The Manor

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 8, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Barbara Hershey as Judith Albright
• Bruce Davison as Roland
• Nicholas Alexander as Josh
• Jill Larson as Trish
• Fran Bennett as Ruth
• Katie A. Keane as Barbara
• Ciera Payton as Liesel

Director
Axelle Carolyn

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Soulmate (2013)
• Tales of Halloween (2015)
• The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020) [TV Series, 2 episodes]

Producer
Jason Blum
Lisa Bruce
Sandy King

Writer
Axelle Carolyn

Budget
N/A (Blumhouse Television Production)

Production Company
Blumhouse Television
Amazon Studios

Running Time
81 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Disturbing images
• Horror elements
• Mild language
• Themes of aging and dementia

Movie Story
“The Manor” is a chilling horror-thriller that delves into the eerie and unsettling world of elder care facilities, blending supernatural elements with psychological horror. The film follows Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey), a recently widowed woman who moves into a historic nursing home after suffering a minor stroke. Although the facility, Golden Sun Manor, appears idyllic at first, Judith soon begins to experience strange occurrences that make her question her sanity and the safety of those around her.

Judith’s journey begins with a sense of unease as she adjusts to life at the manor. Despite the friendly facade of the staff and the other residents, she starts to notice disturbing patterns and unexplained events. Her concerns are initially dismissed as symptoms of her age and recent health issues, but Judith becomes convinced that something malevolent is at play within the manor’s walls. She begins to suspect that the residents are not dying from natural causes, but rather are being preyed upon by a sinister force.

As Judith investigates further, she forms an alliance with a fellow resident, Roland (Bruce Davison), who shares her suspicions. Together, they uncover a dark secret that connects the manor to ancient rituals and a malevolent presence that feeds on the life force of the elderly. Judith’s grandson, Josh (Nicholas Alexander), becomes her only hope as she desperately tries to escape the clutches of the manor before it claims her as its next victim.

The film explores themes of aging, mortality, and the fear of losing control over one’s life, all wrapped in a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative. The tension builds as Judith’s grip on reality begins to falter, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. The manor itself becomes a character in the story, its creaking halls and shadowy corners amplifying the sense of dread and isolation.

“The Manor” is not just a horror story but also a commentary on the treatment of the elderly and the societal fears surrounding aging. The horror is both physical and psychological, as Judith battles against forces that threaten to strip her of her autonomy and dignity. Barbara Hershey delivers a compelling performance, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a woman fighting for her life and sanity.

Special Effects
The film utilizes practical effects and atmospheric cinematography to create its eerie and foreboding mood. The supernatural elements are subtly integrated, relying more on suggestion and tension than overt gore, which enhances the psychological horror aspect of the film.

Box Office Performance
As part of the “Welcome to the Blumhouse” series on Amazon Prime Video, “The Manor” was released directly to streaming. It received mixed reviews, with particular praise for Barbara Hershey’s performance and the film’s atmospheric direction.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “This place is not what it seems.” – Judith Albright
• “They think we’re old and weak, but we know better.” – Roland
• “You don’t belong here, and neither do I.” – Judith Albright

Behind-the-Scenes

• Director Axelle Carolyn drew inspiration from classic gothic horror and her own fears about aging and elder care to craft the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
• The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict health protocols in place to ensure the safety of the cast and crew, particularly the older actors involved.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Manor” offers a compelling blend of psychological and supernatural horror, driven by a strong lead performance from Barbara Hershey. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it provides an engaging and atmospheric experience that will resonate with fans of slow-burn horror and those interested in stories that explore the fears associated with aging. The film’s themes and setting add a layer of depth that elevates it above standard haunted house fare.

IMDb Rating
5.3/10