tscholf

"The Enfield Haunting" is based off a true paranormal case which took place in Brimstone, England in the 1970's. The truth of the story is an interesting one, where even the police were puzzled by the strange occurrences taking place. On terms of this adaption, it is a fairly decent one. It stays true to the original source for the most part, while changing around a few minor facts. However, If you're expecting slasher Hollywood horror then prepare to be disappointed. Its slow pace and eerie atmosphere is what builds the suspense in this show. The one thing that truly makes this show work is that both the pacing and the characters have a very realistic feel, while still managing to create an entertainment for its audience. This could have easily turned into something clichéd, with the brooding main character dealing inner demons of his past, the skeptic who's only there for his own benefit, and the bratty kid you hope dies but for some reason never does. Instead, the characters actually feel like real people and you feel for everyone in that situation. This is not only credit towards the writing, but the actors as well. Originally I only watched the show after learning that Matthew Macfayden and Timothy Spall were a part of it (two very talented actors who I'm in absolute love with), but everyone was just great, even the kids surprisingly were really talented. My one true con would probably be that it isn't as scary as I wish it could be. There are moments where I know it's trying to be realistic but it ends up being a little silly, particularly when the poltergeist starts to communicate through other people. That could have been a great horror moment, but instead it's pretty off putting and kind of awkward. All in all, it's an interesting attempting. If you're looking for something more realistic then the conjuring then I would recommend this. The horror is definitely more died down, but it still manages to be eerie and very creepy in its own way :)