Marrowbone (2017) – Movie Review
Marrowbone (2017), directed and written by Sergio G. Sánchez (screenwriter of The Orphanage), is a haunting, atmospheric blend of gothic horror, psychological thriller, and family drama. With its moody setting and layered storytelling, the film offers a chilling and emotional tale about love, trauma, and the secrets we bury—sometimes literally.
Set in 1969, the story follows four siblings—Jack (George MacKay), Billy (Charlie Heaton), Jane (Mia Goth), and Sam (Matthew Stagg)—who move into a decaying estate in rural America after fleeing a troubled past in England. Their mother, gravely ill, dies soon after arriving, leaving the children orphaned. To avoid being separated by authorities, the oldest sibling, Jack, hides her death and takes responsibility for keeping the family together. But the old Marrowbone house is filled with dark secrets, and something sinister seems to be lurking within its walls.
George MacKay leads the cast with a gentle but emotionally intense performance as Jack, carrying the weight of both the past and his family’s future. Charlie Heaton and Mia Goth are equally effective, portraying damaged yet fiercely loyal siblings. Anya Taylor-Joy, as Jack’s love interest Allie, adds warmth and humanity to the film, serving as an anchor to the outside world and someone who begins to uncover the truth behind the family’s strange behavior.
The cinematography is one of Marrowbone’s strongest elements. The film is beautifully shot, with soft natural light, shadowy interiors, and a decaying elegance that enhances the eerie mood. The Marrowbone house itself becomes a character—claustrophobic, creaky, and filled with mystery. It’s a classic gothic setting used to strong effect.
The film begins as a slow-burning mystery and gradually transitions into supernatural horror, with elements of psychological tension and family trauma woven throughout. What sets Marrowbone apart from more conventional haunted house films is its focus on the emotional bond between the siblings and the way trauma manifests in both real and unreal ways.
While it delivers moments of suspense and a few effective scares, Marrowbone is less about jump frights and more about an unsettling emotional atmosphere. The story builds toward a dramatic twist that recontextualizes much of what came before—some viewers may see it coming, but it’s executed with care and avoids feeling gimmicky. The ending is both tragic and redemptive, leaving a lasting impact.
However, some may find the pacing uneven, especially in the first half, and the film occasionally struggles to balance its different genres. But for those who appreciate slow-burn, character-driven horror with heart and sorrow at its core, Marrowbone offers a moving, haunting experience.
Ultimately, Marrowbone is a story about love, loss, and the terrifying lengths we go to in order to protect the people we care about. It’s a beautifully told gothic fable that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
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