Overview of the Film
“A Haunted House” (2013) is a comedic horror film centered around a dysfunctional family’s disastrous attempt to sell their haunted house. The film leans heavily into absurd situations and slapstick humor, using a haunted house setting as a backdrop for exaggerated character interactions and escalating scares. It’s a lighthearted take on the genre, aiming for laughs more than genuine scares.
This family-friendly horror comedy utilizes a blend of familiar tropes, transforming them into humorous and often self-aware situations. The narrative explores the anxieties and tensions within the family, highlighting the often-absurd dynamics between characters.
Plot Summary
The film follows the struggling, dysfunctional Miller family as they try to sell their haunted house. Their attempts to make the house appealing to potential buyers are met with increasingly bizarre and comical supernatural events. The family’s efforts to rid the house of its spectral inhabitants are thwarted by their own incompetence and the house’s mischievous spirit.
Main Characters and Their Roles
The Miller family is the central focus, with each member contributing to the comedic chaos. The patriarch, played by the main actor, is portrayed as a hapless and often inept father, highlighting the struggles of maintaining a household with an overly-active spirit. The mother, the primary caregiver, often tries to maintain order but is equally caught in the escalating absurdities. The children embody youthful energy and often become entangled in the house’s supernatural activities, with their naive reactions and actions adding to the film’s humor.
Genre and Key Themes
The film’s genre is best described as a horror comedy. It blends elements of horror, like ghostly apparitions and frightening encounters, with comedic situations and slapstick humor. Key themes explored include family dynamics, the anxieties of selling a home, and the struggle with unexpected and troublesome spirits. The film uses humor to address the inherent anxieties and tensions within families.
Tone and Atmosphere
The film’s tone is lighthearted and comedic, often leaning into absurd situations. The atmosphere is a blend of suspenseful moments and slapstick humor, creating a unique and unpredictable viewing experience. The overall feeling is one of playful fear, rather than genuine horror, where the audience is more amused by the situations than truly scared.
Comparison to Other Horror Comedies
| Film | Plot Similarity | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| A Haunted House (2013) | Focuses on a dysfunctional family encountering supernatural events while attempting to sell a haunted house. | Emphasizes slapstick humor and absurd situations over genuinely frightening scares. |
| Scary Movie (2000) | Parody of horror tropes, often with a focus on mocking the genre. | More overtly comedic, with a focus on satirizing the tropes. “A Haunted House” takes a more subtle approach. |
| Shaun of the Dead (2004) | Combines horror and comedy, with a focus on everyday life. | The tone is more grounded in realism, with the horror elements used to highlight the characters’ anxieties. “A Haunted House” is more fantastical. |
| Cabin in the Woods (2011) | A horror film with comedic elements, exploring the meta-narrative of horror films. | Has a darker, more satirical tone, while “A Haunted House” has a lighter, more family-friendly approach. |
Critical Reception
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“A Haunted House” (2013) didn’t exactly sweep the critics off their feet. While it found a niche audience, its reception was generally mixed, reflecting a film that aimed for laughs but often fell short of truly frightening or funny. The film’s comedic approach was a double-edged sword, with some reviewers finding the jokes uneven and others appreciating the broad, slapstick style.
Reviewers often commented on the film’s inconsistent tone and pacing. The attempt to blend horror and humor sometimes felt forced, creating a disconnect between the intended scares and the comedic elements. This inconsistency often translated into a frustrating viewing experience for some.
Common Themes of Criticism
The film frequently faced criticism for its predictable plot and characters. Reviewers often felt the scares were clichéd and lacking in originality. Many felt the characters were one-dimensional and unlikeable, further hindering the audience’s investment in the story. The film’s attempts at social commentary also didn’t land well, often falling flat and feeling tacked-on. Some critics felt the humor was often juvenile and relied too heavily on gross-out gags, lacking in wit or sophistication.
Common Themes of Praise
Despite the criticisms, some reviewers did find redeeming qualities. The film’s performances, particularly the comedic performances, were sometimes praised for their energy and commitment to the material. A few reviewers noted that the film’s broad humor could be surprisingly effective in certain moments, delivering chuckles that were appreciated. In some cases, the film’s over-the-top approach was seen as a strength, creating a unique and memorable experience, even if not a consistently enjoyable one.
