It Feeds is a 2025 supernatural horror film written and directed by Chad Archibald, starring Ashley Greene, Shawn Ashmore, and Ellie O’Brien, that tries to carve out its own niche within a crowded genre space filled with demonic entities, psychic practitioners, and family‑driven emotional stakes. The story follows psychic therapist Cynthia Winstone (Ashley Greene), who can perceive and interact with forces most people can’t. When a young girl named Riley appears claiming a malevolent, invisible entity is feeding on her, Cynthia and her daughter Jordan (Ellie O’Brien) find themselves pulled into a terrifying confrontation with something that doesn’t just bleed or scream — it seems to consume essence itself.

What It Feeds does well from the outset is establish atmosphere. From the very first act, the film’s tone is eerie without relying on excessive gore. Instead, it leans into shadowy visuals, hushed sound design, and the suggestion of something watching from the corners of dimly lit rooms. The creature itself — played by Brooklyn Marshall — is effectively unsettling, reminding me at times of classic ghostly antagonists from films like Insidious or The Conjuring in how its form is only partly shown, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination. That approach can be genuinely haunting when it works, and there are moments where the silence and restrained sound design leave a lingering sense of unease.

In terms of narrative, It Feeds walks a familiar path. The film interweaves a traditional possession‑style plot — an entity preying on vulnerable hosts — with deeper emotional themes about grief and generational trauma. As some viewers have pointed out, this isn’t just about a spooky force in a haunted house; it’s about characters who have their own internal demons. Cynthia’s refusal to confront this latest case at first stems not only from fear, but from unresolved personal issues tied to her past. Her daughter Jordan, eager but unseasoned in dealing with the supernatural, represents both fear and hope, pushed into the forefront of the story by her unwavering belief that the girl in danger deserves help.

Ashley Greene provides a solid anchor for the film. Her performance as Cynthia is measured and grounded, offering a believable portrayal of someone carrying both psychic sensitivity and deep emotional wounds. Shawn Ashmore, as the desperate father Randall, delivers some strong moments, particularly in scenes where helplessness gives way to visceral fear. Ellie O’Brien’s Jordan is central to the plot’s momentum, though opinions on her performance are divided. Some viewers find her emotional range compelling, while others feel it occasionally dips into melodrama.

One of It Feeds’ biggest strengths — and simultaneously its biggest weakness — is how comfortably it settles into genre conventions. There’s a clear structure that horror fans will recognize: eerie sightings, escalating threats, a descent into danger, and a final confrontation that tests bonds and bravery. For some viewers, this familiarity will feel reassuring — like watching a beloved subgenre executed with care. For others, the predictability can lessen impact. The scares are there, particularly when enhanced by practical effects and effective creature design, but the narrative itself rarely surprises beyond the initial mystery.

The screenplay by Archibald offers moments of thoughtful character exploration, especially around loss and fear, but it occasionally falters under its own ambition. The rules of Cynthia’s psychic abilities are hinted at, but never fully explained, leaving some sequences feeling underdeveloped or illogical. The mythology of the entity — its origins, motives, and weaknesses — remains frustratingly vague, which can enrich the mystery for some audiences but leave others unsatisfied in terms of narrative payoff. The climax, while energetic, sometimes feels more like a sequence of atmospheric beats than a fully reasoned resolution to the emotional and supernatural threads the movie has set up.

Despite these limitations, It Feeds achieves something notable that many horror films struggle with: it sustains tension even when the plot isn’t breaking new ground. The pacing for the first two acts gradually increases suspense, and the creature’s presence — both seen and unseen — is a constant reminder that the characters are never truly safe. There are genuine jolts that work as intended, and the practical design of the entity earns its screen time. The cinematography also contributes to the mood, with shadows and tight framing that keep the viewer on edge.

There are moments where the film’s focus on horror tropes becomes too apparent. Certain scenes rely heavily on jump scares rather than building sustained dread, and a few supporting characters lack depth, serving mostly as plot devices rather than fully fleshed‑out personalities. Some audience members have complained about pacing issues, noting that certain stretches drag while others feel rushed — especially in the final act’s resolution.

For fans of supernatural horror, It Feeds is a competent entry that will satisfy genre appetites without necessarily redefining them. It’s not quite the next Insidious or The Conjuring, but it offers a blend of psychological tension and creature feature elements that holds attention and delivers moments of eerie fascination. If you go into it expecting a traditional ghost story with solid performances and a creepy antagonist, you will likely find value in it. Expecting groundbreaking originality, however, might lead to disappointment.

In conclusion, It Feeds is a film that knows what kind of story it wants to tell and tells it with atmospheric flair, even if its narrative medicine occasionally tastes bitter. The performances, particularly by Greene, help elevate familiar material, and the creature design contributes to a haunting visual identity. While the movie often treads well‑worn ground, it does so with enough competence and stylistic energy to make it worthwhile for horror enthusiasts. It’s that sort of movie that, even if it won’t keep you up all night, will definitely make you think twice before walking alone through the dark.

❮ ❯

Horror
USA, 2025, 101 min

Director: Chad Archibald
Screenplay: Chad Archibald
Cinematography: Jeff Maher
Music: Stephanie Copeland

Cast: Ashley Greene, Ellie O’Brien, Shawn Ashmore, Mark Taylor, Sara Garcia, Juno Rinaldi, Laurie Murdoch, Jayden Kirton, Shayelin Martin, Shai Barcia

Producers: Chad Archibald, Cody Calahan, Morris Chapdelaine, Navid McIlhargey, Evan Ottoni
Casting: Ian Bender
Editing: Mike Gallant
Sound: Chris Russell