The Nightcomers

Set in the late 19th century, The Nightcomers is a prequel to Henry James' gothic novella, "The Turn of the Screw." The film serves as a haunting and atmospheric retelling of the events that led to the tragic demise of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, as well as the slow decay of the two children under their care. The story begins at the isolated and atmospheric Bly Manor, a mansion nestled deep in the English countryside, where a new governess, Gellian (played by Felicity Mason), has been employed to care for the two children, Miles and Flora. As Gellian begins to settle into her new role, she discovers that the previous governess, Miss Jessel, has recently passed away under mysterious circumstances. As Gellian delves deeper into the history of Bly Manor, she begins to unravel the dark and troubled past of the estate. She learns that Miss Jessel had been obsessed with the charming and seductive Peter Quint, a former groundskeeper who had been dismissed from his position after being accused of immoral behavior. Quint, however, continued to linger around the estate, often sneaking in at night to visit Miss Jessel in secret. Gellian soon discovers that Quint had been exerting a malign influence over Miss Jessel, slowly corrupting her and drawing her into a world of darkness and depravity. As the days pass, Gellian becomes increasingly aware of the subtle but sinister presence of Quint, who seems to be watching her every move from the shadows. As the nights draw in and the weather becomes more tumultuous, Gellian's feelings of unease and foreboding grow. She begins to suspect that Quint is more than just a ghostly presence and that he may be exerting a malevolent influence over the children in her care. Meanwhile, Miles and Flora are growing more and more troubled, as if they are being drawn into a world of darkness and despair. As Gellian struggles to keep them safe, she realizes that Quint's influence is spreading rapidly, threatening to consume them all. One of the most notable aspects of The Nightcomers is its use of atmospheric tension to create a sense of foreboding and unease. The film's director, Robin Hardy, masterfully weaves together a sense of dread and menace, using long takes, slow camera movements, and an unsettling score to create a sense of unease that permeates every scene. As the story reaches its climax, Gellian is faced with a terrible choice: she can either allow the children to fall under Quint's corrupting influence, or she can risk everything to protect them from his malevolent grasp. The outcome is far from certain, as Gellian is drawn deeper into a world of horror and despair, where the very fabric of reality seems to be unraveling. Ultimately, The Nightcomers is a haunting and thought-provoking retelling of the events that led to the deaths of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. The film's slow-burning tension and atmospheric setting make it a compelling watch, even for those who are familiar with the original story. It serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of evil and the devastating consequences that can occur when it is allowed to flourish.