Although a horror film might not always do well when it’s first released, there’s always a chance that it’ll be rediscovered. Many horror films tend to become cult classics after an iffy initial reception. And while that’s not to say this particular film titled The Turning will become a cult classic, it certainly is making a comeback on Netflix.
As noted via FlixPatrol, the movie has actually earned its spot on the most-watched list for Netflix titles. This is quite a shock, considering the film didn’t do well at all with audiences when it was first released in 2020. But it’s also not the first film to do so.
In any case, it’s an interesting coincidence, as Netflix is actually responsible for having produced a series titled The Haunting of Bly Manor. Both The Turning and The Haunting of Bly Manor were inspired by the 1898 ghost story The Turn of the Screw. What’s more, the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor was actually in production at the same time that The Turning was released in theaters. Obviously this might’ve had a negative impact on both projects, but now it’s interesting to see them both end up at Netflix and even gaining newfound attention.
In defense of The Turning, however, it’s worth noting that the film did suffer a slightly troubled production. In fact, it was initially developed with a different filmmaker and budget, a time in which $5 million was already spent. That’s a lot of money, especially for a supernatural horror film, so it put a lot of pressure on Floria Sigismondi when they had to replace the previous director.
With that said, horror fans can now log into Netflix and give The Turning a chance if they haven’t already. Because, who knows, it could just become a cult classic one of these days.