When it comes to horror movies, the question on everyone’s mind is always the same: “Is it scary?” This is especially true for movies that are based on books, like “The Lovely Bones.”
This 2009 film, directed by Peter Jackson and starring Saoirse Ronan, is an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold. But is it actually scary? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is “The Lovely Bones” About?
Before we can answer whether or not the movie is scary, let’s first talk about what it’s about. The story follows a young girl named Susie Salmon (played by Ronan), who is brutally murdered by a neighbor. She finds herself in a sort of limbo between life and death, where she watches her family and friends struggle to cope with her loss and tries to find a way to move on.
The Atmosphere
One of the things that sets “The Lovely Bones” apart from other horror movies is its atmosphere. While there are certainly some creepy moments (more on those later), much of the movie is focused on exploring grief and loss. The scenes set in Susie’s afterlife are ethereal and dreamlike, with a sense of melancholy pervading everything.
The Creepy Moments
Of course, there are still plenty of moments in “The Lovely Bones” that will make you jump out of your seat. One particularly memorable scene involves Susie’s sister Lindsey (played by Rose McIver) discovering evidence that connects their neighbor to Susie’s murder. Another involves Susie’s father Jack (played by Mark Wahlberg) becoming increasingly obsessed with finding her killer.
Is It Actually Scary?
So, back to the original question: Is “The Lovely Bones” actually scary? The answer isn’t so simple.
If you’re looking for a movie that will have you checking under your bed at night, this probably isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a thought-provoking exploration of grief and loss with some spooky moments thrown in, then “The Lovely Bones” might be right up your alley.
The Bottom Line
Overall, “The Lovely Bones” is a visually stunning movie with a lot of heart. While it may not be the scariest horror movie out there, it’s still worth watching for its unique take on the genre and its exploration of some heavy themes.
