Poltergeist – Film Review

All seems well for Eric Bowen, wife Amy and their three children as they move into their new house in the suburbs of Illinois. Soon, youngest daughter Maddy begins talking to an imaginary friend, or so the family thinks. It’s not long before sinister spirits wreak havoc in the home, holding Maddy captive and forcing the parents to consult a team of parapsychologists who engage the supernatural entities in a battle for the girl’s freedom.

Poltergeist (2015) directed by Gil Kenan had a lot to live up to, as it was a remake of the 1982 classic, one of the most iconic horror films of its time. Unfortunately, this modern take on the chilling tale fails to capture the eerie magic of its predecessor, resulting in a lackluster and forgettable experience. While the film attempts to recreate the haunting atmosphere of the original, it ultimately falls short due to weak character development, lack of originality, and an overreliance on jump scares that do little to elicit genuine fear.

One of the most significant shortcomings of Poltergeist (2015) is its inability to develop its characters beyond one-dimensional archetypes. The Bowen family, led by Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt as Eric and Amy, is woefully underwritten. Their performances are competent, but they are given little substance to work with, making it challenging for the audience to emotionally invest in their plight. The couple’s children, played by Kennedi Clements, Kyle Catlett, and Saxon Sharbino, do little to elevate the film either, often resorting to clichéd horror movie antics that do little to move the plot forward. In contrast, the original Poltergeist was successful because it took the time to build a connection with its characters, making their struggles with the supernatural all the more gripping.

The film’s lack of originality further hinders its ability to leave a lasting impression. Instead of expanding on the mythology or reimagining the story in a compelling way, the remake follows the same beats as the original almost beat-for-beat. Even though there are slight alterations, they feel superficial and fail to add any significant depth or intrigue to the narrative. The potential for modernizing the classic tale and adding a fresh perspective is squandered, leaving audiences with a sense of déjà vu and a desire for something more innovative.

Gil Kenan’s direction also comes up short in capturing the true essence of a supernatural horror film. While he showcases some flair with a few visually appealing shots, he relies too heavily on cheap jump scares and CGI effects that feel out of place in the context of the story. The subtlety and suspense that made the original Poltergeist so effective are sacrificed in favor of loud, jarring moments that become predictable as the film progresses. The iconic “They’re here!” scene, which was masterfully delivered in the 1982 version, lacks the same impact in this remake, losing the opportunity to create genuine fear in the audience.

Another major letdown of the film is its failure to establish a haunting atmosphere. The original Poltergeist thrived on creating a sense of dread and tension throughout, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. However, the 2015 remake lacks the finesse needed to build and maintain such an ambiance. Instead, the supernatural elements feel forced and occasionally even comical, detracting from any potential fear the film could generate. The haunting scenes, though visually impressive, lack the emotional weight and psychological unease that characterized the original’s most memorable moments.

Even the iconic character of Tangina Barrons, originally portrayed by Zelda Rubinstein, is revisited with a lack of the same depth and charm. While Jared Harris does his best with the character of Carrigan Burke, the parapsychologist and TV personality, his performance pales in comparison to Rubinstein’s unforgettable portrayal. The attempt to replace her with a male counterpart was an interesting decision but ultimately falls flat due to a lack of originality in Burke’s characterization.

Additionally, the pacing of the film leaves much to be desired. The build-up to the climactic moments feels rushed, and the resolution lacks the impact needed to satisfy the audience. As a result, the film feels disjointed, with some scenes dragging on while others are over before they can make a significant impact.

Gil Kenan’s Poltergeist fails to live up to its namesake, coming across as a pale imitation of the 1982 classic. With underdeveloped characters, a lack of originality, and an overreliance on cheap scares, the film struggles to distinguish itself in the horror genre. While there are some visually appealing moments, they are not enough to salvage the overall experience. Those who hold the original Poltergeist in high regard will likely find this remake disappointing and unnecessary. While Gil Kenan’s attempt to bring back the chilling tale was ambitious, it ultimately fell short, leaving audiences yearning for the true supernatural brilliance of the past.