Sofa Cinema Review: Haunter

It's the weekend which, for me, means its okay to stay up super late and watch movies! Ideally this would involve a night out at the local cinema seeing the latest blockbuster, but as a father gearing up for yet another child, ten bucks is a lot to throw down! So what is a financially challenged cinephile to do? Turn to Netflix of course where there a plethora of old and new films covering a wide range of genres. It is in that spirit that we've begun a new series of movie reviews called Sofa Cinema! These reviews will focus on anything we've watched from Netflix, Google Play or any other online streaming service. They may be older movies, newer movies or even those direct to streaming choices we all skip over in the company of others but secretly watch when we're alone. For our first ever Sofa Cinema review, we'll be talking about the little known horror flick Haunter starring Abigail Breslin.

This is a film you've probably seen in the Horror section of Netflix and passed by. The movie poster thumbnail looks cheap and definitely gives it the straight to DVD vibe; however the Canadian film was first introduced at the 2013 South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival and was quickly picked up for U.S. distribution by IFC Midnight in limited release. Haunter was directed by Vincenzo Natali, the same guy who directed that 2009 Adrian Brody movie Splice, above a gene splicing experiment gone creepily wrong.

The Good

At first glance, Haunter looks like yet another haunted house story, but that's just not the case. It's no spoiler, as the Netflix synopsis gives it away, but Breslin's character Lisa has realized that she and her family are dead. Using that as the start of a haunted house movie is pretty bold. Where do you go from there? Pretty far, it turns out. This story is far more creative and fresh than any such films you've seen in theaters in the past year.

Haunter doesn't have much of a cast, but honestly it didn't need one. Breslin is the central focus of the movie and to my surprise she is more than capable of carrying it on her shoulders alone. Sure, even in Signs, most of us knew she had a future in Hollywood and her critical acclaim in Little Miss Sunshine bolstered that, but as her fellow M. Night Shyamalan survivor can attest, the teen years can sometime spell disaster after a successful child acting run. Not so with Breslin who has not only perfected the angsty teenage girl routine but, when the story builds and the emotional moments pile up, makes you believe every line she delivers or tear she cries. It's worth mentioning that Breslin is not the only surprise here. Veteran actor Stephen McHattie (the guy you always know you've seen in stuff before but can't quite remember what) is the villain of the movie and truly brings the feeling of dread and fear to life.

The Bad

Occasionally, a horror film starts off with an excellent pace and a great premise, but when you reach the climax of the story the director pulls out all the stops and things get messy. Trying to deliver on the payoff, directors often make certain style and directorial choices that are unnecessary. Such is the case with Haunter. Near the film's climax, there is a moment where Lisa is experiencing certain supernatural events that bring her to her own house deep into the past. Nothing makes your movie look cheap and sloppy quicker than using an old-timey filter that makes it look like one of those old western pictures you buy at the fair. I get it Mr. Director, You want to convey a change in atmosphere and the feeling of a time gone by. I submit that the musical and decor choices you already made would have worked just fine. No filter needed.

This is a movie about ghosts and evil spirits so going in, you have to suspend your disbelief a little. That being said, some people won't be able to get past a few plot devices that are just never explained. Certain things in the film are taken for granted, they just work that way, with no explanation of it or even question about it. Personally I wasn't too bothered by those things but I understand if some people would be.

The Verdict

Precarious plot devices and a few ill-conceived directorial choices weren't enough to spoil Haunter for me. Abigail Breslin brings the talent and emotion to a genuinely creative and fresh story. Next time you're in the mood for a supernatural thriller, check out Haunter!