I'm curious where you, as a reader, stand on the subject of babysitters. Super weird question to ask, I know? If you had them growing up, did you have good experiences or bad experiences? I imagine that there has to be someone out there with an experience close to Timmy Turner. Vicky was Icky, indeed. My younger sister and I were somewhat blessed when it came to babysitters. Usually they were neighbors which we were already friends with. Growing up, we had one babysitter, in particular, that would bring over his Nintendo 64 for us to play with. Having something simple like Super Smash Brothers really does make a difference to a kid when he's experiencing depression for the first time.
I know that, as kids, we often wish for a world without parents. How much do we mean that, though? To really lose your parents, that I imagine, is life changing. So, while the idea of a babysitter is cool, a live in one might be another story. That's the central plot point in The Turning. The Turning depicts a teacher (Mackenzie Davis) who abandons traditional education to be a live-in nanny for a young little girl (Brooklynn Prince). I guess being a horror movie, this is the moment where I'm supposed to say that haunting stuff begins to happen. Yeah, it's there but to what capacity, really?
The Turning is, in a word, baffling. The actual narrative is so sloppily handled. The majority of the film feels like things just happen randomly with no actual connective tissue. In some respects, the film feels like it’s made directly for teenage girls. Choosing to abandon its scare tactics, in favor of trying to sell a broody Finn Wolfhard. Every time the film aims to show some sense of direction, something comes along that redirects the ship. It's frustrating as a viewer. It wouldn't be that bad, if there was actually anything interesting perspiring. The scariest thing about The Turning is maybe its title sequence. Even that is a stretch.
Overall, The Turning, adds another tally for this year's worst films. The cast is mediocre, the plot is messy and unfocused. Quite honestly, the film lacks serious direction and purpose. The film might try to sell skeletons in its closest but fails in every possible way. A good chunk of The Turning feels like it was made solely to try and sell a movie off Finn Wolfhard. The Turning would beg to be turned on, but please for the sake of your valuable time - turn it off.
RORSCHACH RATING:
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
Music by Beggars. The Turning is property of Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.