IMDb 5 2005 HD

An American Haunting

An American Haunting

2005
Horror Mystery Thriller
83 min PG-13 Canada
5.532 / 10
5 IMDB

An invisible entity haunts a 19th century family, and family secrets soon begin to surface. Based on the true events of the only case in US History where…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Courtney Solomon / Mariana Lina / Ingrid Cristea / Laurentiu Maronese / Dave Norris / Theodor Halacu-Nicon
Starring
Donald Sutherland / Sissy Spacek / Rachel Hurd-Wood / James D'Arcy / Matthew Marsh / Thom Fell / Zoe Thorne / Gaye Brown

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

eerie unsettling historical dramatic atmospheric slow-burn supernatural tragic intriguing conventional brooding

Reviews

F
Fiona McKenzie
May 6, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

The story of the Bell Witch offers fertile ground for a chilling horror film, and 'An American Haunting' certainly attempts to cultivate that. It’s a film that relies heavily on its period setting and the psychological impact of…

C
Cameron Davies
May 6, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Here's a period horror that prioritises atmosphere and familial strife over cheap thrills. 'An American Haunting' tackles the legend of the Bell Witch with a serious demeanour, showcasing the devastating impact of a supernatural presence on a 19th-century…

B
Beatrice Holloway
May 6, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

An ambitious foray into historical hauntings, 'An American Haunting' centres on the notorious Bell Witch. The film's commitment to its 19th-century setting is commendable, lending an authentic, if somewhat staid, atmosphere. Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek lend their…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 6, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Drawing from one of America’s most enduring ghost stories, 'An American Haunting' presents a chilling account of the Bell Witch. The film is at its best when it leans into the psychological torment inflicted upon the family, with…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 6, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This period piece attempts to blend historical folklore with supernatural frights, centring on the infamous Bell Witch legend. While it boasts a strong veteran cast in Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek, their performances often feel constrained by a…

FAQs

The film adopts a predominantly somber and unsettling tone, steeped in the atmosphere of the 19th century. It aims for a sense of dread and psychological unease, playing on the fear of the unseen and the disintegration of family trust. While there are moments of overt spectral activity, the prevailing mood is one of creeping terror and emotional turmoil, reflecting the serious nature of the alleged events and the family's plight.