Thriller Chills Without The Schlock

Mon., July 31, 2000

Dave Rinehart Ferris

Most recently released horror films are simply schlock-injected gore-fests geared to a teen audience. However, “What Lies Beneath” is a welcome exception.

A scary movie without contrived shock value, “Beneath” instead uses to its advantage a complex plot, older characters and a sense of controlled filmmaking. The experienced, steady direction of Robert Zemeckis and the well-developed acting talents of Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer make the film a surprisingly terrifying, well-handled thriller.

Ford and Pfeiffer play Norman and Claire Spencer, a wealthy marred couple living in New England. Norman is a successful genetics researcher, while Claire spends her time comfortably at home, until she begins seeing and hearing a female ghost.

She initially suspects that her neighbor has murdered his wife, thus providing a source for the haunting. But soon, Claire’s sleuthing leads her to uncover Norman’s dark secret - a secret that suddenly puts her life in danger.

“What Lies Beneath” offers pulse-quickening suspense and magnificent scares. This is clearly a horror flick with brains, and it exudes a sense of maturity and intelligence throughout.

That’s not to say it’s flawless. The pacing slows to a crawl in the middle, and while the horrifying climax is perfectly orchestrated, the resolution seems sloppy and out-of-place.

Setbacks aside, “What Lies Beneath” remains a winner. It’s a refreshing break from the usual horror fare.

Grade: B+

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