Review of Jessabelle (2014) by Filipeneto — 28 Aug 2018

This film tells the story of Jessabelle, or Jessie, a girl who went to live with an aunt as a child after her mother's death. When she breaks both legs in a car accident, she's forced to return to her father's house, which is a stranger to her. In her old paternal home, she will rediscover the memories of her late mother, as well as a spirit of her past that will disturb her. The script is, thus, explained in few words and does not seem to bring additions to the traditional ghost story: a girl who is forced to discover an obscure part of her past by the supernatural intervention of a ghost. However, despite this lack of originality, the script works well and the story is well done. It takes place in rural Louisiana and makes good advantage of traditional black cultures and beliefs, such as vodoo and African witchcraft. Perhaps this use of vodoo is, in fact, the only remarkably uncommon note in this film. The end is based on a very nice and surprising twist plot, cutting the predictability that is felt throughout history.

Sarah Snook did a good job in the lead role, and the supporting cast does a competent job as well. What I would most emphasize, however, is the good performance of the director, who has shown himself capable of horror without recourse to liters of false blood and limb amputations, as he was accustomed to doing in the "Saw" franchise. Cinematography is good but not brilliant. The scares are good, but don't properly frighten those who are inveterate fans of horror movies. It's enough, however, to cause some discomfort and tension, which is also pleasant.