Watch The Turning

The Turning is a haunting psychological thriller from 1992 that stars Karen Allen, Raymond J. Barry, and Michael Dolan. The story is based on a novel by Elizabeth Jane Howard and revolves around the life of a successful American screenwriter named Elizabeth (Karen Allen), who's struggling with a chronic illness that makes her sleep for long hours.

Elizabeth and her husband, Andrew (Raymond J. Barry), decide to move to a remote English village with their son, Thomas (Michael Dolan), in the hopes of finding a more peaceful life. However, things take an eerie turn as soon as they arrive. The house they've rented, an old-fashioned mansion located on the edge of a cliff, seems to be a source of both fascination and fear for Thomas. He is drawn to the many rooms, hidden passages, and mysterious artifacts within the house, but is also tormented by terrifying nightmares and vivid hallucinations. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unsettling, much to the concern of his parents.

Despite her own ailments, Elizabeth tries to keep her family together and find a cure for her son's affliction. She seeks the help of a local doctor, who advises them to take Thomas to an institution in London. But before they can leave, Elizabeth starts to unravel the dark secrets of the house and the village. She discovers that there's a long history of tragedy, madness, and death associated with the place, and that many of the locals harbor deep-seated grudges and resentments towards her family.

As Elizabeth delves deeper into the mysteries of the house, she realizes that her own past is intertwined with the dark forces that lurk within it. She becomes haunted by her own memories and fears, and starts to question her sanity. Meanwhile, Thomas becomes more and more obsessed with the house and its past, and becomes a danger to himself and others.

The Turning is a slow-burning, atmospheric film that relies on atmosphere and ambiguity rather than jump scares or gore to generate fear. The remote, foggy landscape, the creaky old mansion, and the haunting musical score create a sense of dread and unease that pervades the entire film. The excellent acting by the main cast, especially Karen Allen, who brings a palpable sense of vulnerability and determination to her role, adds an emotional depth and complexity to the characters.

The film is not without flaws, though. The plot can be confusing and disjointed at times, with several plot threads and characters that are introduced but never fully developed. The ending is also somewhat unsatisfying and abrupt, leaving many questions unanswered.

Overall, The Turning is a unique and memorable film that explores themes of grief, memory, and the supernatural. While it may not be for everyone, fans of slow-burning, psychological horror will find much to enjoy in this haunting and atmospheric thriller.