Poltergeist (2015) Movie Review
A Modern Take on a Classic Horror Film
Poltergeist (2015), directed by Gil Kenan, is a remake of the 1982 horror classic of the same name. This film attempts to revive the chilling tale of supernatural terror with a modern twist, while paying homage to the original. Starring Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jared Harris, and Kennedi Clements, the 2015 version aims to deliver both nostalgia and fresh scares. Although it brings updated special effects and contemporary sensibilities, it struggles to capture the same level of suspense and originality as its predecessor.
Plot Overview
The film centers on the Bowen family, who move into a new suburban home with their three children. Shortly after settling in, the family begins to experience disturbing supernatural events, including the mysterious disappearance of their youngest daughter, Madison (Kennedi Clements). As the haunting intensifies, the Bowens seek the help of a team of paranormal experts led by Carrigan Burke (Jared Harris) to uncover the truth and rescue Madison from the malevolent spirits that have taken over their home.
The plot closely follows the original film’s storyline, with some modern updates and changes. The family’s struggle against the ghostly forces and their attempts to save Madison from the clutches of a sinister presence drive the film’s narrative.
Characters and Performances
Sam Rockwell stars as Eric Bowen, the father who must balance his skepticism with the terrifying reality of the supernatural events. Rockwell’s performance adds depth to the character, though his role often falls into familiar horror tropes. Rosemarie DeWitt plays Amy Bowen, the mother who is deeply affected by the haunting and struggles to protect her family.
Jared Harris delivers a compelling performance as Carrigan Burke, a paranormal expert with a mix of professionalism and charisma. Kennedi Clements, as Madison, captures the innocence and vulnerability of a child caught in a terrifying situation. The supporting cast, including Jane Adams and Kyle Catlett, add to the film’s emotional weight and sense of urgency.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Gil Kenan brings a contemporary style to the film, utilizing modern special effects and CGI to enhance the supernatural elements. The film’s visual effects, including the iconic scenes with the television static and ghostly apparitions, are updated to create a more intense and visually striking experience.
The cinematography, by Javier Aguirresarobe, effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house. While the film’s technical aspects are well-executed, including the special effects and sound design, it sometimes relies too heavily on jump scares rather than building sustained tension.
Themes and Horror Elements
Poltergeist (2015) explores themes of family, fear, and the unknown, similar to the original film. The haunting of the Bowen family is driven by a mix of supernatural forces and personal fears. While the updated special effects and modern setting bring a fresh perspective, the film often falls back on familiar horror clichés and jump scares.
The horror elements include classic supernatural phenomena such as haunted TV screens, mysterious disappearances, and ghostly apparitions. However, the film’s attempt to balance modern horror with classic scares results in a somewhat uneven experience, with moments of genuine terror contrasted by predictable tropes.
Streaming and Rental Options in the US
For those interested in watching Poltergeist (2015), there are several streaming and rental options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services: The film is available on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Both platforms offer extensive libraries of movies and TV shows, making it convenient for subscribers to access the film.
- Rental/Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms provide the flexibility to rent the film for a limited period or purchase it for unlimited viewing.
Final Verdict
Poltergeist (2015) is a well-made remake that brings modern special effects and a contemporary setting to the classic horror tale. While it successfully updates the original film’s scares and visuals, it struggles to recapture the same level of suspense and originality. The performances, particularly by Sam Rockwell and Jared Harris, add depth to the film, but it often relies on familiar horror conventions and jump scares.
For fans of the original Poltergeist and those looking for a modern horror experience, this remake offers a fresh perspective and updated thrills. With multiple streaming and rental options available, audiences in the United States can easily access Poltergeist (2015) and see how it stacks up against its iconic predecessor.
