1. Plot Summary

A mother, Pauline, moves with her teenage daughters Beth and Vera into their late aunt’s remote home. On their first night, they are viciously attacked by two mysterious intruders. Sixteen years later, Beth—now a successful horror novelist—returns to the house after receiving a distressing phone call from Vera, who has never recovered from that traumatic night. What unfolds blends reality with psychological delusion, blurring the line between truth and fantasy until a shocking revelation upends everything.

2. Notable Elements

• Unrelenting dread: From the film’s opening, tension saturates every scene. Its dread “just drips from the beginning minutes and never lets up.”

• Twisted structure & perception: The narrative shifts across timelines and mental states, culminating in an unpredictable twist that many viewers described as “never saw it coming.”

• Powerful performances: Standouts include Emilia Jones and Taylor Hickson in the roles of young Beth and Vera, whose raw, emotional portrayals elevate the film’s impact.

• Visually oppressive environment: The inherited house—filled with dolls and decayed charm—becomes a character in itself, reinforcing the film’s suffocating, gothic feel.  

• Mixed dialogue & narrative: While stylistically intense, critics noted underdeveloped suspense and occasionally flat dialogue, which can weaken emotional engagement.

3. Themes and Messages

• Trauma and coping: The film explores how horrific experiences reshape memory, identity, and reality—embodied in Beth’s retreat into an alternate life.

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• Female resilience and bond: Despite extreme violence, the central bond between the sisters and their will to survive underscores the narrative’s emotional core.  Boundary of exploitation: While the film tackles brutal subject matter, some viewers and critics challenge how it approaches representation of mental disability, gender identity, and violence against women. Not a holiday tale: The film’s themes are deeply unsettling and not connected to festive emotions; its relevance lies in confronting darkness rather than invoking seasonal warmth.

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• A masterclass in tension—from its ominous tone to its disturbing visuals—this film delivers impactful chills.

• The twist is brilliantly concealed, offering a shocking payoff that justifies repeated viewings.

• Young performers deliver emotionally charged, authentic portrayals that anchor the unfolding horror.

Weaknesses:

• The brutality can feel excessive and borderline exploitative, potentially alienating viewers sensitive to such depiction.

• Some narrative gaps and dialogue shortcomings make the film less cohesive, despite its stylish execution.

5. Audience Recommendations

This film is best suited for psychological horror enthusiasts who can handle disturbing, cerebral narratives with emotional and sensory intensity. Fans of surreal, twist-driven horror—especially those familiar with Laugier’s work (Martyrs)—will find its blend of atmosphere and psychological complexity compelling. If you prefer lighter scares or clearer moral framing, this may be too unsettling.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Incident in a Ghostland is a bold, unflinching journey into trauma, fear, and the fragility of perception. Though divisive, its emotional depth, narrative surprises, and hallucinatory realism make it stand out in modern horror.

Final Recommendation: A daring, discomforting horror-thriller that stays with you—for better or worse.
Rating: ⭐⭐½ out of 5

7. Trailer on YouTube