Flowers in the Attic

Flowers in the Attic, a 1987 film adaptation of V.C. Andrew’s bestseller novel, is a dramatic thriller that delivers suspense, intrigue, and a chilling exploration of family dynamics. The film stars Louise Fletcher, Victoria Tennant, Kristy Swanson and serves as a morbidly fascinating examination of themes such as family secrets, betrayal, forbidden love, and resilience of the human spirit.

Directed by Jeffrey Bloom, this movie stands the test of time for its dark story and captivating performances. Victoria Tennant plays Corrine Dollanganger, a widowed mother of four beautiful children. When her husband passes away unexpectedly, leaving her in financial trouble, Corrine is forced to return to her parents' opulent mansion, Foxworth Hall. Here, Louise Fletcher expertly embodies the chilling role of her strict, unwelcoming mother, Olivia Foxworth.

The children, led by teenager Cathy Dollanganger portrayed by Kristy Swanson, initially believe their mystical, grand family home is temporary. They imagine a life full of enchantment and are keen to explore the sprawling mansion. However, a rude awakening dawns on them when they are locked in the attic by their grandmother, who communicates to them that they are sinful creatures because of their parents' unconventional marriage history. Trapped and isolated, these children have to confront their fears and adapt to a life of secrecy and confinement.

The movie remains faithful to Andrews' original novel, walking a fine line between disturbing drama and horror. The performances of the young cast hack their way into your psyche, with Swanson delivering a riveting portrayal of Cathy. She balances the grace, innocence, and strength of the character as she evolves from a naive, care-free schoolgirl to a responsible and rebellious young woman struggling with her awakening sexuality. Jeb Stuart Adams gives an equally commendable performance as the oldest brother and surrogate father figure, Chris Dollanganger.

Meanwhile, Victoria Tennant delivers an eerie performance as the seemingly sophisticated but scheming Corrine. Her metamorphosis from a loving, doting mother to an unrecognizable, selfish figure adds a spine-chilling twist to this already unsettling narrative. A special nod to Louise Fletcher’s portrayal of the stern and sinister grandmother, Olivia Foxworth, who delivers a chilling character with an undercurrent of barely concealed malevolence.

The eerie sense of claustrophobia as the children are restricted to their attic living is conveyed impressively through the cinematography. The gothic architecture of Foxworth Hall, alongside Gilbert Taylor's captivating camerawork, enhances every scene with an undercurrent of impending doom.

Moreover, Christopher Young’s exquisite musical score resonates well with the eerie visual narrative. The hauntingly melancholic tunes heighten the drama and tension, capturing the children's fear and despair while instilling a heightened sense of dread and horror within the audience.

The film weaves a complex web of themes together: greed, innocence, lost childhood, love, and betrayal. Throughout the layers of dark narrative, however, there is an element of resilience and the power of love and sibling solidarity. The children cling to each other not just for survival but for emotional solace in the harsh reality of their lives.

Flowers in the Attic is a captivating but uncomfortable journey into a twisted family’s dark secrets. It brings the pages of Andrew's novel to the big screen, visualizing a wickedly engrossing story that reflects human depravity and the fight for survival against manipulative forces. The movie’s intrigue, combined with excellent character portrayals and striking cinematography, ensures it remains a cult classic even after three decades of its release.