“Jessabelle” is a 2014 supernatural horror film directed by Kevin Greutert. The story follows Jessabelle “Jessie” Laurent (Sarah Snook), who returns to her childhood home in Louisiana to recover from a traumatic car accident. While there, she uncovers disturbing videotapes left by her deceased mother, leading to a series of eerie and unsettling events.
The film attempts to weave Southern Gothic elements with supernatural horror, effectively capturing the atmospheric essence of the Louisiana bayou. However, it received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Jessabelle” holds a 28% approval rating based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 4.7/10. The consensus states: “Jessabelle hints at a bright future for star Sarah Snook, but clouds her performance with a clichéd—and tasteless—storyline.”
Critics have pointed out that while the film benefits from a strong sense of place and atmosphere, it struggles with originality and coherence. Sheila O’Malley from RogerEbert.com noted that the film is “interesting in some of the small details, and in its strong sense of the Louisiana bayou atmosphere,” but ultimately “completely falls apart when it starts being a horror film.” Similarly, Scott Tobias from The Dissolve commented, “The more complicated it gets, the less scary it becomes.”
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Sarah Snook’s performance was highlighted as a positive aspect. Her portrayal of Jessie brings depth to the character, showcasing her potential as a leading actress in the genre. However, many felt that her talent was overshadowed by the film’s reliance on horror clichés and a predictable plot.
In summary, “Jessabelle” offers a moody and atmospheric setting with a commendable lead performance but is hindered by a lack of originality and a convoluted narrative. Horror enthusiasts might find some elements to appreciate, but overall, the film doesn’t significantly stand out in the crowded supernatural horror genre.
