. He shows how the human psyche works from an individual who experiences something such as this barbaric invasion by two murderous maniacs. It's not a film for sensitive souls even though the violence isn't explicitly shown. However, the consequences of these brutal assaults are clearly visible. That's why I give a thumbs-up for the make-up department.
The set-up as a whole is very successful. The house where Pauline (Mylène Farmer) and her two daughters Beth (Emilia Jones \ Crystal Reed) and Vera (Taylor Hickson \ Anastasia Phillips) move in, is a real junk house full of rarities and old dolls. Not that it plays a prominent role in the film, but it contributes to the entire oppressive and dark atmosphere. The acting of the two girls is mainly limited to screaming and anxiously waiting for the two halfwits to show up again. Except for Beth who became a successful writer of horror stories. Until she returns to the hell-house and is being confronted with the suffering. Mother Pauline behaves as a soothing and encouraging character. And then finally you have the two assailants. One crazier than the other, in terms of appearance. One is a goth-like person who you'll only get to see briefly most of the time. The second a colossal, moronic monster who's inhumanly strong. A drooling and groaning primate who prefers to play with dolls. And he likes it even better when those dolls are alive.
All in all, "Incident in a Ghostland" is fascinating in a way. Even though the level of sadism is quite high and you can't shake off the feeling of fear and panic during the whole movie. The entire film is an avalanche of hysteria with that constant sense of helplessness. It's not a horror movie about possessed houses or paranormal phenomena with the familiar jump scares and creepy moments. This is a frightening film about something that can happen in reality and that we see on the news on a regular basis. The story itself seems rather simple, but Beth's condition creates an extra dimension. In any case, it's a lot more frightening than "Hereditary", THE horror from 2018 (sarcastic tone).
- peterp-450-298716
- Feb 20, 2019
- Permalink
I Don't Get It
I mean, really, who is giving this movie 8, 9, and even 10 stars? Relatives of the movie makers? People who haven't seen many horror films? I gave it 3 stars, and that might be generous.
There was absolutely nothing original here. Scary-looking isolated house? Check. Scary-looking dolls? Check. Generic villains who look there their makeup and costumes came out of any Halloween store? Check. Abused girls screaming, running, and hiding? Check. A twist that was telegraphed a mile away? Check. A false ending? Check. Ooh, we haven't seen all that before, have we?
Again, some 10 star reviews? So, this was as good as stuff from George Romero, John Carpenter, Sam Raimi, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, and a bunch of other horror directors I could name? No, not even close. They would be insulted to be named in the same breath as this film.
But the biggest insult would be to H.P. Lovecraft. He's rolling in his grave, having been referenced in this boring, paint-by-numbers horror film. I don't know who I feel sorrier for; me, for sitting through this entire movie, or Lovecraft, whose very legacy is tarnished simply by being a part (sort of) the movie.
Please, there are so many good horror movies out there. Don't waste your time on this one.
There was absolutely nothing original here. Scary-looking isolated house? Check. Scary-looking dolls? Check. Generic villains who look there their makeup and costumes came out of any Halloween store? Check. Abused girls screaming, running, and hiding? Check. A twist that was telegraphed a mile away? Check. A false ending? Check. Ooh, we haven't seen all that before, have we?
Again, some 10 star reviews? So, this was as good as stuff from George Romero, John Carpenter, Sam Raimi, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, and a bunch of other horror directors I could name? No, not even close. They would be insulted to be named in the same breath as this film.
But the biggest insult would be to H.P. Lovecraft. He's rolling in his grave, having been referenced in this boring, paint-by-numbers horror film. I don't know who I feel sorrier for; me, for sitting through this entire movie, or Lovecraft, whose very legacy is tarnished simply by being a part (sort of) the movie.
Please, there are so many good horror movies out there. Don't waste your time on this one.
Feels a bit underdeveloped
Pascal Laugier is without a doubt a capable writer/director. After all, he is the man behind "Martyrs", a great horrror that leaves no one cold. Ghostland, however, has good direction, photography and fast pace right from the start but the dialogue could have been better and all the jump scares somehow fail to have the desirable effect. If you are used to horror like the aforementioned "Martyrs" or "A l'interieur", "Ils" and "Eden Lake", you will probably feel nothing despite all the violence and terror that the main characters go through. The twist in the story is not bad but could still be more developed in my opinion. The cast deliver nice performances and all the make-up effects are good too. As mentioned in the title, the film feels a bit underdeveloped; it is not terrible but it is not that good either.
Chilling and unforgettable
It's been about a month since I watched "Incident in a Ghostland" and whenever I think about it a shiver runs down my spine. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I knew absolutely nothing about the film when I sat down to watch it but it is now up there as one of the most disturbing films that I've ever sat through. Very rare is it that you feel the trauma of the characters on screen. I'd like to add that I am by no means easily shocked, and I am a huge horror fan. "Incident in a Ghostland" sure took the wind from my sails, and from a cinematic perspective, I believe I could give Pascal Laugier no greater credit.
