Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a movie that just gives you the chills, not just because of the plot, but because you know there's a true story lurking beneath the surface? Well, let's dive deep into the Abandoned movie from 2016. This isn't your typical horror flick; it’s one that gets under your skin because it's loosely based on some seriously spooky real-life events. So, grab your popcorn (or maybe not, if you're easily spooked!), and let's unravel the mystery behind Abandoned.

What is the abandoned movie about?

The Abandoned movie centers around a troubled young woman named Strega, portrayed by Louisa Krause, who takes a job as a security guard at an abandoned apartment complex. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! This isn't just any old abandoned building; it has a dark and disturbing history that begins to unravel as Strega spends more time there. Strange occurrences, eerie noises, and unsettling visions plague her, making her question her sanity and forcing her to confront the building's sinister past.

As Strega delves deeper, she discovers that the apartment complex was once the site of a series of horrific crimes. The more she learns, the more she realizes that she may not be alone in the building. Is it just her imagination running wild, or is something truly malevolent lurking in the shadows? The movie masterfully plays with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat as Strega's grip on reality begins to slip. It's a psychological thriller that explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the lingering impact of traumatic events.

Louisa Krause delivers a stellar performance, capturing Strega's vulnerability and growing unease. The film's atmosphere is thick with dread, thanks to the eerie setting and masterful cinematography. Abandoned isn't just about jump scares; it's about creating a sense of sustained discomfort and unease, drawing you into Strega's increasingly fragile state of mind. You'll find yourself questioning what's real and what's not, right alongside her.

The film really shines in its exploration of how the past can haunt the present, both literally and figuratively. The building itself becomes a character, its decaying walls and shadowy corridors holding secrets that refuse to stay buried. Strega's journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is a descent into madness. She must confront not only the building's dark history but also her own personal demons.

The True Story Inspiration

Okay, so here’s where things get really interesting. While Abandoned isn’t a direct retelling of a specific event, it draws inspiration from several real-life incidents and urban legends surrounding abandoned buildings with dark histories. The most prominent inspiration comes from the stories of abandoned asylums and hospitals that have been rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former patients. These institutions, often shrouded in mystery and tales of mistreatment, have long captured the public's imagination, becoming fertile ground for ghost stories and paranormal investigations.

One such place that bears a resemblance to the setting of Abandoned is the Forest Haven Asylum in Laurel, Maryland. Forest Haven, which operated from 1925 to 1991, was once home to thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Over the years, the institution was plagued by allegations of neglect, abuse, and unexplained deaths. After its closure, Forest Haven fell into disrepair, becoming a magnet for urban explorers and ghost hunters who claimed to have witnessed paranormal activity within its decaying walls.

The stories and rumors surrounding Forest Haven paint a grim picture of what life was like for its residents. Tales of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and questionable medical practices are common. It's said that many patients were left to languish in isolation, their cries for help going unanswered. The asylum's abandoned state only adds to its eerie atmosphere, with peeling paint, crumbling walls, and discarded medical equipment serving as haunting reminders of its troubled past.

Another possible source of inspiration for Abandoned is the story of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia. Opened in 1864, this massive Gothic-style building once housed thousands of patients suffering from various mental illnesses. Like Forest Haven, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has a history of overcrowding, understaffing, and allegations of patient mistreatment. It's also said to be one of the most haunted locations in the United States, with reports of apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained phenomena.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum operated for over 130 years before closing its doors in 1994. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore its cavernous halls and learn about its dark history. Guided tours and paranormal investigations are offered, giving visitors the chance to experience the asylum's eerie atmosphere firsthand. Many visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease or even terror while exploring the building, and some claim to have witnessed paranormal activity.

While Abandoned is a work of fiction, its roots in these real-life stories of abandoned asylums and hospitals give it a sense of authenticity and dread. The film taps into our collective fascination with the unknown, exploring the idea that some places are so tainted by tragedy that they become magnets for paranormal activity. By drawing inspiration from these real-life locations, Abandoned creates a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Is it worth watching?

So, is Abandoned worth your time? If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that rely on atmosphere and suspense rather than cheap jump scares, then absolutely! The movie excels at creating a sense of unease and paranoia, drawing you into Strega's increasingly fragile state of mind. Louisa Krause's performance is captivating, and the film's exploration of trauma and isolation is both thought-provoking and unsettling.

However, if you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed horror flick, Abandoned may not be for you. The movie is a slow burn, taking its time to build suspense and develop its characters. Some viewers may find the pacing too slow or the lack of explicit scares disappointing. But if you're willing to be patient and immerse yourself in the film's eerie atmosphere, you'll be rewarded with a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Abandoned is a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on the dark side of human nature and the lingering impact of traumatic events. It's a testament to the power of atmosphere and suggestion in creating a truly terrifying experience. So, if you're in the mood for a movie that will leave you questioning what's real and what's not, give Abandoned a try. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on!

Final Thoughts

Abandoned is a film that successfully blends fiction with the chilling realities of historical locations, creating a haunting narrative that lingers in the mind. By tapping into the eerie allure of abandoned asylums and hospitals, the movie crafts a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or simply intrigued by stories with a dark historical undertone, Abandoned offers a unique and unsettling cinematic experience. So, next time you're looking for a movie that's more than just cheap thrills, remember Abandoned – a psychological journey into the depths of isolation and the shadows of forgotten places.