The Quiet Ones: A Study in Mediocre Horror

In the realm of horror cinema, a growing number of films seem to serve as manuals for diffusing the potential terror that typically characterizes the genre. A prime example of this trend is The Conjuring, which, despite its jump scares, ultimately reassures viewers that nothing too disturbing is truly unfolding. This is a pattern observed in many recent titles that prioritize occasional frights—like sudden appearances and loud noises—over genuinely unsettling narratives that challenge the senses and provoke thought.

Released in 2014, The Quiet Ones does not stray far from this formula. While the performances are competent, the film fails to generate the necessary tension to keep audiences engaged. It has struggled to achieve the same level of success as other horror films within the same genre and has not garnered favorable reviews from critics. Ultimately, it is not a film that demands to be seen.

Set against a comfortably generic 1970s backdrop, the story follows a group of students who embark on a classic, forbidden experiment: attempting to create a poltergeist from the troubled psyche of a young woman. As expected, the experiment goes awry, unleashing a dark and malevolent energy that seals the fate of everyone involved.

Infusing the already mentioned 1970s aesthetic with elements of conventional found footage, the film features a rising young star, intersperses sudden apparitions, and includes the obligatory yet laughable “based on a true story” tagline. This concoction results in a horror film that feels all too familiar.

Produced by the team behind Let Me In and The Woman in Black, directed by John Pogue, and featuring a cast that includes Sam Claflin and Olivia Cooke, the film presents a rather unremarkable addition to the horror genre. Here’s the trailer for your consideration.