The entire premise of the film is bizarre. It is difficult to describe, but on one hand it is a grim fairytale and on the other it leans towards exploitation. But director Pascal Laugier is such a master at the helm that he steers it through and comes out the other end strong. Two bickering sisters and their French mother travel to their late-aunt's house out in the countryside to live there. It is one big dollhouse, as there are hundreds of the things lying about the place. Here, they become the target of two creepy serial killers. Taylor Hickson, who plays one of the main characters, suffered a horrific accident on set and was left disfigured when her head went through a glass window. An awful thing to happen, and it has understandably shadowed the film. For me, it certainly adds to the bad feeling that the film leaves you with. It is an experience, as all great cinema is. Just be warned that this could be one you might want to skip...
The entire premise of the film is bizarre. It is difficult to describe, but on one hand it is a grim fairytale and on the other it leans towards exploitation. But director Pascal Laugier is such a master at the helm that he steers it through and comes out the other end strong. Two bickering sisters and their French mother travel to their late-aunt's house out in the countryside to live there. It is one big dollhouse, as there are hundreds of the things lying about the place. Here, they become the target of two creepy serial killers. Taylor Hickson, who plays one of the main characters, suffered a horrific accident on set and was left disfigured when her head went through a glass window. An awful thing to happen, and it has understandably shadowed the film. For me, it certainly adds to the bad feeling that the film leaves you with. It is an experience, as all great cinema is. Just be warned that this could be one you might want to skip...
- Coffee_in_the_Clink
- Dec 9, 2020
- Permalink
Different Horror !
This is a different type of horror movie than 'Conjuring' or any other typical horror. I saw supposing it would be routine or an ordinary horror movie. But, surprisingly it has a lot of attractions and I did not stop myself to taking any break till the end of movie. There is much confusion in present story and past story. This led us in a mysterious situation. Line between reality and imagination is very thin. The scene where Beth was sitting between dolls is very scary and hair rising. Acting done by leading actresses is brilliant. Twists at starting and before the end are shocked. Movie is good but I had some confusing at the end of movie which could be not cleared. Overall it is a watchable movie for horror lovers!
- saptesh786
- Jul 15, 2018
- Permalink
Ghostland more like torture p%rn land
This movie gets you
It feels. It really does.
The movie is divided into two big sections, pre-twist and post-twist. If you are not new to the horror genre you will catch the "twist" pretty fast, but the movie doesn't emphasize on it a whole lot. Rather works with it and does its job well indeed. At first I felt like, come on, "I've seen this already, you can't surprise me with this". But then...
It is very atmospheric, it's brutal, it's hopeless, but what caught me is one emotional moment with the sisters, you will know it when you see it. It's unforgettable.
It has it's flaws but is well crafted overall. This movie was able to share it's emotion with me and I enjoyed it.
The movie is divided into two big sections, pre-twist and post-twist. If you are not new to the horror genre you will catch the "twist" pretty fast, but the movie doesn't emphasize on it a whole lot. Rather works with it and does its job well indeed. At first I felt like, come on, "I've seen this already, you can't surprise me with this". But then...
It is very atmospheric, it's brutal, it's hopeless, but what caught me is one emotional moment with the sisters, you will know it when you see it. It's unforgettable.
It has it's flaws but is well crafted overall. This movie was able to share it's emotion with me and I enjoyed it.
Intense
Well photographed and very good acting (compared to the average horror movie acting). What you get are some crazies torturing a family, in this sense this movie belongs to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of 1.000 Corpses etc. "type".
Amidst all those bad and mediocre flicks published under the label "horror", this is imo a jewel and it got some real horror - not one of those movies where the crowd just cheers if some unlucky kid gets killed, because, you know, the kid is just too dumb to bear any longer ;) Good, with some intense and strong scenes..
- Tweetienator
- Jun 14, 2018
- Permalink
A huge step down from Martyrs, and irritating rather than scary
I loved Martyrs, it had a great style, sense of foreboding, and eventual backbone to give real depth and weight to the story while adding to the horror.
Ghostland is embarrassing in comparison. Its like the director has no awareness of the since-produced Insidious, Conjuring or Annabelle films, or American Horror Story. Trying to reach new depths of horror via a Goonies-looking ogre (ugly people are terrifying, right?) a Marilyn Manson/Ringu looking villain (transgenders are terrifying, right?) and endless dolls feels more like bargain basement 90s schlock.
The story flits around with ideas of what might or might not be imagined via a horribly inaccurate and contrived idea of how post-traumatic stress disorder might work. Eventually its about absolutely nothing, except the directors attempt to try and scare you.
