The Changeling (1980)

The Changeling (1980) is a slow-burning supernatural mystery about John Russell, a grieving composer and music professor who retreats to a vast, century-old mansion after his wife and daughter are killed in a car accident. Hired through friends and tied to local benefactors, Russell hopes the empty house will give him space to grieve and create—but he soon discovers he is not alone. Strange noises (always at 6:00 AM), cold spots, and the presence of a child spirit lead him to investigate the home’s dark past. With the help of Claire Norman and his own research, he peels back layers of silence, deceit, and a decades-old child murder guarded by a powerful local figure. What the viewer will experience: - A mood-driven, atmospheric haunted-house story rather than jump-scare horror: creeping dread, long, tense sequences, and richly staged interiors. - A tightly woven mystery that unfolds through investigation, historical clues, and a seance, revealing moral corruption and shocking secrets tied to the mansion’s former owners. - Emotional weight centered on grief and obsession, as Russell’s sorrow makes him vulnerable to the child’s need for justice. - Strong moments of unease and melancholy, punctuated by chilling revelations and a deliberate, satisfying unraveling of the truth. Overall, The Changeling offers haunting atmosphere, a compelling central mystery, and an emotionally resonant ghost story that builds to a tense, morally driven confrontation.

Actors: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas

Director: Peter Medak

Runtime: 107 min

Genres: Horror, Mystery

7.2 /10 70 /100 7.1 /10 7.1 /10