The Entity – Review

Carla Moran (Hershey) works hard all day as a secretary, and then studies even harder in evening classes to perfect her typist skills before finally heading home to her children. Life is tough as a single mom, but she wants to make a better life for her family. Her two youngest daughters Kim and Julie are zonked out by the time she gets home, so she cleans up a bit.

Her oldest child Bill (Labiosa) only cleaned up so much and left plenty of lights on before heading to the garage to jam out. As Carla readies herself for sleep, something odd happens. What was a normal and ordinary day all around suddenly becomes traumatic and horrifying as Carla has a very bad night. She brushes her hair, yet all of a sudden is punched in the face. But… no one is there…

The physical assault turns into a sexual attack as something seems to be forcing itself on her. She screams, but can’t see anyone there. All her kids come running, and the attack relents, but again, no one can be found. The house is fully searched and nothing seems off. The front door is locked. No one came through the garage. Billy thinks this must have been a bad dream.

Carla is confused and horrified. Her small children cry. What a strange and terrifying event… As this crazy night begins a tale of poltergeist activity, Carla tries everything she can to stay sane and safe. Will she be able to keep her family free from harm and maintain any mental balance? How does one honestly combat ghost rape?!

The Entity has some fairly creepy and daunting scenarios, even if the core story is pretty outlandish. It hits pretty hard right off the bat, and brings all sorts of dark themes bubbling to the surface. It creates tough scenarios to deal with, and shots are full of uneasy moments and a sense of dread.

This film deals with some heavy issues along with ghosts and chilling moments. Sexual assault and abuse are tough to deal with in stories delicately, and is a terrible real-life horror which leaves victims devastated and lives ruined. Mixing it up with ghosts may sound like a bad combo, but the film balances reality and invisible forces of the carefully. The acting is serious and nothing is glossed over. The ugliness of assault remains, despite the poltergeist terror.

The special effects are simple, yet effective, and this contains some haunting ideas and visuals sprinkled throughout. The psychological nature of the story is a main feature, as well as a pulse pounding soundtrack during its shocking moments. Barbara Hershey brings her A-game and gives a needed sense of realism to the outlandish premise. The director creates a claustrophobic and creeping terror that bleeds into many scenes. Good visuals and strong sound effects lead to a chilling horror ghost story. It may run a tad long, but it is not boring.

The Entity is based on a novel, which itself is based on a real life “paranormal case” with an invisible assailant in the 70s.

"I don’t understand mom, I don’t understand what is going on!"