She came home to heal—but something long-dead came back with her
Jessabelle (2014), directed by Kevin Greutert, is a Southern Gothic horror film that taps into themes of grief, guilt, and generational trauma. Set in the eerie swamplands of Louisiana, the story follows Jessie Laurent (played by Sarah Snook), a young woman who, after a devastating car accident that leaves her unable to walk, returns to her estranged father’s decaying plantation home. But peace eludes her—something else has been waiting there. Something vengeful.
As Jessie settles in, she finds a series of old VHS tapes left behind by her deceased mother. These tapes contain cryptic tarot readings, each more disturbing than the last. At first curious, Jessie soon begins to experience terrifying visions of a ghostly figure who seems intimately connected to her past. What unravels is a deeply personal haunting—one that forces Jessie to confront not just the spirit tormenting her, but also dark family secrets that were never meant to see daylight.
Sarah Snook delivers a hauntingly grounded performance. Long before her fame in Succession, Snook shows impressive emotional range here—conveying both fragility and resolve. The film doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares; instead, it leans into dread and atmosphere. The house feels alive, the swamp oppressive, and the ghost—Jessabelle—isn’t just a specter, but a symbol of buried truth clawing its way to the surface.
Stylistically, Jessabelle thrives in its slow-burn pacing. It echoes classic ghost stories while bringing in modern psychological horror elements. The use of VHS tapes as a narrative device is particularly effective—they blur the line between past and present, reality and illusion. The cinematography amplifies the unease, using shadow, silence, and sudden sounds to keep viewers guessing.
Though not a mainstream blockbuster, Jessabelle stands out for its commitment to story and character. Beneath the supernatural veneer lies a compelling commentary on identity, deception, and inherited pain. It’s a ghost story, yes—but also a tale about reclaiming truth in a world that prefers it buried. For horror fans who favor mood over mayhem, Jessabelle offers a chilling and memorable ride.
