The Turning is a new scary movie that was released on Friday, Jan. 24. This PG-13 horror movie directed by Floria Sigismondi is an adaptation to the novella The Turn of the Screw, written by Henry James in 1898. The short story has been adapted numerous times in radio, drama, film, stage, and television, including the 1950 Broadway play The Innocents, which later became its own film in 1961. 

The story follows Kate, a young school teacher who quits her job to tutor a young orphaned girl named Flora. She agrees to tutor this girl because she feels connected to her. Kate knew what it was like growing up without a parent, and wanted to help Flora. However, she bites off more than she can chew when Flora’s troublesome older brother Miles comes home. Miles quickly leaves a bad impression with Kate and she tries her best to live peacefully with him. Though difficult, the children are not the only problem she is dealing with. She discovers a journal that was kept by Flora’s previous tutor, Ms. Jessel. Kate was never told what happened to the previous governess and is determined to find out what happened to her. During her time in the house with the family, Kate begins to see and hear things throughout the house, including objects moving on their own and voices. She believes that there is something in the house and that secrets are being kept from her. 

What makes this movie stand out from its earlier makings is the ending. The end of the movie is where it gets the most mixed reviews from critics. It leaves members of the audience scratching their heads. Senior Samantha Ihrke said, “It was an interesting movie with great actors, but I think it could have had a better plot.” It leaves room for viewers to come up with their own theories on the ending of the movie. It is unclear if answers will ever be revealed in a new installment, but it lets the audience’s imagination take over. 

In its opening weekend, The Turning made an estimated $7 million in the USA, and $14 million worldwide. Mainly due to the way the movie ended, reviewers have not been too happy with the movie, earning the movie a score of 3.7/10 on IMDb, and a 13% on Rotten Tomatoes. Showtimes for The Turning can be found here.