- Do you remember what i told you the other night?
Close your eyes, count to five, and take a deep breath.
It's all in your imagination, I promise.
There are no ghosts in this house.
There's no monster under the bed
and there's definitely no bad man in your cupboard.
Now, come on, go back to sleep.
Look, let's talk about this in the morning.
- Look, it's been going on for three nights, now.
It has to stop.
- Will you give her a break?
It's just gonna take her a while to settle in, that's all.
- Right, so in the meantime I just keep goin'
to work with only two hours sleep every night.
- Honestly, that room gives me the creeps, too.
Why don't we set her up in another room?
Just until that one's been decorated.
- Great idea, yeah.
Let's spend some more money.
- It was your idea to move here.
- Drop it.
Thank you, thanks for reminding me again.
- Let's not do this today.
- So, you finally decided to get up, did you?
- There's cereal on the counter.
- Oh yeah, remember I've got a meeting tonight,
so I'm going to be back late.
- How late?
- Late.
Come on, silly, you heard your mom,
cereal's on the counter.
You don't wanna be late for school.
- Mike?
Mike.
- Please.
- Hello.
I got your card.
It's Jack, Jack Donavan.
- Hello, is anyone there?
Hello.
Ah, thank god.
I thought I was going mad.
And if I am mad, then it is mercy.
May the gods pity the man who, in his callousness,
remains sane until the hideous end.
Jonathan blazer, and you are?
- Jack, Jack Donavan.
- Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Jack.
Now, how can I be of service?
- That's what i was gonna ask you.
I got this card with this house's address
and my name on it.
- Well, that is interesting.
I found this card in my mailbox about two days ago.
Plot thickens.
- Maybe I can be of help, gentlemen.
If you'd follow me.
In front of you lies over 200 years
of this building's history dating back to the 18th century.
I can assure you that everything
in that document took place within these walls.
We invited you both here,
based purely on your reputation
within this particular field.
My client was very specific
that you two, and only you two, should be contacted.
- So, what exactly is it I can do to help,
a little house clearance, seance maybe,
something to spook the spooks?
A little John blazer special.
- So, your a medium.
- Certainly not, I'm a psychic.
And dare I say the best they have in this two-horse town.
- Look, I appreciate your client's invitation
but firstly, I work alone,
and secondly, I work in the realms of the real world.
- Yuck.
- If you're looking for some kind of paranormal clown
to promote this place to the tourists,
then believe me, you've got the wrong man.
- So, I take it you're a nonbeliever.
- I believe you're full of shit.
- Wow, I mean that's just unprofessional, isn't it?
- I make a living out of exposing frauds,
and trust me when I say this,
I'm the best at what I do.
- See, I'm sensing a little bit of hostility.
It's coming from this side of the sofa.
I mean, are you getting this?
- Is this the best you could do?
Is this some kind of joke?
- I would appreciate it if you'd read through the files
before making any rash decisions, Mr. Donavan.
There is a substantial fee attached to this proposition.
- Exactly how much are we talking?
- 50,000 us dollars.
- I'm sorry, you want to pay us 50,000 us dollars?
- 50,000 us dollars each.
- Well, I mean, it's a little less than my normal fee,
but I think under the circumstances we could make.--
- this is a very serious matter, Mr. blazer.
Money is of no relevance to my client providing you can get
this unfortunate situation cleared up
within the allocated time.
- But you still haven't told us what this is all about.
And all these deaths took place in this house?
- That's as far back as the records go.
For all we know, there could be many more.
- Jesus, what happened to these people?
- Who's the stiff?
- His name was Mr. johnston.
His family were the last residents
to look after this property.
- He's not going to get his deposit back.
- Unfortunately, previous owners would not accept
the history of this house,
and would occasionally try to rent it out
to unsuspecting tenants.
As you can see, this is a huge building.
It requires a great deal
of attention dedicated to its upkeep.
- What were the results of the autopsy report?
- Stabbings, hanging, mutilation, gun fire,
the list goes on.
But that's where things get a little strange.
- What could be stranger than this?
- The johnstons only lived in this house
for a couple of days before the murders took place.
They were killed by their own 13-year-old daughter
in what looked like an unprovoked attack.
