Morella

Synopsis

Morella (2008), directed by Dennis Kleinsmith, is a horror film inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe story of the same name. The plot centers on Lisa Morella, a woman wrestling with the trauma of her mother's death and the lingering shadow her mother casts over her life. As Lisa prepares to marry, supernatural occurrences linked to her mother's sinister past begin to unravel her sanity and threaten the lives of those close to her. Blending psychological horror with gothic elements, the film explores themes of family curses, identity, and the inescapable influence of the past. Atmospheric and unsettling, Morella aims to deliver a chilling and eerie experience for fans of classic horror.

Cast

• 

  Dennis Kleinsmith

  Man/Narrator

• 

  Lisa Coronado

  Morella/Daughter

• Hannah Morwell

  Young Daughter

Reviews

Critical reception of Morella tends to be mixed with a tilt towards appreciation among genre enthusiasts. The film holds a modest IMDb rating of 7.4/10, suggesting a generally positive response from viewers who favor atmospheric and psychological horror. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes present a sparse consensus due to limited mainstream reviews, but user reviews highlight the film's strengths in mood and performances. One reviewer noted, "Morella's slow burn and gothic tone are effective, though the pacing may not appeal to everyone." Metacritic does not have an aggregate score, but niche horror forums commend Middle-level production values and Kleinsmith's direction for maintaining suspense throughout. Some criticisms focus on the narrative's predictability and occasional reliance on horror clichés. Nevertheless, fans of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations and arthouse horror might find Morella's haunting execution and character-driven story compelling. Overall, Morella offers a unique if imperfect, take on psychological terror that is best appreciated by viewers with patience for slow-building dread and classic horror inspiration.

See also

The Flag of Iron