Gothika (2003)
Storyline
After a car crash, a criminal psychologist (Halle Berry) comes to, only to find that she's a patient in the same mental institution that currently employs her. It seems she's been accused of murdering her husband -- but she has no memory of committing the crime. As she tries to regain her memory and convince her co-workers of her innocence, a vengeful spirit uses her as an earthly pawn, which further convinces everyone of her guilt.
Directors
Cast
Trailer
Reviews
70
Dallas Observer
Delivers genuine scares.
50
For a while there, Mathieu Kassovitz's atmospherically charged direction sucks the viewer into the story's hellish vortex. That is until the film becomes possessed by an increasingly ludicrous beyond-the-grave element from which there is no rational return.
50
Entertainment Weekly
Comes from the same jolly homage-to-schlock-shock producers who remade ''House on Haunted Hill,'' and the emphasis is shamelessly on ornate scares. But with its high-gloss cast and French art-house actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz (''Hate'') in charge, the movie also shoots for class.
50
L.A. Weekly
Given her (Halle Berry) biggest part since winning Oscar, she responds with a zeal that's more than the movie deserves.
50
Great cast, great atmosphere, little sense or first-rate suspense.