- Teenagers.
- What happened to the daughter?
- She was found dead upstairs in a bedroom cupboard,
apparent suicide.
- Apparent suicide?
- She was stabbed to death,
but the police could only find her fingerprints
on the knife.
And what makes it so strange
was the fact that she died from knife wounds
to her own back.
- She stabbed herself in the back?
- Eight times to be precise.
- How's that even possible?
That doesn't make sense.
- I wish I could tell you more,
but that's everything I know.
I have included the official police reports
for you both to read over at your own convenience.
The reputation of this house has grown over the years.
The murders have created a legend
that doesn't exactly bode well
with my client's current business interests.
Half up front, and half when you complete the job.
- Well, this all sounds amazing,
but what exactly is the job?
- Damage control.
I'm guessing they wanna offload this place
to some poor unsuspecting buyer.
And I bet you nobody wants
to touch this place with its track record.
Am I right?
- And what better way than to get two
of the very best to reassure them.
You'd be very surprised how superstitious people can be.
- So, what is it exactly that you want us to do?
- Three nights, you stay here
for three uninterrupted nights,
and then report your findings back to me, and only to me.
- That's it?
You're gonna pay us 50,000 grand just to have a sleepover?
- We will, of course, be contacting the local press
to make people aware of what we are doing.
Maximum exposure is crucial
to making this a success for my client.
- And what if we find something?
- Let me make this clear,
you're findings will show
that this residence is nothing more
than an old house.
You'll both state that your stay here was uneventful
and that you found nothing strange,
supernatural, or paranormal whatsoever.
- What's the catch?
- No catch, just look at is as a paid holiday for you both.
- And if we refuse?
- Oh, of course, we'll take the job.
When do we start?
- You started already.
Everything's been arranged to accommodate your stay.
- No offense, but conning people isn't exactly
what I get paid to do.
- Mr. Donavan, i fully understand
and appreciate your honestly.
- It's $50,000.
- But unfortunately, the offer only stands
if both of you agree to participate.
- I knew you were gonna say that.
- I need your phones and your car keys if you possess them.
This is a publicity stunt, gentlemen.
We need it to look as genuine as possible.
- Chop, chop, come on.
- This is non-negotiable, I'm afraid.
- What is it?
Is there porn on the phone?
It's porn on the phone, I'm sensing, there we go.
- Excellent, I'll return your phones
and your vehicles once you've completed the job.
One last thing.
- Here it comes.
- The building will be secured for the full three days.
No one will be able to get in,
and no one will be able to get out.
If however, either of you wish to leave
before the agreed allocated time,
you'll both forfeit the second part of your payment.
- You're locking us in here?
- My client was very adamant about this condition.
- What about a change of clothes?
I didn't bring any with me.
- Why three days?
- Because that's as long as anyone's ever lasted
in this house, allegedly.
- Trust me, I've heard it all before.
- Good luck, gentlemen.
Have a pleasant stay at Richmond manor.
- That seem weird to you?
Nah.
Finally, my luck is about to change.
Where are you going?
Was he serious about the clothes?
I can't wear this for three days.
Rented.
Wow, well that is a lot of belt.
What is all this stuff?
- Just so we're clear, don't touch anything.
You understand? - Yep.
- Stay away from my equipment.
- Sure.
- Off limits, private property, capiche?
- Absolutely, kemosabe, i respect you.
I've just never seen anything like this.
- Well, that's because all of this is high-tech equipment,
science based.
Something I'm guessing you're not too familiar with.
- See, I'm sensing you have a problem with people like me.
- What do you mean, people like you?
- Oh, psychics, mediums, the rakishly good looking.
- Not really, i just have a problem
with what you people do for a living.
- I help people.
- More like, help yourself.
- Not everything can be explained
with high-tech gadgets and fancy belts, Jack.
What I have is a gift,
or a curse, depending on how you look at it.
- Do you know how many people I've met
like you over the years?
They're all full of the same old bullshit,
anything to make a quick buck.
- Oh, do enlighten me.
- All right, you say you can speak to the dead,
see ghosts, or demons, or whatever the crap
you guys are selling these days.
Well, go on, prove it.
Summon the dead right now.
Make me a believer.
- It doesn't work like that.
