The Turning
Mackenzie Davis 's depiction of trembling fragility and growing dread serves as the film's anchor. She portrays the unique anxiousness of someone out of their depth but desperate to prove capable in her role as Kate, a young governess thrown into the role of caring for two troubled children at a vast, remote estate. The supernatural components are grounded in relatable human terror by her wide-eyed emotions and bodily reluctance. The setting of oppressive beauty is expertly created by the production design. With its dusty conservatories, dark passageways, and a lake that appears to exude evil, the manor looms with Gothic majesty. The sickening green-grey color scheme used by cinematographer David Ungaro symbolizes decay beneath the luxury. Equally successful is the sound design, which creates tension by absence rather than revelation with creaking floorboards, far-off murmurs, and the eerie skittering of something in the walls. Brooklynn Prince 's portrayal of young Flora ...
