“The Hatred,” a horror/mystery film directed by Michael G. Kehoe, released in 2017, attempts to weave a tale of terror as four young women encounter the malevolent past of their professor’s country home. With a runtime of 90 minutes, the movie promises a chilling experience but falls short of delivering the expected thrills.

The film’s premise is intriguing, with elements that could have been the foundation for a gripping horror narrative. However, the execution does not live up to the potential of the story. The setting, a bed and breakfast with a haunted history, is a classic horror trope that offers ample opportunity for suspense and scares. Yet, the film struggles to maintain a consistent atmosphere of dread.

Performance-wise, the cast, including Sarah Davenport and Andrew Divoff, put forth a commendable effort, but their characters lack depth, making it challenging for the audience to form a connection or root for their survival. The script does not provide enough material for the actors to showcase their full range, leaving the characters feeling one-dimensional.

Visually, “The Hatred” is a well-crafted film. The cinematography captures the eerie essence of the haunted house, and the use of lighting creates a suitably ominous mood. However, these aesthetic qualities are not enough to compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

Critics have been divided on their opinions of the film. Some have appreciated the visual aspects and considered it a strong calling card for the director. Others have criticized it for being too slender a tale to support a feature-length film, finding it more frustrating than thrilling. The audience reception has mirrored this sentiment, with many expressing disappointment in the film’s inability to fully engage or scare them.