- Of course, it doesn't.
There's always an excuse with you people.
You see this?
This is how I prove things.
This is how I work.
- I fail to see the point.
He's paying us to sit here and do nothing.
- You see, that's the difference between us.
I'm not here for the money.
If all this is bullshit,
and I can guarantee you it is,
I'm gonna prove it, myself.
- This is gonna be a long three days.
Bingo.
I'm sensing the booze is in.
Well, I suppose you'll do.
I found the food.
I mean, it's not la zou, but it'll do.
High-tech equipment, whoop.
Note to Jack, you're a dick.
Still got it.
You having fun up there, Jack?
- Jack.
- What do you want?
I'm working here.
- Jack.
- This better be good.
If this is some kind of joke, I swear to god.
Jonathan.
- Jesus, what, what the hell, man!
What do you want?
- Well, I found something.
- What did you find?
- Oh no, no, no, this i have to show you.
- Were you in this room?
- No, that door's locked, i tried it earlier.
Come on.
Come on, Jack.
Huh, huh?
Isn't this the greatest thing you've ever seen?
I mean, look at this stuff.
Imagine the children who got to play with this.
Spoiled little shits.
These people must have been loaded.
- Great, is that it, can I go?
- Clearly, you have no appreciation
for the art of the scaled miniature.
Luckily, I think i found something
a little bit more your speed.
- Double-barrel briska Italian made shotgun.
- Shit, this thing's loaded.
- Whoa, careful with that thing.
You're gonna hurt yourself.
- Go on, take my picture.
John blazer, hunter, gatherer, lover.
- That'll look great on my website,
right next to all the other con artists.
What the?
- What, what now?
- What did I say about touching my equipment?
Look at this.
What are you, five?
- Look, I'm sorry about touching your stuff.
That was out of line.
I'm just not used to working with people.
I tell you what, I'll go upstairs,
and I'll set up in a room,
and I'll just try and keep out of your way.
You know, if that's what you want.
- Yes, that's what I want.
- Okay.
If you've come to shout at me again,
I'd rather you didn't.
- Actually, I was thinking about apologizing.
- You were thinking?
- I haven't quite made my mind up yet.
What's that for?
- So, you're interested in how I work
all of a sudden, are you?
- What is it?
- Well, this my friend, is sodium chloride.
And you probably wouldn't understand,
it's a little bit scientific.
- Why salt?
- It's for protection.
Nothing bad can touch me while I'm in here.
Not even you.
- So, you think this stuff actually works?
- No, do you know what a ouija board is?
- Well, everybody knows what a ouija board is.
- Look, you have all your high-tech toys and gadgets,
this is what I have.
As to your next question, yes, it does work.
Sometimes, a little too well.
Poor Mrs. bracket, she really loved that dog.
Are you sure you want to be around when I do this?
I know you're not a believer,
and that's probably gonna kick off, so.
- I'm curious.
I wanna see how you do what you do.
Besides, I thought you were just on holiday.
- You kidding?
A house with this kind of history.
We should be covered in ghosts.
- Well, why don't you ask them
what next week's lottery numbers are?
- How's a ghost supposed to know
what next week's lottery numbers are?
Most of them don't even know they're dead.
Look, are you gonna let me do this thing, or not?
- You're the expert, I'm just observing.
- If there is anyone present in this house
make yourselves known to me through the spirit board.
Well, that's probably a good sign.
- What is?
- Trust me, silence is better when you're using this thing,
especially in a house like this.
It takes a little while, okay?
I'm just getting warmed up.
By the gibbous moon and the five-pointed star,
while the sky is bruised and broken,
hear my voice and heed my call,
any spirits present make yourselves known,
and move the pointer to yes.
Like I said, takes a little time.
- Same old bullshit.
- Your wife must have the Patience of a Saint.
- What did you say?
- Must be a bit of a strain to.--
- don't you dare talk about my wife.
You don't know anything about her.
- Thanks, guys, you made me look a right asshole.
Oh, is there some other house you have to go and haunt?
Who are you?
What do you want?
- Rebecca.
- He made me do it.
- Oh, what have you done?
No!
A slight drop in temperature of the girl's room,
from 15 to eight degrees.
