Something Evil (1972) (USA)

⭐️⭐️1/2

Instead of being a fresh start away from the big city for a family, a Pennsylvania farmhouse proves to be a real nightmare when it turns out the unseen presence dwelling within may just be the Devil himself. Papa Paul (Darren McGavin) works in New York and isn’t sure about leaving the city behind for the farm life but his wife Marjorie (Sandy Dennis) seems to take quite a liking to it and he acquiesces. At first the only uncomfortableness is directed at the local customs of the former owner/caretaker (Jeff Corey) but spooky shit begins to cause some chills as whatever is there directs its supernatural attentions towards Marjorie and their son. A couple people die and possession is in the cards for the lady of the house. Old timer neighbor Harry Lincoln (Ralph Bellamy) is well versed in the supernatural and makes quick friends with the new-in-town couple. The already sure directorial hand of Steven Spielberg combines with the solid cast to make the obvious low budget mean next to nothing. The simple script is a problem but what really works against it is just how unlikable they make our main protagonist as the evil closes in around her. Darren McGavin sports an excellent hat, so that’s a winner.