The Little Stranger (2018)

Set in postwar England, a young country doctor (Domhnall Gleeson) attends a maid (Liv Hill) in service at a dilapidated mansion that has seen better days. Recalling that he had attended a fete at the hall during its glory days, he becomes fascinated with the family particularly the daughter (Ruth Wilson). But strange unexplained occurrences in the household will lead to tragedy. Based on the novel by Sarah Waters and directed by Lenny Abrahamson (ROOM). This low keyed horror film is more cerebral and may frustrate those looking for more heightened horror rather than a mood piece. It's meticulous pacing pays off eventually but it's not a scare fest. I think the last shot in the film may lead the audience astray, I know it did me. But this isn't a film for a casual watch, if one pays attention to the detail in the film and stays focused, it's all there. The house as a malevolent force fueled by a spirit(s) has a long cinematic history, THE HAUNTING being one of the more notable examples though this film has more in common with the 1980 horror film THE CHANGELING with George C. Scott. It's an easy film to overpraise but also an easy film to recommend to more discerning horror fans. With Charlotte Rampling, Will Poulter and Josh Dylan.