Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
An invisible entity haunts a 19th century family, and family secrets soon begin to surface. Based on the true events of the only case in US History where a spirit caused the death of a man.
An American Haunting draws on the well-documented Bell Witch legend but handles the material in a disappointingly muddled way. The period atmosphere is competently realized cinematographically, and the cast — including Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek — elevates the material through committed performances. However, the plot is convoluted and the controversial modern-framing twist ending undercuts much of the supernatural dread built up throughout, alienating both horror fans and those interested in the historical legend. The film offers little that distinguishes it from other period ghost stories, and its resolution feels deflating rather than revelatory.