It's a gothic ghost film in the truest sense; it's incredibly bleak and eerie. You feel the isolation and paranoia of our main character just by seeing the house he must stay in. It's decay and seclusion instantly surround you in the uneasy atmosphere.
The atmosphere is so strong it props the film up against its weaker points. One of the weakest for me is Daniel Radcliffe and his character. He does a decent job with the performance, but his character still feels flat and generic.
My other gripe is some of the cliche methods used to scare us. There were a few jump scares that felt cheap as they went for a typical fake-out and an over-the-top musical cue. However, the atmosphere is strong enough to cover those few blemishes.
Despite those qualms, this bitter tale still has its power, and effectively seeps its dread into your bones. It's a nice mix of traditional gothic concepts and a modern, cynical presentation. It's a quality spook, and a Good. Check it out.

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