THE LITTLE STRANGER: C

The Little Stranger contains everything that should result in an intelligent gothic chiller: atmosphere, methodical pacing, and a character-driven drama that hints at something grander beneath its surface horrors. Through its luscious cinematography, dense script, and acting strengths—Will Poulter is particularly excellent as a burned and shell-shocked war veteran—the film does an extraordinary job examining gender and 1947’s English class structure. Yet, the film is nearly derailed by its perplexing central conceit—is it a ghost or something else? By removing the horror elements, the film may have been a more effective standalone period piece about class relations and mental illness.

Sean Woodard, Staff writer

The Little Stranger

Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Charlotte Rampling, Will Poulter

Written by Lucinda Coxon; based on the novel by Sarah Waters

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson

In Theaters Now