Haunt (2019) Movie Review: Thrilling Haunted House Horror That Delivers Genuine Scares
On Halloween night, a group of friends ventures to an “extreme” haunted house that promises to test their darkest fears. What begins as a thrill-seeking adventure quickly descends into terror as the friends realize that some nightmares are all too real, and survival is anything but guaranteed.
Plot Summary
Harper, a college student, begins the night trying to navigate her personal struggles while enjoying Halloween festivities with friends. After spotting a glowing “Haunted House” sign, the group decides to enter despite the ominous warning signs, including a creepy clown at the entrance handing out liability waivers. Once inside, they are offered a choice: the “Safe” path or the “Not Safe” path. Naturally, the group splits up, facing a series of horrifying and often gruesome challenges. As the night unfolds, Harper must confront her fears, protect her friends, and try to survive the house’s twisted horrors.
First Impressions
Initially, Haunt seems like a typical teen horror flick—predictable and filled with clichés—but it quickly proves more thoughtful and tightly executed than expected. The opening sequences effectively set the tone, building suspense and grounding the story in relatable college-life dynamics before escalating into full horror.
Acting Commentary
Katie Stevens delivers a solid performance as Harper, balancing vulnerability and resourcefulness in a way that keeps viewers invested in her survival. The supporting cast, including Harrison Gilbertson and Lauryn Alisa McClain, are competent and engaging, giving the ensemble a believable dynamic. While none of the performances are award-winning, they are strong enough to make the stakes feel real.
Music & Atmosphere
The soundtrack enhances tension without overwhelming the scenes. Creepy sound cues, ambient noises, and subtle musical swells effectively heighten the suspense. Unlike many modern horror films, Haunt avoids excessive strobe lighting and jump-scare overkill, instead building dread through atmosphere, lighting, and pacing. The haunted house itself is designed with care, with each room offering unique visual scares that are both creative and unsettling.
Technical Elements
Visually, Haunt is well-shot, with shadow-heavy lighting and tight framing that amplifies claustrophobia and fear. Practical effects dominate, which makes the gore and horror more tangible and effective. Editing is generally tight, maintaining suspense and flow, though a few moments feel slightly rushed in terms of exposition. Overall, the production quality surpasses many comparable low-budget horror films.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Thoughtful horror with a coherent storyline
- Effective use of practical effects and set design
- Strong lead performance by Katie Stevens
- Builds suspense through atmosphere rather than cheap scares
Cons:
- Some predictable horror tropes remain
- Supporting characters could have been more developed
- Few minor pacing issues in the middle act
Final Thoughts
Haunt succeeds where many B-grade horror films fail: it provides genuine scares, a tight story, and a sense of tension throughout. It combines classic horror elements with smart execution, making it a standout in the “haunted house” subgenre. While not revolutionary, it is consistently engaging and more polished than similar college-horror fare.
Cast Highlights:
Recommendation
Recommended for horror fans who enjoy suspenseful, atmospheric thrillers without relying solely on jump scares or gratuitous gore. Haunt is best experienced in a dark room, preferably on Halloween night, for maximum impact.
by Lokhi D | 26 May 2024
