The Changeling (1980): Why this haunted house horror story still works

Let’s talk about Peter Medak’s 1980 supernatural psychological horror film The Changeling, which is often considered a classic. What does the movie bring to the table? What do people like about it? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Has it aged well?

Beginning with the basics: After losing his wife (Jean Marsh) and daughter (Michelle Martin), composer John Russell (George C. Scott) moves into an old mansion as a new place to stay. There he hopes to recover from loss and create new music with some degree of privacy.

Well, it turns out his new place is haunted and he is (of course) left with a mystery to unravel. At first, John tries unsuccessfully to communicate with the spirit haunting the house, but the spirit gradually reveals more details about itself (hey, these things tend to be shy and rarely carry bullhorns).

The Changeling might not be what you think

The ghost in The Changeling is violent but does not seem intent on directly and quickly murdering John. As you watch, you probably won’t imagine it grabbing hold of John’s neck and causing his head to instantly explode, or anything so drastic. However, it does leave John physically injured, traumatized and, frankly, ropes him into a mystery he had practically nothing to do with. Then again, without John’s help, how would the mystery get unsolved?

That being said, I’m still surprised The Changeling isn’t about John’s wife or child. In fact, their deaths almost seem coincidental to the plot. To my memory, the ghost doesn’t even exploit John’s sadness to any significant degree (missed opportunity?)! That being said, the actual mystery might have you wonder what’s really buried in your backyard, or in your attic, in your well, or any Scooby-Doo-esque hidden room in your house that’s beyond ripe for discovery.

Does The Changeling stand the test of time?  Sure!

Even as someone who doesn’t believe in ghosts, goblins, or ghouls, I can still appreciate a supernatural horror story like this. I like the idea of a perpetually annoyed ghost whose proper burial was disturbed by treachery. Though The Changeling is kind of a cool movie with some cold-blooded aspects. It’s not a particularly bloody story, but it has a corpse or two, making it that much more of a horror movie.

There are some dark moments here, too, such as a child’s life being sacrificed for money (not crucified, but close enough to make it outrageous). More broadly, John’s investigation into the mansion’s history leads him to discover dark secrets long suppressed. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? It’s also refreshing that the mansion wasn’t built on some Native American burial ground, meaning it didn’t feed into (or off of) that weird trope. A better lesson is reinforced: Always be careful when renting or buying some property, as you may receive more than you bargain for.

What are your thoughts on The Changeling? Let us know in the comments!