Amityville: The Awakening (2017) is another attempt to revive one of the most famous haunted house franchises in horror history. The Amityville name has been used in countless films over the decades, but very few have managed to capture the unsettling atmosphere and psychological dread that made the original story so iconic. Directed by Franck Khalfoun, this film tries to modernize the classic haunted house narrative while acknowledging the long cinematic history of the Amityville legend. The result is a film that blends supernatural horror, meta-commentary, and teenage drama, though not always successfully.
The story follows Belle Walker, a teenage girl played by Bella Thorne, who moves into a large, old house with her family. Her mother, Joan (Jennifer Jason Leigh), decides to relocate them after Belle’s twin brother James falls into a mysterious coma following a car accident. Hoping for a fresh start and a quiet environment where James can recover, the family unknowingly moves into the infamous Amityville house. Unlike earlier films in the franchise, this version openly acknowledges the previous Amityville movies, making the characters aware of the house’s dark cinematic reputation. This self-referential approach adds an interesting layer to the narrative, but it also highlights the challenge of making the story feel fresh.
From the beginning, the film establishes a tense and uneasy atmosphere. The house itself is large, shadowy, and filled with dark corners that seem to hide secrets. Classic horror elements are present throughout: creaking floors, flickering lights, strange noises at night, and unexplained events that slowly escalate. These familiar tropes create moments of suspense, although seasoned horror fans may find them predictable. Nevertheless, the film does manage to build tension through its slow reveal of the supernatural forces at work.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the film is the gradual transformation of James. After being comatose for a long time, he suddenly begins to recover in ways that seem almost miraculous. At first, this appears to be a blessing for the family, especially for Joan, who desperately wants her son to regain consciousness. However, it quickly becomes clear that something darker may be responsible for his recovery. As James grows stronger, his personality begins to change in disturbing ways, suggesting that the house itself may be influencing him.
Belle becomes the primary perspective through which the audience experiences the horror. As the skeptical and observant member of the family, she starts to suspect that their new home is not as ordinary as it seems. Her investigation leads her to discover the violent history associated with the house and the infamous murders that occurred there decades earlier. This discovery reinforces the sense that the house is more than just a haunted building; it is a place that feeds on darkness and manipulation.
Bella Thorne delivers a solid performance as Belle, portraying a character who is both vulnerable and determined. She carries much of the emotional weight of the film, especially as she struggles with the possibility that her brother may no longer be the person he once was. Jennifer Jason Leigh also brings intensity to her role as the desperate mother who refuses to see the danger around her. Her character’s denial and emotional desperation create an additional layer of tension within the family dynamic.
Despite these strong performances, the film struggles with pacing and tone. At times, it feels unsure whether it wants to be a straightforward supernatural horror film or a meta-commentary on the Amityville franchise itself. Several scenes reference earlier Amityville movies, and the characters even watch one of them within the story. While this idea is creative, it sometimes breaks the immersion and reminds viewers that they are watching yet another installment in a long series of films.
Visually, the film uses dark lighting and shadowy environments to create a classic haunted house aesthetic. The cinematography emphasizes the isolation of the house, making it feel like a place cut off from the outside world. There are moments where the visuals successfully build tension, particularly during nighttime scenes when the house seems to come alive. However, some of the supernatural effects rely on familiar horror clichés, which can reduce their impact for audiences who have seen similar scenes in countless other films.
The third act of the film leans heavily into supernatural confrontation and possession themes. As the truth about the house’s influence becomes impossible to ignore, Belle must confront the terrifying reality that the evil within the house may have taken control of her brother. These final moments are intense and dramatic, though some viewers may feel that the film resolves its central conflict too quickly after a slow build-up.
Ultimately, Amityville: The Awakening is a film that tries to honor the legacy of the Amityville franchise while also attempting to modernize it for a new generation of horror fans. While it contains several effective moments of suspense and some strong performances, it also suffers from predictable scares and an uneven narrative. The idea of acknowledging the previous Amityville films within the story is interesting, but it sometimes draws attention to the franchise’s long history of uneven sequels.
For dedicated horror fans, the film may still provide some entertainment, especially for those who enjoy haunted house stories and the mythology surrounding the Amityville legend. However, it does not fully capture the chilling impact that made the original story so memorable. Instead, it feels more like a modern reinterpretation that struggles to balance nostalgia with originality.
In the end, Amityville: The Awakening stands as another chapter in the long and complicated history of the Amityville franchise. It offers moments of genuine tension and an intriguing premise, but it ultimately falls short of becoming a truly memorable horror experience. For viewers curious about the continuing evolution of the Amityville myth in cinema, it may still be worth watching, if only to see how the legend continues to inspire new interpretations.
Horror / Thriller
USA, 2017, 87 min
Director: Franck Khalfoun
Screenplay: Franck Khalfoun
Cinematography: Steven Poster
Music: Rob
Cast: Bella Thorne, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Cameron Monaghan, Jennifer Morrison, McKenna Grace, Thomas Mann, Taylor Spreitler, Kurtwood Smith, Hunter Goligoski, Darrell Duane
Producers: Jason Blum, Daniel Farrands, Casey La Scala
Casting: Terri Taylor
Editing: Patrick McMahon
Sound: Michael J. Benavente, Zsolt Magyar
Production Design: David Lazan
Makeup: Howard Berger, Greg Nicotero, Jessica Lou Allen, Brian Kinney
Costumes: Mairi Chisholm