If you’re a fan of horror movies, then you may be wondering if the 1998 film “Madeline” falls into that category. The movie, which is based on the popular children’s book series by Ludwig Bemelmans, follows the adventures of a young orphan girl named Madeline who lives in a Catholic boarding school in Paris. While the film does have some suspenseful moments, it’s not necessarily considered a horror movie.
The Plot
The film begins with Madeline (played by Hatty Jones) and her fellow students at the boarding school being informed that their beloved headmistress Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand) is sick and needs to go to the hospital. While Miss Clavel is away, the girls are left in the care of her strict and cold-hearted cousin, Lady Covington (Nigel Hawthorne). Lady Covington has plans to sell the school and send all of the girls away, but Madeline and her friends won’t let that happen without a fight.
Suspenseful Moments
While “Madeline” is not classified as a horror movie, there are some suspenseful moments throughout the film. For example, there’s a scene where Madeline and her friend Pepito (Kristian De La Osa) sneak out of the school and explore an old abandoned house.
The house is dark and creepy, with cobwebs and dusty old furniture everywhere. There’s also a scene where Lady Covington catches Madeline trying to sneak out of the school at night, which creates some tension.
Target Audience
Overall, “Madeline” is more geared towards children than adults. While there are some suspenseful moments that could potentially scare younger viewers, they are not overly graphic or violent. The film has been rated PG for “some mild language and thematic elements,” but it’s still considered a family-friendly movie.
The Verdict
So, is “Madeline” scary? It really depends on your definition of scary.
If you’re looking for a horror movie with jump scares and gore, then “Madeline” is not for you. However, if you’re looking for a charming and heartwarming story with some suspenseful moments thrown in, then you might enjoy “Madeline.” The movie has a 6.0 rating on IMDb and a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which shows that it’s generally well-liked by viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while “Madeline” may have some suspenseful moments, it’s not considered a horror movie. The film is more geared towards children than adults and has been rated PG for “some mild language and thematic elements.” If you’re looking for a family-friendly movie with some charming characters and an engaging story, then “Madeline” might be worth checking out.
