I went to the cinema to see this the other day. The first half was very good. There was a nice slow pace to it; understated, subtle and intriguing. The cinematography and design of the family home was beautiful, giving the film the look of being set in a doll's house, appropriately enough (it really reminded me of the computer game, What Remains of Edith Finch). The slow tracking opening shot is incredible and that shot of Charlie's head covered in ants will stay with me for a fair old while. The moment near the start, where Annie is in the attic and sees her Mother in the dark was genuinely scary and I thought that I was in for a terrifying film. It wasn't to be though, sadly.
From the family seance scene onwards, it become increasingly stupid (I found the bit with Annie, talking like her daughter, Charlie, to be unintentionally funny). I was fully ready for the credits to role the very moment that the crown was placed on Peter's head at the end but no, they just had to have a character step in to explain the plot for the dummies in the audience. Fuck's sake. I understood the story, film. You don't need to explain what the previous 2 hours were about. One can only assume that exposition dump was a result of test screenings. Fuck test screenings and fuck idiots who can't follow a story. If they don't understand it, then so be it. Don't fucking pander to them because it only serves to undermine the film itself.
Also, it was at least 20 minutes too long (knowing that there's a 3 hour cut out there somewhere is boring me to tears, just thinking about it). In summary; darn good first half, silly and bloated second half.
6/10