The Amityville Horror II: The Possession (1982)
The Amityville Horror II: The Possession takes the Amityville story in a much darker direction, serving as a prequel inspired by the real-life DeFeo murders and the supernatural events that supposedly followed. This time, the focus is on the Montelli family, whose new home becomes the setting for a terrifying series of violent and disturbing events.
The film is considerably nastier than its predecessor, with a grim atmosphere, strong practical effects, and a memorable performance from Burt Young as the increasingly unstable father. The possession storyline also gives the movie plenty of opportunities for creepy imagery and disturbing supernatural horror.
Verdict: Darker, meaner, and more disturbing than the original, The Possession is a surprisingly effective sequel that leans heavily into the uglier side of supernatural horror. ★★★★☆
