The film is set in the 1950s, a time when traditional family values were held in high regard. The Dollanganger siblings – Cathy, Christopher, Cory, and Carrie – are raised in the lap of luxury until their father unexpectedly dies in a car accident. Forced to make ends meet, their mother Corinne (Graham) takes them to her estranged parents’ estate, Foxworth Hall, to seek refuge until she can get back on her feet. The kids soon learn that they are not welcome guests, and their grandmother (Burstyn) has no qualms about locking them away in the attic, a hidden space in the mansion. Their only hope of survival is to stick together and try to find a way to escape their captivity.
The film does an excellent job of portraying the children’s struggle in adapting to life in the attic. The lack of fresh air and sunshine leads to a pattern of unhealthy behavior that includes malnutrition, insomnia, and even inbreeding. The children are forced to rely solely on each other and start developing a strong bond, and the film does a great job of capturing the sibling’s love and support for each other amidst their dire circumstances.
Kiernan Shipka delivers an impressive performance as Cathy, the eldest sibling, who struggles to hold the family together. She conveys a wide range of emotions, from anger to sadness, and manages to steal the show with her intensity and conviction. The other siblings, played by Mason Dye (Christopher), Ava Telek (the first Carrie), and Maxwell Kovach (the second Cory), also do justice to their respective roles.
Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of the villainous grandmother is outstanding. Her presence adds a sense of terror and unease to the film. Her character’s hypocrisy is palpable, and her manipulative behavior casts a dark shadow over the children’s life. Heather Graham, as the mother, has a slightly less meaty role, but she manages to make her character’s dilemmas convincing.
The film does stray somewhat from the original source material, but certain aspects remain intact. Fans of the book will appreciate the film’s attention to detail in terms of costume design and set decoration, accurately conveying the era in which the story takes place.
Overall, Flowers in the Attic is a well-executed film that effectively captures the dark underbelly of the American Dream. The story shines a light on the darker side of mental illness and family dynamics, and the ending manages to pack an emotional punch. While it may not be for the faint of heart, those who enjoy tense and dramatic storytelling will find themselves drawn to this gripping tale.