Haunt (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Haunt is primarily set in the Morello House, an old, mysterious residence located in a quiet town. The house serves as the central location where the story unfolds, with its dark history and tragic past influencing the events that occur. The residential area surrounding the house adds to the eerie atmosphere, creating a sense of isolation and foreboding.

• morello house
• setting
• haunted house
• residential area

The Morello House is an old, mysterious residence with a tragic history of death and grief. Once home to the Morello family, it conceals dark secrets that unfold as new residents move in. The house becomes a haunted space where past horrors resonate with the living, creating an oppressive atmosphere that drives much of the film's tension.

• morello house
• haunted house
• dark history
• mansion

Haunt takes place in the present day with flashbacks to a tragic past. The events depicted suggest that the haunting is rooted in historical violence and family tragedy, which continues to impact the present inhabitants of the house. While no specific year is given, the contemporary setting is indicated by modern technology like the EVP box used for paranormal investigation.

• time period
• present day
• flashbacks
• historical past

Haunt explores three major themes: the supernatural, family trauma, and forbidden love. The supernatural elements involve paranormal experiences tied to an EVP box and vengeful spirits seeking closure. Family trauma highlights how past sins affect future generations, with characters struggling to escape the shadows of their ancestors. The romance between Evan and Samantha represents forbidden love that is tested by the surrounding horror and tragedy.

• supernatural
• family trauma
• forbidden love
• themes

Family trauma is a crucial theme in Haunt, highlighting how past sins affect future generations. The characters' struggles to escape the shadows of their ancestors reveal deep emotional scars and the cyclical nature of violence. The connection between Frank Morello's betrayal and its consequences on Samantha illustrates the pervasive impact of familial relationships, showing how historical trauma continues to haunt the present.

• family trauma
• generational trauma
• past sins
• family secrets

The supernatural is central to Haunt's narrative as characters grapple with paranormal experiences tied to an EVP box. The presence of vengeful spirits adds a layer of terror and tragedy, reflecting on unresolved issues from the past. This theme emphasizes the intertwined nature of loss and the quest for closure, with the spirits seemingly trapped by their violent deaths and seeking justice or remembrance.

• supernatural
• ghosts
• spirits
• paranormal
• evp box

Evan Asher is a curious and determined teenager who moves into the Morello House with his family. Initially unaware of the house's dark history, he becomes central to the paranormal events that unfold. His courage leads him to explore the supernatural, investigating the mysteries of the house, but he ultimately faces tragic consequences for what he uncovers.

• evan asher
• harrison gilbertson
• protagonist
• teenager

Samantha is a resilient young woman dealing with her own family issues stemming from an abusive father. Through her bond with Evan, she becomes entangled in the haunting and its tragic past. Her journey explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to confront her own heritage, as she discovers connections between her family and the Morello House's dark history.

• samantha
• liana liberato
• resilient
• abusive father

Dr. Morello is a character who serves as the narrative voice connecting past and present, revealing the horrifying history of her family. Her background as a doctor adds a layer of complexity to her character, hinting at her intelligence and the burden she carries from her family's secrets. Throughout the film, she acts as a guide for the younger characters, helping them understand the truth behind the house's haunting.

• dr. morello
• jacki weaver
• family secrets
• narrator

Evan and Samantha share a budding romance that introduces themes of forbidden love amidst chaos. Their connection provides a moment of hope and warmth against the backdrop of loss and despair. However, this love is ultimately tested by the haunting spirits that threaten their existence, leading to tragic consequences for their relationship.

• evan
• samantha
• romance
• relationship
• forbidden love