It’s easy to understand how someone might start questioning their sanity after being confined for an extended period. Following a nine-year absence, John Carpenter stepped back into the role of director with this decent but unremarkable horror film. While some negative reviews seem rooted in unrealistic hopes for a revival of his earlier work, it's simply a conventional horror movie. The story centers on Amber Heard (known for The Stepfather and All the Boys Love Mandy Lane), portraying Kristen, an arsonist struggling with mental health issues. Immediately placed within a psychiatric institution, she’s targeted by a malevolent ghost seemingly determined to eliminate all of the female patients. Essentially, a group of exceptionally attractive young women are pursued and murdered by a ghostly figure wearing noticeably cheap-looking makeup. The occasional jump scare provides some minimal thrills, and the actors deliver reliable performances. Carpenter utilizes his signature camera work in places to create moments of suspense. However, the film rushes towards its final explanation, which is ultimately underwhelming because it feels derivative of better horror/thriller movies. It was an easy project for Carpenter, and those who admire his work won’t necessarily hold that against him; while it isn't as bad as some critics claim, it remains average and not a particularly memorable way for him to leave directing horror films. 6/10
On September 23, 2026
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