The Pit and the Pendulum

Watch The Pit and the Pendulum

  • NR
  • 2009
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 2.7  (475)

The Pit and the Pendulum is a 2009 horror film directed by David DeCoteau and starring Lorielle New, Stephen Hansen, and Bart Voitila. The movie is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's short story of the same name, but with a contemporary twist. The film follows the story of Elizabeth (Lorielle New), a young woman who inherits a castle from her father. However, soon after her arrival, she begins to experience strange and terrifying visions that seem to originate from within the castle's walls. As Elizabeth delves deeper into the castle's dark past, she discovers that her father's death may not have been accidental, and that a dark force may be at work in the castle.

Stephen Hansen plays the role of Francis Barnard, Elizabeth's childhood friend and the executor of her father's estate. Bart Voitila plays Juan, the castle's caretaker, who harbors a dark and twisted secret.

The film is set in Spain, and the Gothic architecture and hauntingly beautiful landscapes provide an eerie backdrop for the story. The use of practical effects and atmospheric lighting add to the movie's overall sense of dread and unease.

The movie explores themes of guilt, revenge, and redemption. As Elizabeth delves deeper into the mysteries of the castle, she must confront her own past and come to terms with the sins of her father. Meanwhile, Francis must grapple with his own guilt over the death of his sister, who had a close relationship with Elizabeth's father.

The performances in the film are strong, particularly Lorielle New's portrayal of Elizabeth. She brings a vulnerability and complexity to the character, and her performance carries the film through some of its weaker moments. Stephen Hansen also shines as Francis, bringing a sense of gravitas and conviction to the role.

One of the film's strengths is its use of practical effects. The use of prosthetics and makeup add to the overall sense of unease, particularly during some of the film's more violent sequences. The movie also uses atmospheric lighting to great effect, creating a sense of claustrophobia and dread within the castle's walls.

The movie's soundtrack is also worth noting. The haunting melodies and somber tones perfectly complement the film's Gothic aesthetic, and contribute to its overall sense of dread and despair.

Overall, The Pit and the Pendulum is a solid entry in the horror genre. While it may not be particularly groundbreaking, it is an effective and entertaining movie that successfully captures the essence of Poe's original story while adding its own unique twist. Fans of Gothic horror and atmospheric thrillers will likely find much to enjoy in this film.

The Pit and the Pendulum is a 2009 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.7.

The Pit and the Pendulum
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Where to Watch The Pit and the Pendulum
The Pit and the Pendulum is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Pit and the Pendulum for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2009
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    2.7  (475)
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