The Manor (film)

The Manor (film)

The Manor is a 2021 American horror film directed by Axelle Carolyn. It is part of the anthology series Welcome to the Blumhouse, produced by Blumhouse Productions and Amazon Studios. The film explores themes of aging, autonomy, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic retirement home that harbors dark secrets.

Plot

The story follows Judith Albright, a woman who, after suffering a mild stroke, reluctantly agrees to move into a nursing home called The Manor. Despite the luxurious surroundings and friendly residents, Judith begins to experience terrifying visions and believes that a malevolent force is preying on the occupants of the home. As her attempts to convince others of the danger are dismissed as dementia, Judith decides to take matters into her own hands to uncover the truth and protect her new friends.

Cast

• Barbara Hershey as Judith Albright
• Bruce Davison as Roland
• Nicholas Alexander as Josh
• Jill Larson as Trish
• Fran Bennett as Ruth

Production

The film was announced as part of the Welcome to the Blumhouse series, a collection of genre films developed by Blumhouse Productions in collaboration with Amazon Studios. Directed by Axelle Carolyn, who is known for her work in the horror genre, The Manor was produced with the intention of exploring the fears associated with aging and the loss of independence through the lens of a horror narrative.

Release

The Manor was released on October 8, 2021, as part of the second wave of films in the Welcome to the Blumhouse series. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to a wide audience of horror enthusiasts and fans of the anthology series.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its atmospheric setting and the performance of Barbara Hershey as Judith Albright, while others criticized it for its pacing and for not fully exploring its themes. Despite the mixed critical reception, The Manor was noted for its contribution to the conversation around aging and autonomy, presenting a unique perspective within the horror genre.

Themes

The Manor delves into the horror of aging, the fear of losing control over one's life, and the terror of being dismissed or not believed. It uses the supernatural elements as a metaphor for the real-life horrors that can occur in nursing homes, including neglect and abuse. The film also touches on themes of friendship, resilience, and the fight for autonomy in the face of adversity.