The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
Director: Jedd Wadlow
Screenwriters: Todd Berger, Robert Rugan
Starring: Priah Ferguson, Marlon Wayans, Kelly Rowland, John Michael Higgins, Lauren Lapkus, Rob Riggle
Family-friendly spooky movies were once a reliable pop-culture staple: films that balanced thrills with humor and broad appeal across age groups. The Curse of Bridge Hollow aims for that space, delivering a Halloween-set adventure on Netflix whose main selling point is the presence of Priah Ferguson, best known for her role in a popular sci-fi series. The film centers on Sydney (Ferguson) and her father, newly arrived in the small town of Bridge Hollow, where an ancient curse comes to life and animates every Halloween decoration into a menacing creature. As the night deepens, father and daughter must survive the onslaught, uncover how to stop the curse, and prevent Bridge Hollow from remaining trapped in an endless Halloween.
At its core, the movie provides moments of genuine fun. There are imaginative set pieces in which everyday decorations turn hostile, and the visual palette aims for a family-friendly, spooky charm rather than outright terror. Priah Ferguson acquits herself well in the physical and comedic demands of the role, offering a spirited performance that carries much of the film’s energy. The father-daughter dynamic gives the story an emotional throughline, and the score supports the atmosphere with a playful, orchestral touch that evokes classic family adventure films.
However, the film struggles with identity. It tries to serve both younger viewers hungry for ghoulish thrills and adults looking for nostalgic wink-and-nod references to classic horror. That split focus leads to inconsistent tone and pacing. The screenplay devotes considerable attention to the father Howard’s character arc, framing the plot around his emotional journey from skepticism to belief. While giving a parent reason to engage emotionally makes sense for a family film, the execution often feels heavy-handed and undercuts the momentum of the supernatural mystery. The movie leans into moralistic beats—“forget science, embrace the supernatural, and face your fears”—in a way that can feel blunt, particularly to older viewers who might prefer more subtlety.
For younger audiences, the most engaging elements are the scenes featuring the Bridge Hollow Paranormal Society: a trio of enthusiastic kids who pursue the town’s mysteries with gusto. These characters, played by Abi Monterey, Holly J. Barrett, and Myles Perez, spark the liveliest moments on screen. They are distinctive, clever, and genuinely fun, bringing imaginative banter and sincere curiosity to the narrative. Unfortunately, the film sidelines them when it matters most, relegating the kids to supporting roles while the adult-focused storyline dominates the climax. That choice diminishes the potential for a robust, youth-centered adventure and prevents the movie from fully committing to the energetic, ensemble-driven spirit that those younger characters promise.
There are also Easter eggs and nods to genre classics sprinkled throughout for older viewers: statues and props that recall famous horror icons and references that reward attentive movie fans. These touches are enjoyable, but they don’t replace the need for a coherent target audience. The result is a movie that may leave younger children thrilled by the spooky spectacle while leaving adult viewers wanting something with sharper wit or more substantial scares. Conversely, the film’s heavy reliance on visual effects—sometimes used where practical effects might have felt more authentic—gives certain sequences a CGI sheen that reduces the visceral charm of real-world Halloween chaos.
Despite its flaws, The Curse of Bridge Hollow is not without merit. It can be entertaining on a surface level: a light-hearted, family-oriented Halloween film with a few genuinely clever moments and an appealing young lead. The comedic chemistry between cast members and the film’s bright, festive production design make it an easy watch for families seeking seasonal content with low stakes. The supporting cast provides reliable comic relief, and the movie’s pace keeps things moving even when plot beats feel predictable.
Where the film misses an opportunity is in unifying its strengths. If it had leaned more decisively into the kids’ investigation angle—developing the Bridge Hollow Paranormal Society as the emotional and narrative center—the result might have felt fresher and more consistent. Alternatively, embracing an adult-leaning, referential horror-comedy could have allowed for sharper satire and more sophisticated jokes. Instead, by dividing its attention, the film dilutes both approaches.
Score: 9/24
For viewers seeking a family-friendly Halloween movie that favors fun over fear, this film is a serviceable pick. It offers bright visuals, a strong young performance, and enough playful scares to keep most kids entertained. For adults hoping for a cleverly layered homage to the horror canon or a tightly focused ensemble adventure, the movie may feel too safe and scattershot. Still, there is a kernel of charm here, and the energetic young cast—especially the members of the Paranormal Society—suggests that further stories set in Bridge Hollow could flourish if future installments commit to a clearer creative vision.
