It’s best to approach this early Steven Spielberg television film with caution, as it doesn't measure up to the quality of Duel, which came out just before it, though glimpses of his developing directing style are visible. Something Evil isn’t a standout horror movie; however, for those of us who saw it when we were kids, it was quite frightening. The story centers on a family of four relocating to an idyllic Pennsylvania farmhouse, unaware that a demonic presence dwells there. The father works long hours in the city, leaving his wife and two children vulnerable to a malevolent force that appears as red goo contained within jam jars or through the use of a wind machine. The mother then battles this entity, attempting to protect her family using affection and pentacle drawings. That’s essentially the whole story; the limited budget prevents anything more elaborate. Spielberg demonstrates some talent with his use of dissolves, close-ups, and unusual camera angles, but these moments are diminished by uninspired performances and a musical score that feels like it belongs to an amusement park attraction. Characters appear briefly and then disappear until they’re needed in the final portion of the film, while the special effects are understandably rudimentary given the resources available. Considering its era, budget, and as a look at the early career of someone who would become one of America's most significant directors, it’s an interesting item to experience. Still, it isn't vital viewing for horror enthusiasts or those seeking to collect everything by Spielberg. It earns a 6/10.

Source on TMDB