Strengths and Weaknesses Based on Reviews, A haunted house 2013 full movie
The film’s strengths lay in its comedic timing and the performances of some actors. However, its weaknesses were substantial, including predictable plot points, cliché scares, and one-dimensional characters. The film’s attempt to blend genres often resulted in a confusing and disjointed experience.
Comparative Analysis with Similar Films
“A Haunted House” was released during a period when similar horror-comedy films were gaining traction. Comparing it to other films of the same genre shows that its attempts to be both funny and frightening were not always successful. While some similar films were better received for their unique approach or cleverer humor, “A Haunted House” struggled to stand out in a crowded market. The film’s reliance on shock value and gross-out humor, while effective for some, felt less sophisticated compared to similar films that blended humor and horror with more wit and originality.
Summary of Positive and Negative Reviews
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|
| Energetic and committed comedic performances | Predictable plot and characters |
| Broad humor effective in moments | Clichéd scares and lack of originality |
| Unique and memorable experience (in some instances) | Inconsistent tone and pacing |
| Over-the-top approach as a potential strength | Uneven humor, relying too heavily on gross-out gags |
| Unlikeable characters |
Cultural Impact
This 2013 horror-comedy, while not a massive box office hit, left a noticeable mark on the cultural landscape, particularly within online communities. Its unique blend of scares and laughs resonated with a specific audience, sparking discussions and influencing future productions.
The film’s impact wasn’t solely confined to traditional media; social media platforms played a crucial role in amplifying its reach and reception. The film’s online presence demonstrates how digital spaces can shape and disseminate cultural trends.
Social Media Reception
Online forums and social media platforms became crucial discussion spaces for the film. Fans engaged in lively debates about plot twists, character development, and the film’s comedic timing. Positive and negative feedback circulated widely, contributing to a complex public perception of the movie. The film’s presence on platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and Twitter generated significant buzz, indicating its appeal to a particular online community.
Influence on Later Horror-Comedy Films
The film’s approach to horror-comedy, mixing genuinely frightening moments with comedic relief, provided a model for later productions. The creative use of specific visual and comedic tropes influenced some filmmakers. While not a direct inspiration for every subsequent horror-comedy, its approach to blending genres and engaging with specific themes influenced the storytelling strategies employed in later productions.
Summary of Social Media Presence
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| Active discussions in dedicated subreddits, featuring fan theories and reviews. | |
| YouTube | Numerous fan-made videos, including trailers, reaction videos, and behind-the-scenes content. |
| Moderate to high level of engagement, including trending hashtags and re-tweets. | |
| Some discussion and sharing of promotional materials. |
Note: Precise quantitative data on social media engagement is difficult to obtain. The table above reflects the general perception of the film’s online presence, based on anecdotal evidence and readily available information.
Contribution to Horror-Comedy Genre Evolution
The film’s success, or lack thereof, in the box office did not entirely halt its impact on the horror-comedy genre. The unique approach to blending elements of horror and comedy, combined with its visual and narrative choices, influenced future filmmakers to experiment with similar techniques. This, in turn, broadened the scope of the genre, prompting further innovation and creativity.
Technical Aspects
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The 2013 haunted house movie leaned heavily on its technical execution to create a truly immersive and frightening experience. From meticulously crafted sets to innovative special effects, the film pushed the boundaries of what was possible within its budget. The cinematography, score, and editing all played crucial roles in enhancing the narrative and building suspense.
Set Design and Special Effects
The film’s set design was crucial to establishing the unsettling atmosphere. Creatively crafted environments, often reflecting a combination of realistic and exaggerated elements, fostered a sense of dread. The haunted house itself was not just a location; it was a character, embodying the film’s core themes through its design. Special effects, while not overly complex, were used strategically. These effects ranged from practical elements like props and practical makeup to digital enhancements, ensuring a level of believability that was key to the film’s success. The balance between these techniques was important to the overall aesthetic. Practical effects offered a tangible element, while digital enhancements provided the necessary scale or detail when required.
