Review of Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971) by Tim S — 19 Nov 2009

Synopsis: Jessica has been recently released from a mental institute after a breakdown. So, her husband uproots them from the city and buys an apple orchard in hopes that the change of scenery and lifestyle will preserve Jessica's newfound mental health. He may however have chosen the wrong house...

PROS.

Character Driven Plot.

Jessica Narration.

Tension Derived from Uncertainty.

The Score.

The Sound Design.

Unexplained nature of threat.

CONS.

The 70's fashion can be distracting.

FINAL ANALYSIS.

This is a phenomenally creepy entry in the genre of horror. The character driven story is fairly well acted and directed. The cinematography is yomen's work, sturdy and effective but not mind blowing. With limited set pieces and few character we are able to become engaged with the characters and their dynamic fairly quickly. The peculiar occurrences begin from the start and tension grows from there. What really drew me in was the fact that Jessica's mental illness made her reticent to communicate anything frightening she experiences because not only is she unsure in her mental stability, she is confident her husband would indeed dismiss her and consider recommitting her to the hospital. This really added to the uncomfortable feeling of creepiness pervasive in this film. The sound effect and in voice of Jessica adds layer to the general unsettling nature in the film. This film really impressed me, and though in languishes in relative obscurity, I feel this should be included in the pantheon of classic horror films that include the like of the Exorcist, Rosemary's Baby and the Shining. While maybe not as well crafted as these other films, I found it to be equally disturbing and haunting.

IF YOU LIKE SUBTLE AND ATMOSPHERIC HORROR MOVIES SEEK THIS OUT.