The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw

The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw is a 2020 atmospheric horror mystery set in a remote farming community in 1973. The film follows the story of a family led by a devout mother, played by Catherine Walker, whose livelihood is threatened by a series of mysterious misfortunes including a spreading illness, failing crops, and unexplained deaths. As the tensions rise, the townspeople begin suspecting that a young woman named Audrey Earnshaw might be behind their suffering, accused of witchcraft and curses. The film delves into themes of faith, superstition, and societal isolation, delivering a chilling exploration of fear in a tight-knit community.

Critically, The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw received mixed to positive reviews. Rotten Tomatoes scores the film at 79%, marking a generally favorable reception where reviewers praise its haunting atmosphere and compelling performances, particularly Catherine Walker's portrayal of a complex matriarch. The site highlights it as "a chilling parable of fear and faith" that effectively uses slow-building tension and a stark rural setting. On IMDb, however, viewer ratings are more divided, averaging 4.8/10, reflecting that while some embrace the film's mood and psychological depth, others criticize its pacing and ambiguity. Metacritic does not list a widely published score, but critic responses noted that the film’s deliberate pacing may test patience but stands out for its visual style and dramatic tension. Common criticisms include a plot that can feel overly subtle or obscure for those expecting more conventional horror thrills. Overall, the film is appreciated for its artistry and thematic ambition but may not fully satisfy all audiences.