Haunter

Haunter

Starring Abigail Breslin, Stephen McHattie, David Hewlett, Michelle Nolden

Directed by Vincenzo Natali

Lisa (Abigail Breslin) is re-living the day before her birthday over and over again.  At first she is unsure why it's happening, or why her family doesn't realize it's occurring.  Then she realizes that she - and her family - are dead, but her family won't accept it.  She doesn't know how it happened until the arrival of the Pale Man (Stephen McHattie), who warns her to not investigate, or something even worse will happen to her.

She ignores the warning and searches the house for clues as to how they died, and uncovers a centuries old secret the house possesses, and that she's not the first - and possibly not the last - victim of the evil that lives inside.

Abigail Breslin is one of the few Hollywood actresses who, so far, has come out unscathed from the typical trappings of child stars.  From her Oscar-nominated role in "Little Miss Sunshine" to "Zombieland" and others, she's grown into a very well-rounded and outstanding younger actress.

"Haunter" wouldn't have been half as good if she wasn't starring in it.  The premise was mildly unique, although glimpses of "Groundhog Day" and "The Others" are clearly visible, it's still a great ghost story and also a great mystery.  The story is a slow burn, with reveals occurring throughout that challenges Lisa's assumptions and slowly reveals how much danger she's really in, despite already being dead, and the challenge of warning those still alive haunt Lisa to the very end.

Plus Stephen McHattie is downright frightening in his own right.

My Rating: B+