Wait til Helen Comes (2016)


Wait Till Helen Comes
, adapted from Mary Downing Hahn's popular children's horror novel, blends family drama with supernatural suspense in a slow-burning ghost story that builds steadily toward a rewarding conclusion.

The film follows a teenage girl, Molly, who relocates with her blended family to a converted country church—an eerie, isolated setting that sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. Tension escalates when her emotionally fragile step-sister, Heather, begins communicating with the ghost of a young girl named Helen. While the plot leans on familiar haunted house tropes, it distinguishes itself through strong atmosphere, a grounded emotional core, and the underlying theme of grief and healing.

Admittedly, the pacing is deliberate—almost sluggish at times—but this slow build allows for character development and a creeping sense of dread. While this might test the patience of some horror fans expecting jump scares or fast-paced thrills, the film compensates with a satisfying and meaningful resolution. The ending brings closure to both the ghost story and the family's fractured dynamic, leaving the viewer with a sense of peace rather than terror.

Overall, Wait Till Helen Comes may not reinvent the genre, but it's a solid supernatural drama with heart. Fans of quiet, eerie ghost tales with emotional depth will find this a worthy watch.

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