Cinematography
The cinematography in the film played a critical role in establishing the film’s tone and atmosphere. Low-light conditions, often paired with specific camera angles, created a sense of claustrophobia and dread, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative. Lighting choices were particularly important in emphasizing the film’s horror elements. Harsh shadows and sudden changes in light intensity contributed significantly to the sense of unease and danger, enhancing the unsettling experience for the audience.
Score
The film’s score was integral to the viewer’s emotional response. Music was employed to amplify the narrative’s intensity, effectively building tension and suspense during crucial scenes. The musical choices complemented the visual elements, working in concert to create a truly immersive experience. The score often utilized unsettling or dissonant notes to heighten the sense of dread and foreboding, ensuring that the film’s emotional impact was amplified.
Editing
The film’s editing style was crucial in controlling the pacing. The editing choices, ranging from rapid cuts to extended close-ups, directly influenced the film’s rhythm. Fast cuts, for example, often were used to heighten the tension during intense action sequences, while longer takes were used to build suspense or to convey a character’s internal turmoil. This dynamic interplay between quick cuts and slower shots ensured a consistent sense of dread throughout the film.
Technical Crew
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Director of Photography | [Name of Cinematographer] |
| Production Designer | [Name of Production Designer] |
| Composer | [Name of Composer] |
| Editor | [Name of Editor] |
| Special Effects Supervisor | [Name of Special Effects Supervisor] |
Note: Specific names and titles are not provided here as the information was not accessible. However, this table format would be used if the information was readily available.
Humor and Horror
The 2013 haunted house film employed a delicate balance between humor and horror, aiming to both scare and entertain its audience. This approach, while not groundbreaking, effectively created a unique viewing experience, leveraging comedic moments to alleviate tension and provide a breather amidst the more intense scares. The film’s success in this regard hinged on the skillful integration of these contrasting elements, ensuring neither aspect overshadowed the other.
Humor’s Role in Counteracting Horror
The film used humor to effectively counteract the horror elements, creating moments of levity that helped to break up the tension and make the scares more impactful. Comedic moments were strategically placed to provide a sense of normalcy, allowing the audience to relax briefly before the horror returned. This contrast heightened the emotional impact of the scares, making them feel more genuine and impactful. By juxtaposing the humor and horror, the film aimed to generate a richer emotional response from the audience, a more engaging and memorable experience.
Specific Examples of Comedic Moments
- One particularly effective comedic moment involved a character’s ludicrously over-the-top reaction to a seemingly harmless event. This absurdity, contrasted with the escalating horror, created a humorous and memorable sequence. The character’s exaggerated response to a relatively minor threat was a clever way to create a comedic relief, highlighting the character’s personality while also providing a necessary break from the intense tension.
- Another example of humor was the use of slapstick comedy, employing physical gags and exaggerated actions to create laughter amidst the horror. These moments, while short, effectively provided a brief escape from the escalating dread, making the subsequent scares more effective.
- The film also used witty dialogue and situational irony to generate humor. These comedic elements provided a much-needed counterpoint to the more intense and frightening scenes, making the film more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. They also provided a sense of relatability, connecting the audience with the characters in a more human way.
Elements Contributing to the Horror
The horror aspects of the film were achieved through a combination of visual and auditory techniques, including jump scares, suspenseful music, and terrifying imagery. These elements, carefully orchestrated, successfully built and maintained a sense of dread throughout the film. The film utilized sound design to great effect, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspense, heightening the impact of the horror sequences.
Humor and Horror Interaction
The film successfully integrated humor and horror to create a unique viewing experience. The humor was not simply a filler but a crucial component that served to heighten the emotional impact of the scares. The balance between these two elements was carefully crafted to create an engaging and memorable cinematic experience. This integration of humor and horror was a defining feature of the film, contributing to its overall success and memorability.
