Stephen King sought out to do his take on the Haunting of Hill House, but when The Haunting came out, it became Rose Red instead. The elements of The Haunting were there, but with King’s usual flair. This is another one not based on his works, and ABC banked hard on its success.
The plot is about a professor who recruits a group of psychics to investigate an abandoned mansion that is host to paranormal phenomenon. Her goal is awaken the house again, but is unprepared for the consequences that follow.
The King tropes of psychic kid very much applies here. She is the catalyst of the events that happen while in the mansion. Being this is a TV series with a PG-13 rating, it doesn’t get too scary. Just visuals, some blood, and a lot of off the screen deaths.
The bad of this series is the visual design. CGI is very noticeable here and they use it in very questionable ways. For example, they couldn’t get real bees? Then there is the character maybe meant as comic relief named Emery. He is the worst and is a mouth breather to boot. I so wanted him to get killed off but unfortunately he survives.
For what it was, it was a great tribute while adding in some new ideas. It made for a decent haunted house story. Definitely had its share of flaws, but definitely an underrated King production that has much potential.
If you want to check it out, it’s currently only available as a two disc DVD. Definitely worth looking into. If you already seen Rose Red, feel free to leave your thoughts below!
Till next time, stay scared!
-Tha Thrilla-
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