PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Ever since the news dropped about the new film, The Haunting of Sharon Tate, it’s received a lot of controversy, with many saying that it is disgrace to the actual 1969 tragedy. Despite the controversy, I was intrigued by the story and definitely excited to check it out.
This film was written and directed by Daniel Farrands (The Amityville Murders 2018 – read our review here,? Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy 2010). The cast includes Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire TV series), Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls 2004), and Z Nation’s Lydia Hearst (read our interview with her here).
Synopsis for The Haunting of Sharon Tate
Based on one of Hollywood’s most chilling murder cases, this spellbinding thriller follows 26-year-old actress Sharon Tate (Duff), a rising star about to have her first baby with her husband, director Roman Polanski. Plagued by terrifying premonitions, Sharon sees her worst nightmares come to life with the appearance of Charles Manson and his deadly cult.
This is unlike any other story told about the Manson killings. It focuses on the relationships between the characters, the events before the massacre, and a life of what could have been. I highly recommend reading interviews about this film like the one we have with Lydia Hearst or any other interview out there with the director. It’s important to understand the meaning behind the story and the vision for it. After watching it, I personally did some research about the film to help my understanding of everything, and I now have a different outlook on it. I think the majority who are angry or confused about this film feel that way because they don’t understand it. Perhaps they will change their minds like I did once they learn the full meaning behind the film.
I think the story for The Haunting of Sharon Tate is interesting. Haven’t we all wondered: what if? What if things could have been different and the Manson slaughter didn’t go as planned? I feel that way about many tragic events in life, including some of my own. It was interesting to see a different side of this story, one that doesn’t focus much on the villains but on the characters who lost their lives.
I thought all of the performances were good, and Hilary Duff gives it her best while a portraying an icon. The stand out performance, to me though, was by Lydia Hearst. You have mixed feelings about her character throughout the runtime, but she steals the show with her supporting role and bravery.
Viewer beware! There are some intensely brutal scenes throughout this film. It’s not for the faint of the heart, but it serves its purpose by resonating with the fear and helplessness those tragic souls must have felt that August night in 1969.
Final Thoughts
The Haunting of Sharon Tate may not be for everyone, but I hope if you read my review, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re watching and enjoy the story for what it is. Anytime you make a film like this, it’s going to come with complications, but I really enjoyed that it was different and coming from a unique perspective. If you want to check the film out, The Haunting of Sharon Tate is now in available in select theaters, on demand, and VOD.