Table: Comedic and Scary Scenes
| Scene Type | Scene Description |
|---|---|
| Comedic | A character trips over a loose rug while running from a monster. The character falls comedically and is unharmed. |
| Scary | A sudden jump scare occurs when a masked figure appears from behind a corner. Loud, frightening noises accompany the sudden appearance. |
| Comedic | A character mistakenly believes a harmless noise is a monster. They react in a panicked and exaggerated way. |
| Scary | A slow-motion scene depicts a character’s terrified face as they realize they are trapped. The scene is accompanied by chilling music. |
| Comedic | A character makes a silly remark during a tense moment. The remark creates a humorous contrast to the surrounding fear. |
| Scary | A sequence shows a creature slowly approaching its prey in the dark. The scene uses shadows and sound to create a sense of suspense and dread. |
Themes and Symbolism
This 2013 haunted house film, while undoubtedly a genre piece, explores deeper themes and utilizes symbolism to enhance the narrative and its impact on the viewer. The film’s creators use these elements to create a richer tapestry of meaning beyond the immediate scares and thrills, offering insights into human nature and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
The recurring themes of fear, isolation, and the power of the past are woven throughout the narrative, often represented through symbolic imagery. These symbols, carefully chosen and strategically placed, amplify the emotional resonance of the story and contribute to the film’s overall message about confronting one’s anxieties and the consequences of ignoring the past.
Recurring Themes
The film explores fundamental anxieties of humanity. The constant threat of the unknown, the fear of isolation, and the weight of the past are central to the narrative. These themes aren’t just surface-level anxieties; they’re used to build tension and underscore the emotional responses of the characters.
Symbolic Objects and Their Significance
The film utilizes various objects and locations to convey deeper meanings. These elements, often subtle, resonate with the themes explored and enhance the viewer’s understanding of the narrative’s message.
Examples of Symbolic Imagery
- The house itself: The decaying, overgrown, and seemingly abandoned house symbolizes the destructive nature of unchecked fear and the potential for hidden dangers within the past.
- The haunted artifacts: These objects, whether tools, weapons, or personal items, are frequently imbued with a sense of history and the past. Their presence suggests the characters are facing not just the current threat, but also the lingering effects of the past.
- The weather patterns: Stormy weather and darkness often accompany or foreshadow the terrifying events. These serve as symbolic representations of the characters’ internal turmoil and the unseen forces at play in the film.
- Family heirlooms: These items, passed down through generations, can represent the burden of the past and the legacy of unresolved trauma.
Table of Important Symbols and Potential Meanings
| Symbol | Potential Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Haunted House | The destructive nature of unchecked fear; the potential for hidden dangers within the past; a representation of the characters’ internal struggles. |
| Haunted Artifacts | The weight of history; the lingering effects of the past; the unresolved trauma of previous generations. |
| Stormy Weather | Internal turmoil; the unseen forces at play; foreshadowing of terrifying events. |
| Family Heirlooms | The burden of the past; the legacy of unresolved trauma; the connection between generations. |
Casting and Performances
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The casting choices for this haunted house film were largely instrumental in shaping its overall impact, whether positive or negative. The actors’ performances directly influenced the believability and emotional resonance of the scares, the suspense, and the characters themselves. Some actors embodied their roles perfectly, creating memorable characters, while others fell short, impacting the film’s overall effectiveness.
The actors’ interpretations of their roles had a significant impact on how audiences perceived the film’s tone and atmosphere. A strong performance could elevate a scene, while a weak one could diminish the impact of even well-crafted scares or plot points. This is particularly important in horror films, where the audience’s emotional connection to the characters is crucial to the success of the scares and the overall narrative.
Casting Choices Analysis
The casting directors’ choices, based on the characters’ traits and the overall narrative, directly influenced the film’s effectiveness. The success of the film hinged on whether the actors could embody the intended roles convincingly. A mismatch between actor and character could undermine the film’s atmosphere. Factors such as the actor’s prior roles, acting style, and perceived suitability to the character were undoubtedly considered during the casting process.
Actor Performances and Role Contribution
The performances of the actors varied greatly, contributing to the film’s overall success or failure. Some actors successfully conveyed the intended emotions and motivations of their characters, drawing the audience into the story. Others, however, struggled to portray their characters authentically, impacting the film’s believability and overall impact. This difference in performance levels had a significant impact on the film’s reception and legacy.
Strengths and Weaknesses in Portraying Roles
Certain actors exhibited strong performances, showcasing remarkable skill in embodying their characters. Their strengths lay in their ability to convincingly portray the emotions and motivations required for their roles. Conversely, some actors’ performances fell short, hindering the film’s impact. Weaknesses included a lack of nuance in portraying the character’s emotional range or a failure to connect with the audience on an emotional level. This imbalance between strong and weak performances can create an uneven viewing experience.
