This movie is a modern version of the Henry James novella The Turn of the Screw from 1898. Because this book is in the public domain it has been made into a movie countless times like in 1959, 1974, 1982, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022. So, you know the story must be strong because films are not made that many times if they aren’t well received in some way. The most famous film adaption does not share the title of the book however, The Innocents from 1961 starring Deborah Kerr is by far the best version of the story.
This version of the movie also has a different title and the family of Mr. James should be thankful for it. This is a stinker. Not terrible, terrible, but definitely a juicy fart at a dinner party bad. It is a little scary, but just not intense enough. About 15 minutes into the movie as our governess meets her first orphan child they make they way thru a hedge maze on the grounds of the residence. That was the highlight for me.
I have a blog post about the worst maze movies of all time…the link is down below, and I am honestly considering updating it right now.
I give it a 5/10.
Additional posts and sections you may like:
The 10 best maze themed horror movies
The 10 best maze movie posters
5 Absolutely terrible maze movies to never ever watch ever. really. don’t watch them