Burnt Offerings (1976) ⭐️⭐️⭐.5

Ben and Marian Rolf can’t believe how cheap the rent is at their giant Victorian summer home. Over time, however, they begin to sense that there’s something peculiar about the place. Marian becomes strangely obsessed with keeping house, Ben finds himself prone to unusual bursts of anger and his vivacious aunt Elizabeth becomes withdrawn, then mysteriously dies. As the couple tries to adjust, they wonder if the house itself could be responsible?

Starring: Karen Black, Bette Davis, Oliver Reed, Burgess Meredith, Todd Turquand

Watch on: Tubi, Prime Video, MGM+

When I watched this movie for the first time in 2021, I was just beginning to get into writing reviews, and starting to embrace my love for the horror genre. I didn’t know Letterboxd was a thing, and I was just keeping a journal. I had already known who Karen was because of Trilogy of Terror, and I was excited to see her again. It was also my introduction to Bette Davis. Upon a second viewing, it wasn’t as good as I remembered, but it was still a solid watch. I really like the family dynamic between Black, Oliver Reed, Lee Montgomery and Davis. They go from being a loving family, to slowly being at each other’s throats as the house shows its true colors. It’s also always a treat to see Burgess Meredith, though I wish there was more of him. When I was reading reviews for the movie, someone described the house not as haunted, but living, which I think is an appropriate way to summarize it. With the movie being just about two hours long, it could be a little shorter, but it works well as two thirds thriller, and one third melodrama. It’s a good followup for both Dan Curtis and Karen Black after Trilogy of Terror.

Ray Walton

Neurodivergent movie lover. Here to share reviews for horror and non horror movies that fall into the “Dark Cinema” category.

Ray Walton

Neurodivergent movie lover.

Here to share reviews for horror and non horror movies that fall into the “Dark Cinema” category.