Main Cast Members and Roles
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| [Actor Name 1] | [Character Name 1] |
| [Actor Name 2] | [Character Name 2] |
| [Actor Name 3] | [Character Name 3] |
| … | … |
This table provides a basic overview of the main cast members and their respective roles in the film.
Relationship Between Performances and Film’s Tone
The actors’ performances played a significant role in establishing the film’s overall tone. Strong performances helped to maintain the intended tone, whether it was suspenseful, terrifying, or comedic. Weak performances, on the other hand, could shift the tone or undermine the film’s intended atmosphere. For example, an actor portraying a character with a particularly intense fear might fail to convey that fear convincingly, thus impacting the overall tone. This underscores the importance of each actor’s performance in maintaining the desired atmosphere and emotional impact.
Target Audience
This haunted house film, released in 2013, aimed to capture a specific demographic while maintaining broad appeal. Understanding the intended audience is crucial to analyzing the film’s success and reception. Its marketing strategy and the film’s own inherent qualities determined which viewers it was most likely to attract.
Identifying the Target Audience
The primary target audience for this haunted house film likely consisted of fans of horror and thrillers, particularly those who enjoyed a combination of scares and atmosphere. A secondary audience could have been composed of viewers seeking a family-friendly, but still somewhat intense, experience. The film’s approach to scares and its overall tone would have guided marketing decisions to reach these potential demographics.
Appeal to Different Demographics
The film’s potential to appeal to various demographics hinged on its ability to blend different elements. For horror enthusiasts, the scares and unsettling atmosphere would have been central. For those looking for a more family-friendly experience, the film’s emphasis on suspense and eerie storytelling could have been more engaging.
Marketing Strategy and Effectiveness
The film’s marketing strategy likely focused on creating a sense of mystery and dread. Pre-release trailers and posters likely emphasized the film’s eerie atmosphere and the intensity of the scares, while also highlighting any family-friendly aspects to broaden the appeal. Success in reaching the target audience depended on the effectiveness of these marketing efforts in generating buzz and anticipation. The precise marketing tactics and their effectiveness are crucial to evaluating the film’s success.
Potential Demographics of Viewers
| Demographic Category | Description | Potential Viewership |
|---|---|---|
| Horror Fans | Individuals who enjoy intense scares, suspense, and supernatural themes. | High potential, particularly for those who liked the genre of haunted houses. |
| Thriller Enthusiasts | Individuals who appreciate suspenseful narratives and a gradual build-up of tension. | Moderate potential, contingent on the film’s pacing and narrative structure. |
| Family-Friendly Moviegoers | Families looking for an eerie but not overly graphic experience. | Moderate potential, if the film’s tone and scares were appropriate. |
| Fans of Atmospheric Films | Individuals who enjoy films that create a strong sense of atmosphere and dread without relying solely on jump scares. | Moderate to high potential, depending on the film’s ability to achieve that atmospheric quality. |
The table above provides a framework for analyzing potential demographics. The actual viewership would depend on factors like film’s marketing and critical reception.
Historical Context
The release of the 2013 haunted house film coincided with a period of evolving horror cinema and shifting cultural trends. The rise of found-footage and social media-influenced narratives was noticeable, adding a layer of realism and accessibility to the genre. This was also a time when audiences were increasingly accustomed to visually intense and immersive storytelling, demanding a high degree of production quality.
The film’s reception was impacted by the prevailing tastes of the year. While the genre remained popular, the specific anxieties and fascinations of the time influenced critical response. Furthermore, the director’s own influences, drawn from earlier horror masters and emerging cinematic trends, shaped the overall aesthetic and thematic choices.
Cultural and Social Trends
The year 2013 saw a burgeoning interest in immersive storytelling. Interactive entertainment, online communities, and the rapid proliferation of social media created a platform for sharing and discussing experiences. This had a direct impact on the way horror films were consumed and critiqued. The prevalence of “found footage” style films also played a role, suggesting a desire for authenticity and a sense of immediacy in the viewing experience.
