The Grudge

About This Movie

The Grudge is a pretty intense ride, with that slow-building dread you don't see much in American horror. Takashi Shimizu brings in this unsettling atmosphere that hangs heavy, echoing the original Japanese films. The performances are solid; Sarah Michelle Gellar is really effective in her role and the supporting cast adds a layer of authenticity. What stands out are those practical effects – the ghostly appearances and the creeping tension feel very tactile. The pacing can be jarring at times, which might turn some off, but it really enhances the feeling of uncertainty. You’re left with questions and that lingering unease, which is kind of the point with these curse-driven stories.

Runtime: 96 minutes; rated RShot in Tokyo, capturing the local atmosphereFeatures practical effects over CGIReleased by Columbia Pictures in theaters