Watch The Turn of the Screw
- NR
- 1999
- 1 hr 40 min
-
5.8 (995)
The Turn of the Screw is a psychological thriller movie directed by Ben Bolt in 1999, starring Caroline Pegg, Jodhi May, and Colin Firth. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Henry James. The story revolves around a young woman named Miss Skeene, who works as a governess for two children, Miles and Flora. The children's uncle, the Master, is unaware of their existence because their parents died in a car accident. Skeene must keep the children safe while dealing with apparitions, which may or may not be figments of her imagination.
Miss Skeene travels to the secluded Master's estate to begin her employment. Upon her arrival, she notices that the children are well-behaved and appear perfectly normal. However, she soon realizes that things are not as they seem. She senses a presence but can't quite put her finger on it.
As the story progresses, the plot thickens, and Miss Skeene fears for the children's safety. She believes that evil spirits are after them and becomes convinced that the children are under the influence of ghosts who had previously occupied the estate. She even starts experiencing paranormal activities that seem to confirm her fears.
The movie features outstanding acting. Jodhi May is brilliant as Miss Skeene, the governess who starts to suspect the children's involvement with the ghosts. Her portrayal of a young woman on the brink of a mental breakdown is both convincing and heart-wrenching.
Colin Firth, playing the Master of the house, gives a flawless performance. He is charming and stern, and at the same time, protective of his niece and nephew. With his good looks, Firth proves once again that he is one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Caroline Pegg delivers an impressive performance as Flora, the youngest of the children. Her innocence and purity are captivating, and her expressions are so genuine that she steals the show in every scene she is in.
The movie is visually stunning, with its eerie atmosphere and well-chosen locations. The house where the story takes place is a character in its own right. The dark, distressed furniture and the long, dimly lit corridors create a feeling of dread and paranoia.
The music is also excellent. It is haunting and mysterious, and it layers tension upon tension, creating an atmosphere of imminent danger.
The Turn of the Screw is a combination of Victorian sensibility, Gothic horror, and psychological thriller. It deals with themes like innocence, corruption, and sexuality, raising more questions than it answers. While the movie's ending is not entirely satisfactory, it remains an excellent adaptation of a complex novel.
In conclusion, The Turn of the Screw is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and Gothic horror. It is a visually stunning, well-acted movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Turn of the Screw is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.