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Poltergeist
1982 114 min United States of America PG 18+
★7.8
Horror
Director: Tobe Hooper
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
The Freelings' suburban home becomes the center of paranormal activity that opens a portal to the 'other side'. With help, they must cross over to get their daughter back.
Budget:
$10.7M
US Gross:
$77.18M
Worldwide:
$121.73M
Starring
JoBeth Williams
Actor
Heather O'Rourke
Actor
Craig T. Nelson
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Supporting Actress
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Supporting Actress
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Actress
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1983
— Best Visual Effects
Key opinion
Poltergeist is widely regarded as an influential horror classic that successfully blends suburban family dynamics with supernatural terror. While some modern viewers find its effects dated or its tonal shifts jarring, most critics praise the strong performances and the film's foundational role in shaping the modern ghost-story genre.
| Acting | The lead performances by Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams provide a grounded, realistic emotional anchor for the supernatural events. | |
| Culture | The film functions as a foundational text that established many of the standard tropes found in contemporary haunted house cinema. | |
| Score | Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score remains a highlight, effectively amplifying the film's atmosphere and suspense. | |
| Direction | The clash between Tobe Hooper’s visceral horror sensibilities and Steven Spielberg’s penchant for cozy family adventure creates a divisive tonal dissonance for the audience. | |
| Production | While many appreciate the practical craft as a nostalgic aesthetic, others argue the effects feel dated and distract from the narrative's tension. | |
| Pacing | Viewers are split on the pacing, with some praising the rapid advancement and lack of filler, while others find the film uneven or narratively clumsy in its transition to the climax. |