Wait Till Helen Comes – Film Review

Adapted from Mary Downing Hahn’s 1986 novel of the same name, Wait Till Helen Comes is a supernatural horror film directed by Dominic James. The movie attempts to capture the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the beloved ghost story, but despite a strong premise and solid performances, it struggles with pacing, scares, and emotional depth. Aimed at a younger audience, this PG-13 ghost story often feels restrained, missing the mark in delivering a truly chilling experience.

The film follows 12-year-old Molly (Sophie Nélisse), an artistic and sensitive girl who moves with her blended family to a remote countryside house—one that was once an old church. Her mother Jean (Maria Bello) and stepfather Dave (Callum Keith Rennie) attempt to create a harmonious family dynamic, but tensions rise due to Molly’s strained relationship with her troubled stepsister Heather (Isabelle Nélisse). Heather, still grieving the loss of her mother, is withdrawn, angry, and feels disconnected from the rest of the family.

Things take a dark turn when Heather discovers an abandoned graveyard nearby, where she forms an unsettling bond with the ghost of a girl named Helen. Helen, much like Heather, suffered a tragic past, and as their connection deepens, Heather becomes more hostile and secretive. Molly, sensing the malevolent nature of the spirit, tries to warn her family, but her concerns are dismissed. As Helen’s influence over Heather grows stronger, strange occurrences intensify, and Molly must unravel the mystery before Heather is completely consumed by the ghost’s vengeful intentions.

One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its lead performances. Sophie Nélisse delivers a convincing portrayal of Molly, capturing her protective instincts and growing fear effectively. Her real-life sister, Isabelle Nélisse, gives an eerie and believable performance as the troubled and emotionally unstable Heather. The dynamic between the two sisters feels genuine, adding a layer of authenticity to their tense interactions.

Maria Bello, as the well-meaning but oblivious mother, brings a grounded presence to the film. However, her character often feels underutilized, as the script doesn’t give her much to do beyond being the dismissive parent trope.

The film’s setting is beautifully eerie. The use of natural landscapes, misty woods, and the dilapidated cemetery contributes to the gothic ambiance. Cinematographer Rene Ohashi successfully captures the isolation and mystery of the rural location, making the visuals one of the film’s stronger points. The dim lighting and muted color palette enhance the ghostly elements, even if the overall execution of horror falls flat.

Fans of the book will appreciate that the film remains relatively faithful to the original plot. While some elements have been adjusted for cinematic effect, the core themes of grief, family struggles, and the supernatural remain intact. Heather’s character arc closely follows the novel’s depiction, emphasizing her loneliness and vulnerability, which makes her bond with Helen believable.

Despite its ghostly premise, Wait Till Helen Comes fails to deliver any truly memorable scares. The film relies on cliché horror tropes—whispering voices, flickering lights, and shadowy figures—but never builds enough tension to make them effective. The PG-13 rating might have restricted the filmmakers from going all-in with the horror, but even within its limitations, the film doesn’t create a sense of dread or urgency.

While atmospheric, the film moves at a sluggish pace, with long stretches where little happens to advance the story. The early build-up is necessary to establish character relationships, but the film takes too long to get to the heart of the supernatural conflict. Even when Helen’s presence becomes more apparent, the pacing doesn’t pick up enough to make the climax as thrilling as it should be.

The film attempts to weave a compelling narrative about grief, loss, and blended family dynamics, but it never fully develops these themes in a meaningful way. Heather’s trauma and emotional struggles are central to the story, yet the film doesn’t explore her grief with enough depth to make her transformation feel organic. The family conflict often feels shallow, as the parents remain frustratingly unaware of the supernatural occurrences happening around them.

The final act, where Molly confronts Helen and attempts to save Heather, feels rushed and predictable. While the resolution remains true to the novel, it lacks the emotional impact it strives for. The revelations about Helen’s past should have been more haunting and tragic, but instead, they feel like an obligatory exposition dump. The film ends on a hopeful note, but it doesn’t resonate as strongly as it could have.

Wait Till Helen Comes is a visually appealing yet ultimately underwhelming ghost story that fails to leave a lasting impression. Despite strong performances, particularly from the Nélisse sisters, and a beautifully eerie setting, the film is hindered by slow pacing, a lack of genuine scares, and an underdeveloped emotional core. It’s a decent introduction to supernatural horror for younger audiences who might be new to the genre, but seasoned horror fans will find it lacking in depth and suspense.