My quick rating – 5.3/10. I was pleasantly surprised that this flick offers a straightforward haunted house setup with a refreshing twist, a family that actually decides to leave at the first sign of trouble. Evelyn Elster’s unexpected windfall from an estranged cousin’s fortune initially seems like a dream come true for her struggling family. However, the inheritance comes with strings attached—a sinister family curse lurking within the eerie confines of her cousin’s home.
The film delivers some genuinely creepy moments, thanks in large part to the well-executed visual effects. The titular paintings are the real stars here, their haunting transitions and menacing “coming to life” sequences providing most of the scares. The editing shines during these moments, blending practical effects and CGI in a way that maintains tension without going overboard.
While the supernatural occurrences are given a reasonable backstory, the film stumbles with its portrayal of the family’s handling of the curse. The introduction of a hokey ritual, which the family somehow becomes experts at almost overnight, stretches believability even within the context of a supernatural thriller.
The cast delivers serviceable performances—nothing stellar, but nothing that detracts from the overall experience. The dialogue and emotional reactions are par for the course in the genre, avoiding the kind of melodrama that often undermines similar films.
Unfortunately, The Painted can’t resist the modern horror trope of leaving the door open for a sequel, a decision that feels more obligatory than inspired. Still, it manages to wrap up its main narrative threads with enough clarity to keep you satisfied.
While it doesn’t break any new ground, it is a competent haunted house flick with a few standout moments and a decent blend of scares. It’s worth a watch for fans of supernatural horror, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
Amazon along with a few other streamers have this one for viewing.