Masterclass in the Jump Scare

Rating: 7/10 (17 November 2018)

I read in advance that this movie contain minimal violence (although it certainly does contain some violence), little swearing and no sex or nudity. Why the reputation for being such a terrifying movie then? Simple answer: this is a masterclass in the art of the jump scare.
The premise is familiar: family move into a haunted house and turn to experienced 'demonologists' for salvation. Nothing original there. The fun (if you can call it that) comes with the masterful execution. The acting is pretty good for haunted house movie and the characters have enough depth to be emotionally engaging. The real driver of this movie is in the deployment of jump scares. Jump scares are such a horror trope and can come across as cheesy and cheap but this movie is built on them and does then really really well.
I'm tempted now to watch the sequels although, given that this movie makes you feel constantly on edge, this could make for more stressful (but satisfying) viewing.