I approached this one with some trepidation, knowing well how long it’s been since there’s been a decent Amityville movie, not to mention that it was originally schedlued for release in 2014, but this one turned into a pleasant surprise with genuine scares. Mind you, it’s not without its flaws, like some editing and pacing issues that suggest either reshoots or post-filming restructuring that left some of its ideas half-baked. But at its core, this is a terrific family drama about the lengths some devoted parents are willing to go in order to protect their children, which makes for a terrific and compelling backdrop. Jennifer Jason Leigh gives an intense, memorable performance that recalls some of her best work and expertly transcends its genre.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
