Ghost Stories (2017)
Skeptical professor Phillip Goodman embarks on a trip to the terrifying after being given a file with details of three unexplained cases of apparitions.
Thoughts: The fact that these stories are first-hand experiences told in flashback defuses much of the stakes – until the final “twist”, which proves to be the big screen equivalent of the “It was all a dream”writing cliche. In the end, it’s hard to muster up much retroactive horror.
3/5
Hell House LLC (2015)
Five years after the unexplained deaths of 15 tour-goers and staff on the opening night of a Halloween haunted house tour, a documentary crew travels back to the scene of the tragedy to find out what really happened.
Thoughts: Some questionable logic (and the fact it borrows a little too heavily from Blair Witch in its closing scene) aside, this one is an effective entry in the found footage sub-genre. Does a great job of ratcheting up the tension on its way to its chaotically creepy climax.
4/5
In Fabric (2019)
A haunting ghost story set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period in a department store that follows the life of a cursed dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences.
Thoughts: At its best when it’s leaning into its dark humor; much less so when it’s seemingly embracing weirdness for weirdness’ sake. Loved the soundscape and visual nods to giallo.
4/5
Today’s Yes/No…
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