What you get though is endless jump-scares (e.g. dolls leaping out of wardrobes, sigh), flash-cut shaky editing, and Mylene Farmer channelling Tommy Wiseau as an insincere mother figure.
It looks nice, so it has that going for it. But wow, this is a colossal failure of an idea.
Ghostland is embarrassing in comparison. Its like the director has no awareness of the since-produced Insidious, Conjuring or Annabelle films, or American Horror Story. Trying to reach new depths of horror via a Goonies-looking ogre (ugly people are terrifying, right?) a Marilyn Manson/Ringu looking villain (transgenders are terrifying, right?) and endless dolls feels more like bargain basement 90s schlock.
The story flits around with ideas of what might or might not be imagined via a horribly inaccurate and contrived idea of how post-traumatic stress disorder might work. Eventually its about absolutely nothing, except the directors attempt to try and scare you.
What you get though is endless jump-scares (e.g. dolls leaping out of wardrobes, sigh), flash-cut shaky editing, and Mylene Farmer channelling Tommy Wiseau as an insincere mother figure.
It looks nice, so it has that going for it. But wow, this is a colossal failure of an idea.
- rabbitmoon
- Jun 24, 2018
- Permalink
Unexpectedly AMAZING!!
Absolutely not what I was expecting. Definitely does NOT deserve a 6/10, this movie is not at all about the supernatural, despite what the name might suggest. It's a horrifyingly real and unfiltered film that shows the psyche of ones mind when dealing with trauma, and how evident that can be in a child. Such a horrifying and tragic tale, but in all the greatest ways. Wish I didn't watch a video about this movie as an introduction to this, as I would've loved the shock factor my other family members got from watching it. PLEASE do not search anything about this, for the plot twist will leave you speechless! Watch it without knowing anything, and I guarantee you'll have watched a film like no other.
- aspenwashere_
- Dec 12, 2022
- Permalink
Top of the second division
As a mother and her two incompatible daughters take possession of the remote house of their late relative, they fail to realise someone has been following them ...
This kicks off with a terse opening scene, full of character and plot and tension, so you know you're in the hands of a good storyteller who sows the seeds. The conflict soon arrives and it is full on, the violence harrowing, but alleviated by a Lynchian deception that throws up interesting possibilities.
The performances are good, with unsettling makeup, and the music and set design are lavish and effective. The camerawork could have been more imaginative, and I found the metaphor laid on too heavy. Combine that with a far fetched story that needs cops to sort itself out, and we end up more in James Wan territory than David Lynch as the possibilities pan out in safe moralising. Also, some of the early threads aren't really tied up - we were given information on the late relative, but nothing came of it apart from the doll collection. So it does pack a punch, but not a horror of the first order.
The Martyrs influence only occurred to me late on, and afterward I realised it's the same director. Also a Chainsaw influence.
Overall, quality horror that is the sum of its parts, but no more. Definitely a good watch, and the dismissive early reviews are plain stoopid.
This kicks off with a terse opening scene, full of character and plot and tension, so you know you're in the hands of a good storyteller who sows the seeds. The conflict soon arrives and it is full on, the violence harrowing, but alleviated by a Lynchian deception that throws up interesting possibilities.
The performances are good, with unsettling makeup, and the music and set design are lavish and effective. The camerawork could have been more imaginative, and I found the metaphor laid on too heavy. Combine that with a far fetched story that needs cops to sort itself out, and we end up more in James Wan territory than David Lynch as the possibilities pan out in safe moralising. Also, some of the early threads aren't really tied up - we were given information on the late relative, but nothing came of it apart from the doll collection. So it does pack a punch, but not a horror of the first order.
The Martyrs influence only occurred to me late on, and afterward I realised it's the same director. Also a Chainsaw influence.
Overall, quality horror that is the sum of its parts, but no more. Definitely a good watch, and the dismissive early reviews are plain stoopid.
No, thanks.
If you're a big fan of constant, trite jump-scares and enjoy watching endless brutality, cruelty and torture perpetrated on young girls you might enjoy this movie. NOT a horror movie or a ghost movie - it's just torture porn, which apparently has taken the place of true horror or suspense in the classic sense. I found it it be disgusting and perverted.
- cathaven97
- Jun 13, 2018
- Permalink
Insufferably bad
Agonizingly atrocious movie. Nothing but a never ending attack on the ears. Yeah, yeah I get the premise but - ghosts, not ghosts, reliving the past , switching back and forth with the writers obviously changing directions with not knowing where the plot is going. Even the girls' reliving the horrific attack seems horribly muddled. Was the mother killed or not killed? Who cares?
The only thing that deserves a good rating here is anybody who had enough patience(fortitude) to stay to the bitter end of the movie.
The only thing that deserves a good rating here is anybody who had enough patience(fortitude) to stay to the bitter end of the movie.
- malloyjack
- Nov 5, 2021
- Permalink