The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror

1977

Ratings51

Average rating3.3

15

Most often tagged as “a true story”, this is more likely ‘inspired by' as the countless lawsuits have tried to prove. Anyway, this was included with audible, so I gave it a go as I haven't read it or seen any of the movies about it. 
This is the story of the haunting that took place during the 28 days the Lutz family stayed in the house they purchased at 112 Ocean Avenue. The previous owner had been sent to jail for killing his entire family within the house, but the Lutz family did not mind at the time. 
Part of this really comes down to whether or not you believe in paranormal activity and ghosts. That seems to be the biggest deciding factor between the reviews I've seen. If you're a nonbeliever and you take the ‘true story' to heart, then yes, this sounds insane. If you're a believer, this is probably a horrifying example of possession, obsession, demonic presence, and haunting. 
For me, this was just super cool to see how influenced horror is by it. Not only general things, but actual huge plot points as well as how they actually happened. I am not a believer, but I enjoyed this a lot. Not scary, because it's written kind of documentary style, with fact after fact (scene after scene) happening without much separating them. It makes it quick and snappy, but you lose what the people were feeling and thinking, for me that's normally where the creepiness comes from...
Personally 4/5* I wouldn't want to stay there regardless. 

June 28, 2023