“Amityville: The Awakening” (2017) Movie Review: A Fresh Take on a Haunted Classic
Introduction
“Amityville: The Awakening,” released in 2017 and directed by Franck Khalfoun, is the latest installment in the long-running Amityville horror franchise. Starring Bella Thorne, Cameron Monaghan, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this film attempts to breathe new life into the infamous haunted house saga with a modern twist. This review explores the plot, performances, visual style, and where to stream or rent “Amityville: The Awakening” in the United States.
Plot Summary
The story follows Belle Walker (Bella Thorne) and her family as they move into the notorious Amityville house in an effort to start anew. Belle’s twin brother, James (Cameron Monaghan), is in a coma, and their mother, Joan (Jennifer Jason Leigh), believes the change of environment might help his condition.
Almost immediately after moving in, strange occurrences begin to plague the family. Belle experiences disturbing visions and nightmares, while James exhibits signs of inexplicable recovery. As Belle digs deeper into the history of their new home, she uncovers the dark and sinister past of the Amityville house, realizing that her family’s lives are in grave danger.
The film interweaves the classic Amityville horror elements with modern technology and contemporary family dynamics, creating a fresh yet familiar take on the haunted house genre.
Performance and Direction
Bella Thorne delivers a solid performance as Belle, capturing the fear and determination of a young woman fighting to protect her family. Cameron Monaghan’s portrayal of James is eerie and convincing, especially as his character begins to show signs of possession. Jennifer Jason Leigh brings gravitas to her role as Joan, portraying a mother desperate to hold her family together despite the mounting terror.
Director Franck Khalfoun successfully combines traditional horror tropes with modern storytelling techniques. His direction maintains a steady pace, building tension through atmospheric cinematography and well-timed scares. Khalfoun’s approach ensures that “Amityville: The Awakening” pays homage to its predecessors while standing on its own as a contemporary horror film.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by Steven Poster effectively captures the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of the Amityville house. The use of shadows, dim lighting, and tight framing enhances the sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. The film’s visual style is both polished and unsettling, contributing to the overall horror experience.
Special effects are used sparingly but effectively, particularly in scenes involving supernatural occurrences and James’s transformation. Practical effects and makeup add to the film’s authenticity, while digital effects are employed to create chilling ghostly apparitions and other paranormal phenomena.
Streaming Availability
In the United States, “Amityville: The Awakening” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on:
- Amazon Prime Video (with a subscription)
- Hulu
- Tubi (free with ads)
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or purchase “Amityville: The Awakening,” the film is available on multiple major platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- iTunes: Rent or buy with options for HD.
- Google Play: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- Vudu: Rent or buy in HDX, HD, and SD.
Conclusion
“Amityville: The Awakening” successfully revives the iconic haunted house story for a new generation, blending classic horror elements with modern sensibilities. With strong performances, especially from Bella Thorne and Cameron Monaghan, and effective direction by Franck Khalfoun, the film provides a fresh yet faithful addition to the Amityville franchise. Fans of supernatural horror and haunted house tales will find “Amityville: The Awakening” an engaging and chilling experience.
