Chris Kavan's Movie Review of Altar

Rating of
2.5/4

Altar

Altar is Predictable But Satisfying Horror
Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/15/15

Although this haunter house mystery doesn't break the mold when it comes the story, it's bolstered by the presence of Olvia Williams, along with enough scares to make a decent horror film.

The setup is a classic - a family relocates to a Victorian-era mansion - a one-timed Bread and Breakfast, whose owner is looking to restore it to its former glory. Meg Hamilton (Williams) is the restoration expert. Her husband Alec (Matthew Modine) is a struggling artist hoping the fresh air will help reinvigorate his passion. They also have a teenage daughter (Antonia Clarke) and son (Adam Thomas Wright) along for this trip. Soon after arriving, Meg learns her London team of restoration experts are not coming due to a car accident. She has to hire on a local (Richard Dillane) to help with the work. But they are skeptical and superstitious about the job due to the many stories surrounding the previous owners. Sure enough, secrets are uncovered, things go bump in the night and a mysterious woman is seen in various incarnations.

As I said, Altar doesn't jump out in the originality department - haunted houses have been around for as long as there have been houses as far as I know. However, the decaying abode is suitably creepy and while some of the camera effects are more cheesy than scary, overall they get the atmosphere right. Things move predictably along (and the daughter even has asthma to throw in a wrench) and I would chalk this up to be just another average horror if it wasn't for Williams. Even though Modine is alright as the husband who slowly succumbs to the effects of the house, it is Williams who shines as the restoration expert trying to hold things together. Her family financial situation is dire and her marriage is not exactly the greatest - but she puts on a strong face and soliders ahead. Even as things go from bad to worse, she tries to keep things together, until even she finally has to admit it's getting too dangerous. It leads to a somewhat satisfying conclusion.

Altar may seem overly familiar to fans of horror, but thanks to a good bit of casting it manages to gain a slight edge and is a worthy enterprise for those who like creepy houses and restless spirits.

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