Flowers in the Attic

Watch Flowers in the Attic

  • TV-14
  • 2008
  • 6.1  (9,222)

Flowers in the Attic is a drama-thriller film from 2014, directed by Deborah Chow and based on the novel of the same name by V.C. Andrews. The movie has an all-star cast, including Heather Graham, Ellen Burstyn, Kiernan Shipka, and Mason Dye. The story takes place in the 1950s and revolves around four siblings - Cathy (Kiernan Shipka), Chris (Mason Dye), Cory (Maxwell Kovach), and Carrie (Ava Telek). Their life takes a turn for the worst when their father dies in a car accident and their mother, Corinne (Heather Graham), decides to take them to her wealthy parents' mansion. However, their grandparents, Olivia (Ellen Burstyn) and Malcolm (Dylan Bruce), are cold and distant towards them, and they're also shocked to learn that their mother and grandfather had a falling out years ago.

The children are confined to a single room in the mansion's attic and are not allowed to leave. The room is small, dark and lacks ventilation, which makes it difficult for the siblings to adjust. Apart from that, the children have to suffer the emotional abuse from their grandmother, who is a strict disciplinarian that imposes harsh rules on them.

As days pass by, the siblings begin to investigate why their mother, Corinne, is never with them and makes excuses for being absent. They also find out that their grandmother has a deep hatred for their mother and refuses to let any of them see her. Cathy, the eldest of the siblings, begins to suspect that something more sinister is going on, and she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Throughout the movie, the siblings are pushed to their limits as they face many challenges and try to hold onto each other. They try their best to keep their spirits up, but it's always a struggle. As their situation becomes more dire, they become more determined to seek a way out of the house and figure out why their mother has left them in such a situation.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with each actor delivering a powerful performance. Kiernan Shipka, who played Cathy, was both convincing and heart-wrenching in her portrayal of a girl who discovers the truth about her family's secrets. Likewise, Mason Dye, who played Chris, was equally impressive in his role as the older brother trying to hold the family together amid difficult circumstances.

Ellen Burstyn, who played the grandmother, gave a chilling performance as an unyielding and cruel woman, who seems to relish her power over the children. Heather Graham, who played the mother, Corinne, brought a sense of vulnerability to her role, making it clear to the audience that she was torn between doing what she believed was best for her family and following her own selfish desires.

One notable aspect of the movie is its cinematography. The film makes excellent use of its setting, with the grandeur of the grandparent's mansion contrasting sharply with the dingy and cramped attic where the children are trapped. The camera work also helps to keep the audience engaged throughout, emphasizing the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere that the siblings experience.

In conclusion, Flowers in the Attic is a gripping and intense thriller that explores the complexities of family relationships and the effects of trauma. Its solid direction, writing, and acting captivate the audience while keeping them on the edge of their seats. Though it's not an easy watch, it is a film that leaves a mark, and one that’s worth watching.

Flowers in the Attic is a 2008 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.

Flowers in the Attic
Description
Where to Watch Flowers in the Attic
Flowers in the Attic is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV Channels, The Roku Channel, Lifetime Movie Club and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Flowers in the Attic for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2008
  • MPAA Rating
    TV-14
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (9,222)