Film’s Reception in 2013
The film’s reception in 2013 was mixed. Some critics praised the film’s technical aspects, especially its use of special effects and atmosphere, but others found it lacking in originality or depth. Box office performance, while profitable, didn’t achieve the monumental success of some other horror releases of the period. The general critical consensus reflected the contemporary landscape of the horror genre, where originality and thematic depth were often weighed against visual spectacle.
Director’s Inspirations and Influences
The director likely drew inspiration from a range of sources, including classic horror films of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as more recent, modern horror productions. This might have been reflected in stylistic choices, character development, or thematic explorations. The director’s prior work and the current cinematic climate also played a crucial role in shaping the final product.
Cultural and Social Context Table
| Year | Cultural Trend | Social Trend | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Rise of immersive storytelling | Increased social media engagement | Increased popularity of interactive games and found-footage films |
| 2013 | Technological advancements in special effects | Shifting tastes in horror cinema | Increased expectation of visually stunning and elaborate horror films |
Visual Elements
The visual style of the 2013 haunted house movie establishes a specific atmosphere, blending elements of horror and suspense with a touch of macabre. The film’s aesthetic choices are integral to conveying the narrative’s themes and emotional impact. The visual language employed powerfully reinforces the psychological and supernatural aspects of the story, creating a distinct cinematic experience.
The visual design meticulously crafts a sense of dread and unease, leveraging the power of imagery to heighten the emotional impact of the narrative. This visual style contributes significantly to the film’s overall impact, setting the tone and influencing how the audience perceives the events unfolding on screen.
Color Palettes and Lighting
The film’s color palette plays a crucial role in shaping the mood. Predominantly muted tones, often in the dark spectrum, contribute to a sense of mystery and foreboding. Occasional flashes of vibrant color, typically during moments of heightened tension or supernatural occurrences, serve to highlight these pivotal events. Strategic use of lighting, from harsh shadows to eerie glows, amplifies the sense of unease and suspense. The manipulation of light and shadow creates a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the film’s world.
Specific Visual Elements and Narrative Impact
Several visual elements contribute significantly to the narrative. For example, the use of slow-motion during key moments of terror amplifies the suspense, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the intensity of the situation. The recurring imagery of decaying or distorted objects reinforces the theme of decay and the supernatural elements of the story. The use of close-up shots of characters’ expressions during moments of fear and anxiety immerses the viewer in the characters’ emotional turmoil. These techniques effectively convey the emotional impact of the story on the characters and draw the audience into their experiences.
Visual Support of Themes and Story
The film’s visual design directly supports the narrative’s themes. The use of symbolic imagery, such as flickering lights or distorted reflections, reinforces the sense of unease and the unsettling nature of the supernatural forces at play. The visual style contributes to the psychological tension of the story, building upon the narrative’s sense of dread and mystery. By employing specific visual cues, the film effectively communicates the emotional and thematic elements of the story, immersing the audience in the world and its events.
Key Visual Elements and Symbolic Meanings
| Visual Element | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Decaying/Distorted Objects | Represents the encroaching supernatural forces and the characters’ psychological distress. |
| Muted Color Palettes | Creates a sense of foreboding and mystery, emphasizing the unsettling atmosphere. |
| Eerie Lighting | Amplifies the sense of unease and suspense, mirroring the characters’ growing anxieties. |
| Close-up Shots of Expressions | Immerses the audience in the characters’ emotional turmoil, emphasizing the psychological impact of the events. |
| Slow-Motion | Heightens the suspense and emphasizes the intensity of pivotal moments of terror. |
FAQ Corner: A Haunted House 2013 Full Movie
A haunted house 2013 full movie – What is the film’s runtime?
The film’s runtime is approximately 90 minutes.
Who directed A Haunted House 2013?
The film was directed by Michael Tiddes.
Are there any notable cameos in the film?
While not major cameos, a few recognizable faces make appearances.
What is the overall rating of the movie?
The film received a mixed bag of ratings. Some critics praised its humor, while others felt the scares weren’t very effective.
What is the main conflict in the story?
The main conflict revolves around a group of people who enter a haunted house with the intent to experience the thrills, but their plans take a comedic turn as they face the paranormal and their own misadventures.