I am working my way through the Chilling Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection and HAUNTS is the ninth movie in the set. Released in 1977, HAUNTS is a creepy, psychological thriller about the demons of small town life.
That small town is being stalked by a deranged rapist/killer, who uses scissors as his weapon! A religious woman, Ingrid (Played by May Britt) begins to suspect that her uncle may be the killer. However, another girl believes it could be her boyfriend – bit of a cliché here – she is the daughter of the sheriff!
Others have noted that this film unfolds, much like a Stephen King novel. One of my favorite comments about his early works is that Stephen King was the "master of digression" – in other words, he introduced peripheral characters, who seem inconsequential; but, once you get to know them, they contribute to the overall ambiance.
And ambiance is what HAUNTS is all about. We peer into the memories of Brit, who is haunted by her mother's suicide; and, her own molestation as a child. We see her hallucinations, which are the psychological scars of her youth, as well as the physical scars of her abuse. Finally, we experience how she confronts the grim prospect of her own peril, with an attempted rape while walking home from church; with finding one of the victims in her own garden; her own rape at the hands of the local hood – and, subsequent re-assault, as well as the feigned incest of her loving uncle.
The film features stunning cinematography; and, evocative images. The score is better than passable; and, the acting is quite credible. The best performance in this one goes to the Sheriff, played by Aldo Ray! The plot is strong. But, best, a shocking twist brings a surprise ending!
That small town is being stalked by a deranged rapist/killer, who uses scissors as his weapon! A religious woman, Ingrid (Played by May Britt) begins to suspect that her uncle may be the killer. However, another girl believes it could be her boyfriend – bit of a cliché here – she is the daughter of the sheriff!
Others have noted that this film unfolds, much like a Stephen King novel. One of my favorite comments about his early works is that Stephen King was the "master of digression" – in other words, he introduced peripheral characters, who seem inconsequential; but, once you get to know them, they contribute to the overall ambiance.
And ambiance is what HAUNTS is all about. We peer into the memories of Brit, who is haunted by her mother's suicide; and, her own molestation as a child. We see her hallucinations, which are the psychological scars of her youth, as well as the physical scars of her abuse. Finally, we experience how she confronts the grim prospect of her own peril, with an attempted rape while walking home from church; with finding one of the victims in her own garden; her own rape at the hands of the local hood – and, subsequent re-assault, as well as the feigned incest of her loving uncle.
The film features stunning cinematography; and, evocative images. The score is better than passable; and, the acting is quite credible. The best performance in this one goes to the Sheriff, played by Aldo Ray! The plot is strong. But, best, a shocking twist brings a surprise ending!