The Haunting (aka NO-DO: Beckoning)

(2010) ***

Francesca and her husband Pedro move into a large, remote house that was previously used as a school for priests 50 years prior. Francesca is suffering from postpartum depression following the birth of their son and on the advice of a friend they believe a change of scenery might help (it actually makes things a lot worse, stupid friend). The couple is informed that the attic and basement are locked because the house is undergoing renovations. Before long Francesca begins to see strange apparitions and hear frightening sounds. At the same time she becomes obsessed with the health of their newborn to a degree that borders on madness. Francesca begins to notice that the strange happenings in her new home appear to be emanating from both the attic and basement. Just what secrets does this old house hold?



Confusing secrets is the answer. Although there are a few things to like about The Haunting, they are sandwiched in between long, convoluted sequences of melodramatic religiosity. There are several themes presented throughout the film that never really gel together including the grief over the loss of a child, mental illness, the hypocrisy of religion (do they really practice what they preach?), and the dangers inherent in religious practice when things are taken literally. Although the setting for this haunting is perfect, the scares are periodically deflated with the use of CG, which immediately sucks any dread out of the room (see top photograph). Some serious editing to tighten this Spanish film up would greatly benefit one’s viewing experience.