An American Haunting
By Mal Simons, Blockbuster.co.uk

Possession knows no bounds…

Starring Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek and based on a true story; this film covers the only recorded event of a spirit causing the death of a human being.

Set in Red River, Tennessee in the early 19th Century the film introduces the Bell family, a religious family who are threatened by an alleged witch because of John Bell’s (Donald Sutherland) rather dodgy business practices.

“I swear a dreadful darkness will fall upon you and your precious daughter too.”

Cast off by his church for how he has dealt with the witch’s debt (he charged excessive interest). One night, John Bell is awoken to find his ‘precious daughter’ Betsy (Rachel Hurd-Wood) being thrown around her bedroom and harassed by an evil spirit.

This spirit returns again and again and the family are understandably terrified. John Bell eventually tries to apologise to the Witch and ask forgiveness however the hauntings continue unabated. Over the course of the film the spirit grows more and more violent, hurting not only the girl but also her family and family friends.

At their wits end, John Bell and his wife (Sissy Spacek) try to escape the house but the spirit isn’t having any of it… meanwhile, a woman reading of the story in a diary in 2006, realises that the same spirit may be harassing her daughter. How will it end? Rent this to find out.

The Verdict:
Terrifying stuff – made more so because of the fact that this is a true story. Add to your list now!

This title has been rated 1861 times.