Scheduled for release in 2024, The Curse of the Necklace is a supernatural horror film directed by Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz and written by John Ducy. It is set in the 1960s and deals with issues pertaining to family trauma, grief, and redemption, all tied with elements of paranormal horror. Although the film has not received the best reviews from critics, it does contain an emotional narrative that captures its audience’s attention as much as its supernatural elements do.
Synopsis
As in every family, The Curse of the Necklace features the “perfectly” dysfunctional Davis family. Laura Davis, played by Sarah Lind, has already made the tough decision to separate from her husband, Frank Davis (Henry Thomas). Alcoholism and anger issues have made Frank into a monster, leading his wife Laura to have to take her two daughters Judy and Ellen away from the chaotic home environment so they can start fresh.
To support her daughters, Laura, who used to work as a nurse, has now returned to work. Sixteen year old Judy (Madeleine McGraw) is having a hard time coping with the separation and her father’s emotional roller coaster. Eleven year old Ellen (Violet McGraw) is more shy and sensitive which makes her not understand the new family dynamics at play. Every member in the household, while wanting to restore the emotional balance, has his or her own breakdown to deal with.
To charm winning back his family’s trust, Frank brings his daughter Laura an antique necklace he found at the police station. The necklace, hidden inside an evidence bag from a cold case, dates back to 1938. Although Laura rejects the gift, Frank decides to leave it at the house. The necklace has gorgeous design yet ominous aura, which intensifies while horror unfolds in the story.
Ellen is the first one who finds the necklace. She becomes obsessively fond of it and wears it constantly. Along with the necklace, she begins talking to an imaginary friend, Jonah. Laura assumes this is part of coping for the children with the changes that have recently affected them, until she discovers the disturbing forms through which Jonah chooses to show himself. These include lights flickering, furniture moving by design and Ellen being tortured by visions and episodes with an underlying hint of sinister supernatural force.
With each episode of paranormal activitied, Laura becomes more desperate and seeks help from others until she meets Beatrice Villalobos, a medium who assists in cases involving cursed items, maleficent spirits, and tortured souls. It was through Beatrice that they learned the died-in-tragedy tale behind the necklace; it belonged to a young boy who died mysteriusly and violently in a period in the 30’s. The necklace serves as a vessel for his trapped soul, filled with rage, confusion, and sorrow.
Assisted by a hesitant Frank, Laura seeks to rescue Ellen from the dark clutches of the necklace. In a bid to shatter the curse, the family must unite, grapple with their past, and reconcile their inexplicable guilt and secrets. What follows is a conflict not only with a ghost, but with the personal demons that have besieged the Davis family for decades.
Cast & Crew
Sarah Lind as Laura Davis
Lind gives an aching performance as the emotionally spent and determined maternal figure of the family. Her performance places the mystical elements within human emotions, forcing us to feel the desperation and strength of Laura’s character.
Henry Thomas as Frank Davis
Thomas brings a somber complexity to Frank, the husband who is bereft of all redeemable qualities but is paradoxically seeking redemption. Having grown up with him in E.T, I am used to seeing him in this profound role of both a father and a husband failing terribly to fulfil his duties.
Madeleine McGraw as Judy Davis
As the protective older sister, Madeleine portrays the siblings’ unity, infusing the family drama with emotional depth and sophisticated vulnerability. Makayla’s role really cements her maturity as a young woman.
Violet McGraw as Ellen Davis
Violet’s portrayal of the possessed child is terrifically menacing and utterly convincing. Her unearthly transition in which she shifts from an innocent child to a creature for supernatural horror is definitely one of the highlights of the film.
Roma Maffia as Beatrice Villalobos
In blending manifest and spirit worlds, the medium adds depth to the story. Maffia imprints her psychic character with strength and emotion.
Solis, Moore, and Moran also form part of the supporting cast who contribute to the evolving mystery with their limited, yet significant, roles.
The film is by Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz, who, unlike most horror filmmakers, favors a stylistic build-up of tension over jump scares. The script is by John Ducey, who, in his attempt to combine emotional elements, delves into the realm of horror.
IMDb Ratings and Reviews
The Curse of the Necklace has an IMDb rating of 4.5 out of ten, signifying that the film is poorly rated. Despite a substantial number of viewers appreciating McGraw sisters’ performance combined with the movie’s chilling aesthetics, many were left underwhelmed, claiming an overuse of conventional horror elements. Another critique highlighted the movie’s tempo, particularly the second act. Numerous reviewers expressed their exasperation with the sluggish pace preceding the climax and the unimaginative frightening moments.
Positive attention was paid to the film because of its heartfelt emotional core. In addition to being a ghost story, it delves into the deeper realms of human psyche and the consequences of trauma, guilt, and family discord. The doomed necklace is the haunting symbol of a both a buried past and a past that literally will not be buried.
Themes and Analysis
The Curse of the Necklace stands out for its touching messages centered around reconciliation covered in “horror” cloak. Laura seeks to regain her power, while Frank seeks atonement, and the children must face on the emotional wreckage their parents’ marriage has created. The phantasmic element does more than terrify; it compels the characters to tackle the issues they have chosen to overlook.
The film is also given more atmosphere with the set pieces from the 1960’s. The divorce culture of these years, accompanied by ignorance to the problems of mental health is shown through the costumes, antiques in the homes, and the culture of this family. This sets the family in even further isolation, greatly heightening the drama in their internal conflicts.
Conclusive Remarks
Although The Curse of the Necklace is certainly not a classic example of horror cinema, it does tell a chilling story with an emotionally gripping center. It is a film that seeks to mix terrifying suspense with more profound ideas of redemption, loss, and familial bonds. While its execution may not fulfill all horror lovers—especially those who wish for something more creative or thrilling—this film is a deeply, sombering The supernatural drama film. It’s a quiet piece.
Those who appreciate a blend of sentimental elements with slow burn horror may find enjoyment in The Curse of the Necklace. In spite of the glaring issues, this story does not just linger because of its spectral antagonist, but because of the human fears it conjures.
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