The Haunting in Connecticut (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in Connecticut, where the Campbell family moves seeking a more affordable home. They discover their new house has a dark past as a former funeral parlor, which becomes the center of the supernatural activity.

• connecticut house
• haunted house
• funeral parlor setting

The film is set in 1987, during the late 1980s. This era is significant because it reflects a time when families faced the realities of serious illness like cancer, financial instability, and when interest in the supernatural was growing in popular culture.

• 1987
• 1980s
• time period
• late 80s

The house's former life as a funeral parlor is central to the horror because it was a place where death occurred and necromantic practices took place. This dark history creates the spiritual unrest that haunts the Campbell family, turning their home into a focal point for unresolved grief and malevolent forces.

• funeral parlor
• house history
• necromancy
• dark past

The movie explores three major themes: grief, as the family deals with Matt's cancer and the house's tragic history; the supernatural, as spirits tied to the house's dark past interact with the living; and resilience, as the family unites to overcome both illness and paranormal forces.

• grief
• supernatural
• resilience
• themes
• family struggles

Grief is central to the story, as the Campbell family copes with Matt's severe cancer while simultaneously uncovering the house's history of death and loss. Sarah's reflections on suffering and loss highlight the fragility of life, while the film's exploration shows how families find hope amidst despair.

• grief
• loss
• cancer
• family
• emotional toll

Sarah Campbell, played by Virginia Madsen, is the devoted mother of the family. She grapples with her son Matt's cancer diagnosis while navigating the supernatural phenomena in their new home. Her journey showcases both strength and vulnerability as she becomes the guiding force for her family through their trials.

• sarah campbell
• virginia madsen
• mother
• main character

Matt Campbell is the teenage son suffering from cancer who moves into the haunted house with his family. His character evolves as he confronts both his mortality and supernatural disturbances, becoming a pivotal figure who interacts with the spirits seeking resolution and peace.

• matt campbell
• son
• cancer patient
• main character

Peter Campbell, played by Martin Donovan, is Sarah's husband and the father of the family. He takes a pragmatic approach to their challenges, dealing with financial pressures and Matt's illness. His realistic outlook often contrasts with the emotional turmoil surrounding the family, creating tension with Sarah.

• peter campbell
• martin donovan
• father
• husband

Jonah is a young, clairvoyant boy who previously lived in the house and acted as a conduit for the paranormal activity. He attempts to warn the Campbell family about the danger they face, using his abilities to bridge the living and the spirit world.

• jonah
• clairvoyant
• psychic boy
• medium

Resilience appears as the family's ability to withstand both Matt's cancer and the supernatural threats. Their journey illustrates the strength found in unity and love, with the climactic events serving as a purification process that mirrors their internal struggles and eventual triumph over adversity.

• resilience
• family unity
• hope
• overcoming adversity

The supernatural theme serves as a connection to the past, with spirits tied to the house's dark history interacting with the living. These encounters heighten fear while also serving as a narrative device to explore unresolved grief and the struggles of those seeking peace beyond death.

• supernatural
• ghosts
• spirits
• haunted house
• paranormal