The Changeling (1980)
The Changeling is a masterclass in old-school supernatural horror. After moving into a massive Victorian mansion following a devastating personal tragedy, composer John Russell begins experiencing strange noises, unexplained events, and increasingly terrifying encounters that suggest the house is hiding a dark secret.
What makes the film so effective is how little it needs to show. Peter Medak builds an atmosphere of creeping dread through creaking floors, mysterious sounds, subtle supernatural activity, and one particularly unforgettable séance scene. George C. Scott also delivers a terrific performance, giving the story an emotional weight that makes the haunting feel genuinely tragic rather than simply frightening.
Verdict: Atmospheric, chilling, and deeply unsettling, The Changeling is one of Canada's great supernatural horror films and a must-see for anyone who prefers ghosts that haunt you long after the credits roll. ★★★★★
