The Turning

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 24, 2020

Genre
Horror, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Mackenzie Davis as Kate Mandell
• Finn Wolfhard as Miles Fairchild
• Brooklynn Prince as Flora Fairchild
• Joely Richardson as Mrs. Grose
• Barbara Marten as Darla Mandell

Director
Floria Sigismondi

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Runaways (2010)

Producer
Scott Bernstein, Roy Lee, Seth William Meier

Writer
Carey W. Hayes, Chad Hayes, based on the novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Budget
$14 million

Production Company
Amblin Entertainment, DreamWorks Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment

Running Time
94 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Disturbing images and themes
• Supernatural horror
• Mild violence and language

Movie Story
“The Turning” is a modern adaptation of Henry James’s classic novella The Turn of the Screw, set in the 1990s. The story follows Kate Mandell (Mackenzie Davis), a young governess who is hired to take care of two orphaned children, Miles (Finn Wolfhard) and Flora (Brooklynn Prince), at a sprawling, isolated estate in the countryside. From the moment Kate arrives at the eerie mansion, she senses that something is deeply wrong. The house itself is filled with dark, foreboding energy, and the children’s behavior quickly becomes unsettling.

As Kate tries to bond with the children, she begins to experience strange and terrifying events. Miles displays increasingly erratic and menacing behavior, while Flora seems to be haunted by something unseen. Kate also discovers that the previous governess, Miss Jessel, died under mysterious circumstances, and the former valet, Peter Quint, may have been involved in her death.

As the supernatural occurrences escalate, Kate becomes convinced that the estate is haunted by malevolent spirits, and that the children are in grave danger. However, her growing paranoia and fear lead her to question her own sanity, blurring the line between reality and delusion. The film builds to a tense and ambiguous conclusion, leaving viewers to wonder whether Kate’s experiences were real or the product of her deteriorating mental state.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Turning” focus on creating a gothic and eerie atmosphere rather than relying heavily on CGI. The film uses practical effects, lighting, and sound design to build tension and create a sense of dread. The haunting imagery, including ghostly apparitions and unsettling visions, adds to the film’s creepy tone. The cinematography, with its muted color palette and use of shadows, enhances the feeling of isolation and fear that permeates the story.

Box Office Performance
“The Turning” had a moderate box office performance, grossing approximately $19.4 million worldwide against its $14 million budget. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with particular criticism directed at its confusing ending and lack of character development. However, it found a niche audience among fans of psychological horror and gothic narratives.

Filming Locations

• Killruddery House, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
• Dublin, Ireland

Notable Quotes

• “You ever want to leave a place so bad you could die?” – Miles Fairchild
• “They are not normal children.” – Kate Mandell

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Floria Sigismondi is known for her visually striking work in music videos and films, and she brought that stylistic approach to “The Turning.” The film’s production focused on creating an atmospheric and visually immersive experience, drawing inspiration from classic gothic horror films. The screenplay, written by Carey and Chad Hayes, aimed to modernize the source material while maintaining the ambiguity and psychological tension of the original story. However, the film’s ending, which diverges from the novella, left many audiences puzzled and divided.

Awards

• Nominated for Saturn Award: Best Horror Film

Final Verdict
“The Turning” offers a visually atmospheric take on a classic ghost story, but its execution may leave viewers divided. While the film succeeds in creating an unsettling mood and features strong performances, particularly from Mackenzie Davis and the young cast, its ambiguous and abrupt ending might frustrate some audiences. For fans of gothic horror and psychological thrillers, “The Turning” provides a haunting, if flawed, experience that lingers with its eerie visuals and haunting atmosphere.

IMDb Rating
3.8/10