A Classic Horror Story isn't targeting a specific era or title in horror to pay tribute; it wants to throw everything at the wall to see what sticks. It results in a bizarre, disjointed experience full of great imagery but confused story and messaging.

A Classic Horror Story delivers a by-the-numbers setup that eventually becomes something more.

We end up with a good-looking movie made with a hint of Hooper, a touch of Barker, even a dash of Shyamalan. But it borrows from/pays homage to A LOT of other films – so many that it’s hard to root out this movie’s own identity.

Whilst never threatening to BE a classic horror story, this is nonetheless a solid and effective effort.