The Curse of the Necklace (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The supernatural horror genre has long been a favorite for audiences who enjoy the thrill of fear mixed with eerie, spine-chilling moments. The Curse of the Necklace (2024) takes this classic genre and adds a layer of family drama and historical context, setting the film in the 1960s, a time of both social upheaval and personal turmoil for many American families. Directed by Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz (Pumpkinhole) and written by John Ducey (Dirt), the film centers on the Davis family, a fractured unit already grappling with addiction, separation, and emotional distress. As the family struggles to stay together, an unexpected gift—a cursed necklace—ushers in a terrifying battle with a malevolent force.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the film’s plot, performances, and cinematography, and also discuss where you can watch this movie online, whether through streaming services or rental platforms.
Plot Overview
The Curse of the Necklace is a story of familial breakdown set against the backdrop of supernatural horror. The film focuses on Laura Davis (played by Sarah Lind), a single mother trying to rebuild her life after separating from her alcoholic husband, Frank (Henry Thomas). Frank, a cop with a drinking problem, is struggling to reconnect with his family, especially with his two daughters, Judy (Madeleine McGraw) and Ellen (Violet McGraw). In a desperate attempt to win back Laura’s affection, Frank gifts her an antique necklace, unaware that it harbors a deadly curse.
The moment Ellen puts on the necklace, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold. The younger daughter starts interacting with Jonah, an unseen boy whom no one else can perceive. Soon, both daughters find themselves under the dark influence of the necklace, as supernatural forces begin to tear the family apart. What started as a domestic drama transforms into a suspenseful supernatural thriller, where the characters must not only face their inner demons but also survive the curse that threatens to consume them.
Cinematography and Atmosphere
The cinematography of The Curse of the Necklace draws heavily on classic horror tropes to create an unsettling atmosphere. Dim lighting, eerie sound design, and suspenseful pacing work together to immerse the viewer in a world of dread and tension. The 1960s setting adds visual interest, though the period does little to impact the story’s progression beyond aesthetic choices.
Director Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz makes good use of shadows and stark contrasts to heighten the film’s eerie mood. The film’s visual elements—whether it’s the gloomy interiors of the Davis household or the fog-shrouded exteriors—help emphasize the growing sense of isolation and fear. This, combined with a slow build-up of suspense, keeps the audience on edge, despite some familiar plot points.
Performances
The cast of The Curse of the Necklace delivers strong performances that elevate the material. Sarah Lind, as Laura, is compelling as a mother torn between protecting her daughters and dealing with her estranged husband. Henry Thomas, known for his roles in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, gives a layered performance as Frank, whose struggles with alcohol and guilt add depth to his character.
However, it’s the McGraw sisters, Madeleine and Violet, who truly stand out. Having already made their mark in recent horror films (The Black Phone and M3GAN), their performances in this film are both convincing and haunting. Their portrayal of siblings who are slowly consumed by the necklace’s curse adds a layer of psychological horror to the film.
The Supernatural Element
The cursed necklace is at the heart of the film’s horror. As a symbol of both Frank’s misguided attempt at reconciliation and the family’s deeper emotional scars, it becomes the conduit for a malevolent spirit that targets the most vulnerable members of the family. The necklace’s connection to a long-dead child adds a tragic backstory to the horror, but the film doesn’t dive deeply enough into this mythology to make it truly impactful.
While the supernatural occurrences—ghostly apparitions, possession, and eerie whispers—are well-executed, they follow familiar horror tropes. The film occasionally falls back on predictable jump scares and CGI effects, which, though effective, don’t necessarily offer anything groundbreaking. However, the psychological tension between the family members, combined with the supernatural threat, keeps the narrative engaging.
Where to Watch The Curse of the Necklace Online
As of 2024, The Curse of the Necklace is available for streaming on several major platforms in the U.S., offering viewers a variety of options to either rent, purchase, or stream the film:
Streaming Services:
- Google Play: Offers both rental and purchase options, allowing users to stream the film across a variety of devices.
- Vudu: Another option for renting or purchasing the film in high quality.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for free to Prime members or for rental/purchase for non-subscribers.
- Apple TV/iTunes: The movie is available for purchase or rental in HD and 4K.
Final Thoughts
The Curse of the Necklace may not reinvent the supernatural horror genre, but it offers a solid mix of family drama and eerie suspense. The 1960s setting, though underutilized in terms of plot, provides a visually distinct backdrop. Strong performances from the cast, especially the McGraw sisters, elevate the film beyond its familiar premise.
For fans of haunted object horror films, The Curse of the Necklace provides enough chills and psychological tension to make it a worthwhile watch. While it doesn’t break new ground, it remains an engaging and eerie exploration of family dynamics intertwined with supernatural terror.
