The Godsend (1980) - Blondes really do have more fun

So, 'The Godsend' isn’t exactly dripping with budget, being about as barebones as early ‘80s horror movie gets.  In fact, it sure does fit in nicely with the late night 'made for TV' offerings of the era.  It doesn't have any flashy effects, or set pieces, just a lot of long, quiet moments and creepy stares from kids.  And, as any parent knows, kids are way more unsettling than everything all the rubber monsters Hollywood can throw at you. There’s something about a child just sitting there, watching, unblinking, that turns it into a primal kind of supernatural dread.

The story itself is predictable—you’ll see where it’s going a mile away—but once you settle in, it’s actually kind of fun in that low-key sort of way.  A family are on holiday when they meet a young pregnant woman on her own.  Before they know it, she's given birth and disappeared - forever.  Now they adopt the little girl and bring her up as their own.  Trouble is... more than a few 'coincidental' accidents start to happen once she's settled into the family.  It’s cheap, yes, but it does what it needs to and it keeps your attention with its eerie vibe more than with any real surprises.

Not a hidden gem, but definitely a solid “creepy kid” entry if you’re in the mood for something simple and atmospheric.  Even if the two parents seem to constantly want to get away from ALL their kids (not just the demonic ones) at every opportunity for a bit of that 'adult alone time.' Seriously, I've never seen an on screen could so desperate to...

6/10