The Haunting of Molly Hartley - A Movie Review

I don’t know if I am going crazy or if its because the plotline is changing so many times.

The Haunting of Molly Hartley is a 2008 film about a teenage girl trying to move on after a traumatic experience. Going to a new school does not help. It’s not soon until Molly learns sinister news about herself that may afflict her eighteenth birthday.

After watching The Haunting of Molly Hartley three times, it still stumps me. What started as a suspenseful film, ends with a completely different story that leaves audiences wondering if a scene was cut. Had it not been for the ending, the film could have been a helpful story to those who are struggling to move on after a disturbing occurrence.

Following an incident with her mom, Molly struggles to move on. Hearing strange sounds, experiencing visions, and having nasty headaches, these occurrences don’t translate to the real dilemma. Molly makes a very strange decision that feels out of her character and raises questions.

For a confusing script, Haley Bennett explored Molly’s tough journey very well. She was terrific in some scenes that required her to be in hysterics. Honestly, Bennett is the highlight and the reason why I kept watching.

Supporting actors who try to make sense of this film are Jake Weber, Chase Crawford, Shannon Woodward, AnnaLynne McCord, Marin Hinkle, Nina Siemaszko, and Josh Stewart. The film created multiple subplots with each character who Molly interacts with. As strange and repetitive as some are, I enjoyed scenes with Molly and her supportive dad (Weber).

Taking place in a high school, we have the usual stereotypes. The cute guy, the jealous bully, the strange girl, and someone who tries to help Molly. None of the characters have depth, and most of the actors fall flat on weak delivery.

The only exciting character, who just disappeared and is never mentioned in the ending was Leah (Woodward). She has a funny sense of humor, is going through a similar dilemma like Molly, and actually tries to help her. Leah has her flaws. If this film went in a better direction, I would have liked to see how Leah helps Molly in her situation.

The Haunting of Molly Hartley tries too hard to be a horror film if that’s really what it was intending to be. Even the title tries to scare you. Littered with obvious jump scares, it’s only a film that makes you say ‘so what is going on now?’ Even the soundtrack is built-up too much.

Mickey Liddell should have stayed with the story that the film was originally aiming for. Visualizing the film is about explaining to the audience, not leaving them confused. I thought that this film’s intent was the express how to move on from the past. Mental health is a very important topic to touch on.

While it expressed the importance of looking after your health, it’s like the writers thought up a completely new idea in the middle of the filming to write the story in that direction instead. Nothing is explained. We are left with no closure by the end.

Instead, we’re given this strange subplot about a cult. And where did this come from, you ask? I have no idea! The beginning of the film makes no sense either, following characters who are never explained and have nothing to do with the plot.

Would I recommend The Haunting of Molly Hartley? That’s a tough one. I am not fond of the ending which ruined the idea of the film. If you want, take a watch and check it out.