The Amityville Horror (1979) Watch Online Free

George Lutz and his wife Kathleen move into their Long Island dream house with their children only for their lives to be turned into a hellish nightmare. The legacy of a murder committed in the house gradually affects the family and a priest is brought in to try and exorcise the demonic presence from their home.

Released in 1979, The Amityville Horror is a supernatural horror film directed by Stuart Rosenberg, based on the 1977 book by Jay Anson. The narrative centers on the Lutz family—George (James Brolin), Kathy (Margot Kidder), and their three children—who move into a spacious colonial house in Amityville, New York, at a remarkably low price. Unbeknownst to them, the house was the site of a gruesome mass murder a year earlier, where Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his parents and four siblings.

Shortly after relocating, the Lutz family begins to experience a series of disturbing and inexplicable events. George becomes increasingly irritable and withdrawn, while Kathy notices unsettling occurrences, including strange noises, foul odors, and the appearance of mysterious red stains. The children also encounter supernatural entities, notably a demonic pig named Jodie. As the paranormal activities intensify, the family’s safety is jeopardized, leading them to seek help from a priest, Father Delaney (Rod Steiger). Despite his initial skepticism, Father Delaney becomes a target of the malevolent forces within the house. The film culminates in the Lutz family fleeing the house, leaving behind their belongings and the life they had hoped to build.

Main Themes in The Amityville Horror

1. The Haunting of the Past: The film explores how the traumatic history of a location can haunt its future inhabitants. The Lutz family’s experiences are deeply influenced by the house’s violent past, suggesting that unresolved tragedies can cast long shadows over subsequent generations.
2. The Fragility of the Human Psyche: As the supernatural events escalate, the film delves into the psychological strain on the Lutz family. George’s increasing irritability and Kathy’s growing distress highlight how external pressures can erode mental stability, especially when faced with unexplainable phenomena.
3. The Clash Between Skepticism and Belief: The narrative juxtaposes characters who are skeptical of the supernatural with those who are believers. Father Delaney’s initial disbelief and subsequent terror underscore the tension between rationality and faith when confronted with the unknown.
4. The Corruption of Innocence: The film portrays how the malevolent forces within the house corrupt the innocence of the Lutz children. Their encounters with the demonic presence, particularly the entity Jodie, symbolize the loss of childhood innocence and the intrusion of evil into a once-safe environment.

Impact of The Amityville Horror

Upon its release, The Amityville Horror garnered significant attention due to its basis on a real-life incident and its portrayal of supernatural events. Critically, the film received mixed reviews. Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun-Times awarded it one and a half stars out of four, describing it as dreary and terminally depressing, and noting that it lacked a compelling antagonist. Conversely, Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times praised the film for effectively making the house itself the villain, stating that it does scarily well… make a very attractive three-story colonial… the villain of the piece.

Despite the critical divide, the film achieved commercial success, grossing approximately $86 million worldwide against a production budget of $4.7 million. Its popularity led to several sequels and remakes, cementing its status as a significant entry in the horror genre.

7 Reasons to Watch The Amityville Horror (1979)

1. Authentic Portrayal of Paranormal Events: The film offers a chilling depiction of supernatural occurrences, immersing viewers in a world where the boundaries between the living and the spectral are blurred. The realistic portrayal of these events enhances the horror experience, making it relatable and terrifying.
2. Strong Performances by the Lead Cast: James Brolin and Margot Kidder deliver compelling performances as George and Kathy Lutz. Their portrayal of a family grappling with escalating supernatural events adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making their characters’ experiences resonate with the audience.
3. Atmospheric Cinematography: The film’s cinematography effectively captures the eerie ambiance of the Amityville house. The use of lighting and camera angles creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease, drawing viewers into the unsettling environment.
4. Exploration of Psychological Horror: Beyond supernatural elements, the film delves into psychological horror, examining how fear and stress can affect the human mind. This layered approach adds complexity to the narrative, appealing to those interested in the psychological aspects of horror.
5. Cultural Significance: As one of the early films to claim a basis in real-life events, The Amityville Horror sparked widespread public interest in paranormal stories. Its influence is evident in numerous subsequent films and media that explore similar themes, marking it as a cultural touchstone in the horror genre.
6. Engaging Storytelling: The film maintains a steady pace, gradually building tension and suspense. Its narrative structure keeps viewers engaged, with each scene contributing to the overarching sense of dread and anticipation.
7. Historical Context: Watching the film provides insight into the late 1970s’ approach to horror cinema, reflecting the era’s filmmaking techniques and societal attitudes toward the supernatural. This historical perspective enriches the viewing experience, offering a glimpse into the genre’s evolution.

How Will You Feel After Watching The Amityville Horror (1979)?

After viewing The Amityville Horror, audiences are likely to experience a lingering sense of unease and contemplation. The film’s atmospheric tension and psychological depth may evoke feelings of discomfort and introspection, particularly regarding the nature of fear and the unknown. The unsettling events and their impact on the Lutz family can lead viewers to reflect on the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with inexplicable phenomena.

The film’s chilling portrayal of the supernatural will leave a lasting impression, especially as it blends psychological horror with supernatural elements. The house itself becomes a character in the story, its malevolent presence shaping the family’s fate. This aspect may provoke thoughts about the power of place and history in shaping personal experiences. Moreover, the emotional toll on the characters, particularly George’s gradual descent into anger and paranoia, will resonate with viewers, leaving them with a sense of empathy for the Lutz family’s ordeal.

In the aftermath of watching The Amityville Horror, some viewers might find themselves questioning the nature of fear and whether the supernatural can truly manifest in the way depicted in the film. The movie’s unsettling atmosphere and its portrayal of psychological deterioration may also prompt introspection about the fragility of the human mind when faced with extreme stress and terror. Overall, viewers can expect to feel a mix of dread, curiosity, and reflection after watching this iconic horror film.