Genre: Horror | Supernatural | Mystery
Directed by: Kevin Greutert
Written by: Robert Ben Garant
Starring: Sarah Snook, Mark Webber, David Andrews, Joelle Carter
Runtime: 90 minutes
Studio: Lionsgate | Blumhouse Productions
Set in the haunting, humid atmosphere of Louisiana, Jessabelle blends classic Southern Gothic storytelling with modern supernatural horror. While the film doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it offers a strong lead performance, a chilling mood, and a compelling mystery that unfolds at a slow, unsettling pace.
After a tragic car accident leaves her paralyzed and grieving, Jessabelle (Sarah Snook) returns to her estranged father’s decrepit plantation home in rural Louisiana. As she begins to adjust to her new life and limited mobility, she discovers a series of old VHS tapes recorded by her late mother—tapes that contain ominous tarot readings and eerie warnings about her future.
Soon, Jessabelle finds herself haunted by a restless spirit who seems determined to reveal a buried truth about her past. As she digs deeper, the line between the supernatural and psychological begins to blur, and secrets that were meant to stay hidden come crawling to the surface.
Sarah Snook (before rising to fame in Succession) delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Jessabelle. She brings a believable vulnerability to the role, portraying both emotional grief and quiet strength. Her grounded performance elevates the film above typical haunted-house fare.
David Andrews plays her cold, emotionally distant father with stern intensity, while Mark Webber adds sincerity as her old flame, Preston. The supporting cast, though limited, serves the story well.
Director Kevin Greutert (Saw VI, Saw 3D) takes a more restrained approach in Jessabelle, focusing on slow-building tension rather than cheap scares. The film’s Louisiana setting is one of its greatest strengths—swamps, creaking wooden floors, faded wallpaper, and candlelit séances all contribute to a thick, moody atmosphere.
The cinematography is intimate and eerie, making the house itself feel like a character, while the score by Anton Sanko adds a subtle layer of dread without overpowering the visuals.
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Loss, identity, and motherhood
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The dark legacy of family secrets
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Cultural mysticism vs. spiritual truth
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Fate and the fear of the unknown
The film dips into voodoo folklore, but treats it with more mystery than explanation. While it avoids stereotypes for the most part, it could have explored this cultural dimension with more depth and respect.
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Atmospheric Southern setting with strong Gothic vibes
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Sarah Snook’s standout performance
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A twisty, emotionally driven narrative
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Effective use of restrained horror and symbolism
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Satisfying (and chilling) final reveal
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Pacing may feel slow for mainstream horror fans
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Some plot elements are predictable or underdeveloped
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Missed opportunity to dive deeper into spiritual and cultural themes
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Supporting characters lack depth compared to the protagonist
Jessabelle may not deliver relentless scares, but it succeeds as a slow-burn, character-driven ghost story. Its strength lies in atmosphere, emotion, and a haunting sense of Southern tragedy. Fans of supernatural mystery and psychological horror will find enough here to stay intrigued—even if the ride is quieter than expected.
