Genres: Horror, Mystery
Release Date: July 24, 2015

Director: Gil Kenan
Main Cast:

• Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
• Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
• Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke
• Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
• Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen

Plot Summary

In this remake of the 1982 classic, Poltergeist follows the Bowen family, who move into a new suburban home in the hopes of a fresh start. But their dream quickly turns into a nightmare when strange and terrifying occurrences begin to disrupt their peaceful life.

The youngest daughter, Madison (Kennedi Clements), becomes the focal point of the paranormal activity when she is taken by an unknown force into the otherworldly realm. As the supernatural disturbances escalate, the family turns to a paranormal expert, Carrigan Burke (Jared Harris), to help rescue Madison and uncover the dark force that has invaded their home.

With the clock ticking and the danger escalating, the Bowens must confront the terrifying entities that haunt their home, risking everything to save their daughter before she is lost forever.

Trailer Highlights

The Poltergeist trailer builds anticipation with chilling moments and suspenseful scenes:

• Disturbing Paranormal Events: Objects moving on their own, eerie voices, and ghostly apparitions tormenting the Bowen family.
• Unseen Forces: Madison’s terrifying abduction into the supernatural realm, with a visual spectacle of the otherworldly forces at work.
• Atmosphere of Fear: A constant sense of dread builds throughout, as the Bowen family’s desperation to save Madison intensifies.
• Expert Help: The introduction of Carrigan Burke, who reveals the horrific nature of the spirits haunting the Bowen home.
• Final Confrontation: A high-stakes, nerve-wracking finale where the family fights to retrieve Madison from the clutches of evil.

Reception

While the Poltergeist remake was met with mixed reviews, critics praised its visual effects and the intensity of the scares. The film updates the 1982 classic with modern technology and special effects, creating a more intense visual experience. However, some felt that the film didn’t fully capture the original’s eerie charm and atmosphere. The performances of Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt were well-received, with Rockwell’s portrayal of a father desperate to save his daughter being particularly notable.

The film’s use of updated technology—like smartphones, security cameras, and social media—added a contemporary twist, setting it apart from the original. However, some critics felt the film lacked the emotional depth and nuance that made the 1982 film a horror classic.

Why Watch?

Poltergeist (2015) offers a modern take on a horror classic, with plenty of jump scares, unsettling visuals, and a haunting atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking for a scary movie with contemporary technology-driven twists, but still featuring the terrifying ghostly forces that make Poltergeist such a memorable franchise.

Tagline: “They’re here… and they’re not leaving.”