🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Floria Sigismondi
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 3.9/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 12%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Nanny gets a job at creepy house, kids are weird, ghosts maybe?, then the movie just…ends, leaving everyone confused and slightly irritated.
🍿 The Turning: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introducing Kate and the Fairchild Estate
In 1994, Kate, a young teacher, leaves her job to become a governess for Flora Fairchild, an orphaned girl living on a remote estate. Kate’s own mother suffers from mental illness, residing in an institution, adding a layer of personal complexity to Kate’s decision. Upon arriving at the estate, Kate meets the stern housekeeper, Mrs. Grose, and quickly forms a bond with Flora, who seems innocent but guarded.

The Return of Miles and Growing Unease
Flora’s older brother, Miles, is unexpectedly sent home from boarding school, expelled for violent behavior. His presence disrupts the fragile peace of the estate. As Kate tries to connect with Miles, she encounters resistance and unsettling behavior. Strange occurrences begin plaguing the house, creating a sense of unease and isolation for Kate.

Supernatural Encounters and Dark Secrets
Kate discovers a hidden journal belonging to the former governess, Miss Jessel, hinting at a disturbing relationship with the estate’s horse trainer, Quint. As Kate investigates, she experiences vivid nightmares and possible supernatural encounters, including visions of Jessel and Quint. The line between reality and hallucination blurs, leading Kate to question her sanity and the true nature of the Fairchild estate.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Kate Mandell (Mackenzie Davis): A young governess who takes a job at a remote estate and experiences increasingly disturbing events, questioning her sanity.
- Miles Fairchild (Finn Wolfhard): A troubled and recently expelled young boy who returns to his family’s estate, displaying manipulative and unsettling behavior.
- Flora Fairchild (Brooklynn Prince): An orphaned young girl who lives at the estate and seems aware of the unsettling events, creating a sense of unease.
- Mrs. Grose (Barbara Marten): The stern and secretive housekeeper who knows the dark history of the estate and its inhabitants.
- Quint (Niall Greig Fulton): The deceased horse trainer whose presence lingers over the estate, influencing Miles and the events that transpire.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Miles: “Stop the car or I will kill you!” – Miles threatens Kate when she attempts to leave the estate with him and Flora.
- Mrs. Grose: “Watch the children with care.” – Mrs. Grose warns Kate, foreshadowing the danger and strangeness surrounding Flora and Miles.
- Kate: “Where were you hiding?” – Kate asks Flora about hiding, emphasizing Flora’s evasiveness and her secret behavior that enhances the mystery.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $14,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $15,472,775
- Worldwide Gross: $19,428,166
💥 The Turning Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a good scare, but honestly, I just left feeling confused. The atmosphere was definitely creepy, and the actors did a great job, but the ending? It just…stopped. I was waiting for something to happen, some big reveal, but nope. It’s like they ran out of ideas halfway through. The scene where Kate is trapped in the east wing was pretty spooky, but the ending ruins everything. Honestly, just watch ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ instead.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of gothic horror”
- “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
- “Those familiar with ‘The Turn of the Screw’ and interested in modern interpretations”
- “Fans of Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, and Brooklynn Prince”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Supernatural horror themes”
- “Psychological distress”
- “Implied violence and sexual abuse”
- “Jump scares”
- “Thematic elements related to mental illness”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Despite atmospheric visuals and committed performances, ‘The Turning’ ultimately falters due to its muddled narrative and frustratingly ambiguous ending. The jump scares are predictable, and the lack of resolution leaves viewers unsatisfied.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “‘The Turning’ suffers from a weak script and an ending that betrays its potential. While Mackenzie Davis delivers a strong performance, the film’s lack of originality and reliance on jump scares make it a forgettable horror experience.
Audience Reactions
The house was definitely creepy and had a great atmosphere.: Many viewers praised the film’s gothic setting and unsettling atmosphere.
Finn Wolfhard was excellent as the troubled Miles.: Several reviewers commended Finn Wolfhard’s performance as the troubled and unsettling Miles.
Overall Consensus: While praised for its atmosphere and some performances, ‘The Turning’ is generally considered a disappointment due to its weak plot, reliance on jump scares, and especially its abrupt and confusing ending.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is a modern adaptation of Henry James’ novella ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ but it deviates significantly from the source material, particularly in its ambiguous and divisive ending.”
- “Director Floria Sigismondi is known for her work in music videos and brought a visually stylistic approach to the film, emphasizing atmosphere and unsettling imagery.”
- “The movie’s setting, Killruddery House in Ireland, was chosen for its gothic architecture and sprawling grounds, contributing to the film’s eerie and isolated atmosphere.”
- “Originally, the film was planned to have a different ending, but reshoots led to the more ambiguous conclusion that left many viewers frustrated.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Turning?
The Turning is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Turning, you might like these similar films:
- The Innocents (1961): A classic and highly regarded adaptation of ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ known for its atmospheric tension and psychological horror.
- The Others (2001): Features a gothic atmosphere, children, and a sense of unease, with plot twists focused on perceptions of reality.
- The Haunting of Hill House (2018): A modern gothic horror story that explores family trauma, ghosts, and psychological breakdowns within a haunted house setting.
- Crimson Peak (2015): Visually stunning gothic romance with strong horror elements, focusing on a haunted mansion and its dark secrets.
🛒 The Turning Related Products
- The Turn of the Screw (Penguin Classics): The classic novella by Henry James, the source material for the movie. Discover or re-discover the original story.
- Funko Pop! Movies: IT Chapter Two – Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier: A Funko Pop figurine of Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier from IT Chapter Two. A great addition to any horror movie fan’s collection.
- Stranger Things: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray): The complete first season of Stranger Things, starring Finn Wolfhard. Enjoy another suspenseful story.
- Gothic Horror Coloring Book: 20 Designs to Inspire Your Creativity: An adult coloring book with 20 pages of illustrations designed to relax and inspire. Get creative while embracing the gothic atmosphere of the film!
🎧 Soundtrack
The Turning features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘The Turning’ is a modern adaptation of Henry James’ novella ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ a classic ghost story known for its ambiguity and psychological themes.
The film’s abrupt and ambiguous ending leaves many questions unanswered, leading to viewer frustration. The lack of resolution regarding the supernatural elements and Kate’s mental state has sparked debate and criticism.
The Turning was primarily filmed at Killruddery House in County Wicklow, Ireland, which served as the backdrop for the eerie Fairchild estate.
🔥 Bonus Content
Turning Buildings Into Food!!
This video is insane! See buildings transform into delicious-looking food in seconds using crazy visual effects. You won’t believe your eyes!
Magically Turning Into Random Objects ✨ #Shorts
Prepare to be amazed! This stop-motion animation video shows a person magically morphing into random objects. It’s super creative and gives off a similar lighthearted vibe as Turning Red!
Mei quiere ir al baño | Turning red parodia || Oscar Lunatiko
This Spanish parody of Turning Red is hilarious! It’s a short, funny take on Mei’s panda transformation and the struggles of being a teenager. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s worth a watch for the visual comedy!
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