‘The Enfield Poltergeist’ Apple TV+ Series Review - Ghosts of the Past, A Haunting Triumph

"The Enfield Poltergeist" on Apple TV+ is a hauntingly captivating four-part documentary series that delves into the eerie depths of the paranormal, delivering a viewing experience that will chill you to the bone while simultaneously intriguing your intellect.

This spine-tingling series, slated for release on October 27, 2023, is a chilling reimagining of the Enfield Poltergeist case, one of the most infamous and well-documented poltergeist hauntings in the world. The show takes us back to the 1970s in London, where an ordinary family found themselves thrust into the realm of the supernatural, unleashing a wave of terror that would grip not only their lives but the nation itself.

What sets "The Enfield Poltergeist" apart is its masterful use of original audio recordings captured by the dedicated paranormal investigator, Maurice Grosse. Over two years, Grosse stayed with the beleaguered family, meticulously documenting the unexplainable events that plagued their home. These recordings serve as the backbone of the series, immersing the audience into the eerie ambiance of the Enfield haunting. Through the deft hand of director Jerry Rothwell, the tapes come to life as they are meticulously dubbed onto scenes performed by talented actors, allowing for a seamless interplay between the archival voices and the present-day reenactments.

The sheer genius of this approach lies in its ability to provide a genuine connection to the past, making it feel as though you're right there in that haunted house, witnessing the inexplicable occurrences. The show doesn't just tell you about the haunting; it makes you experience it firsthand, and it's utterly bone-chilling. It's as if the spirits themselves have reached through time to haunt the viewer.

But "The Enfield Poltergeist" isn't content with just being a run-of-the-mill supernatural thriller. It's a cerebral exploration of society's fascination with the spirit world. The show forces us to reflect on our own beliefs and skepticism while we bear witness to this unsettling tale. It's a more intelligent, thoughtful examination of the human tendency to grapple with the unknown, and it's all the more captivating for it.

Moreover, the series succeeds in creating an authentic atmosphere of 1970s Britain, where tedium and quiet desperation permeate the very air. The set design, costume, and cinematography transport you back in time to a world of drab furniture and stifled dreams. It's an evocative recreation that envelops the audience, immersing us in the suffocating mundanity of the era.

However, this is where the negativity creeps in. "The Enfield Poltergeist" is, regrettably, let down by its inexplicably messy structure. At times, it struggles to maintain a clear narrative thread, leaving the viewer occasionally disoriented. This disrupts the otherwise immersive experience, and it's a frustrating aspect that could have been refined to deliver a more polished product.

In conclusion, "The Enfield Poltergeist" is a chilling and bizarre true story that manages to be a cerebral exploration of society's obsession with the supernatural, even if its structure falters at times. The combination of original audio recordings, masterful reenactments, and a thought-provoking narrative makes this series a must-watch for fans of the paranormal and those intrigued by the mysteries of the spirit world. As it grips the nation once again, it will undoubtedly grip your soul. Prepare to be spooked and stirred in equal measure as you journey into the eerie unknown with this mesmerizing series.

Final Score- [9/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note: All 4 episodes are screened for this review.
Premiere Date: October 27, 2023, on Apple TV+ with all four episodes