- Morning.
You're up early.
- Couldn't sleep.
- That's hardly surprising.
Not exactly bedtime reading, is it?
What's your take on all this?
- I'm sure there's a rational explanation.
There always is.
- I'm beginning to think agreeing
to stay here was a grave error.
- I think your not taking a change
of clothes was a grave error.
- I know you don't wanna hear this,
but something happened last night.
I got a message on the board.
- You're right, i don't wanna hear it.
- Two nights left.
Whatever this thing is, it's counting down our stay here.
- Wake up, Jonathan.
Somebody's playing games with us.
We're not alone.
Last night, I saw somebody else in this house.
And whoever it is, they have access to the building somehow.
- Oh, that can't be good.
Whoa, what did I do?
- Motion sensor.
- What?
- If there's anything moving around up here,
I'm gonna know about it.
- And what if it's not a person?
Have you even considered that?
- How much do we actually know
about the man who hired us, huh?
For all we know, we're just pawns
in some fucked up PR stunt.
I mean, I wouldn't be surprised
if this is all just a ploy
to get dumb tourists to visit their
newly acquired haunted house attraction.
Let's face it, we're in the middle of nowhere.
- Those pictures look real to me.
- Even if they are,
that doesn't explain what I saw last night.
- And what if it's not a PR stunt?
The thing I made contact with knows we're here.
And trust me, that is not a good thing.
Jack.
Jack, please listen to me.
I think we might be in some genuine danger.
- Enough to forfeit your share of the money, Jonathan?
No one's keeping you here.
- Oh great, where am I gonna go, hmm?
We're in the middle of cocking nowhere.
No phones, no cars.
- What the hell is going on out here?
- I just saw someone.
- What did you see?
- Grab the camera.
Shit!
- Well, he didn't say anything about having a pool.
This is definitely better than the train.
Oh.
For your website.
What did you see?
- I don't know.
- Don't know?
Or don't want to say?
- It looked like a little girl.
- Was it this little girl?
- No, tell me that's not what I think it is.
I think it's high time we talk about
what I think we're dealing with here.
- We're dealing with a real person,
not some phantom spook.
- Jack, I've watched you fumble about this house
for the last 36 hours with your gadgets and gizmos.
Now, it's high time you listened to me.
Open it.
- What is this?
- Demonology, the study of ancient demons,
their legends, and more importantly,
how to get rid of them.
- So, you really think a ghost left that thing in my room?
- Not a ghost, a demon.
Ghosts are easy to move on, they're my bread and butter.
But a demon, that's an entirely different beast altogether.
- Okay, let's just say for one minute I'm buying that crap.
- What's to buy, Jack?
You're sitting in the middle of a house
where entire generations of families
have either murdered each other or committed suicide.
- If you're so convinced it's a demon,
why can't you get rid of it?
- Oh sure, yeah, just get rid of it, hmm?
It's not that simple.
- But you're experienced in this, aren't you?
But you have this?
- I've never actually had to use that thing.
It's mostly for show.
- Well, isn't that convenient?
- Look, this isn't my mo, okay.
I'm used to moving on stubborn dead people.
This is different.
- How?
- Because demons aren't human.
Their soul purpose is to torment the living,
to cause as much pain and suffering as possible.
Truth is, nobody knows what these things are.
- Then how do you know that we're dealing with one?
- Case after case, all have classic signs
of demonic possession.
Parents murdered by their own daughter.
You think it's a coincidence you're seeing
little girls running around here?
This hapless handyman came around
to fix the washing machine.
An hour later, he hung himself out to dry.
Murder after murder, suicide after suicide.
No previous convictions and no history of mental illness.
I mean, look at this.
How do you shoot yourself in the back
of the head with a rifle?
- Okay, you've made your point.
Start reading this.
If it is what you say it is,
then we need to know how to get rid of it.
But if you're wrong and it's not a demon,
we got bigger things to worry about.
- What could possibly be worse than this?
- That's what i intend to find out.
- You're wasting your time.
You won't find anything.
- Whoever it is that's messing with us
must have a way in, a door or a basement.
Something we haven't seen yet.
You gonna be okay here?
- Oh, I think I'll manage.
- If you hear or see anything,
call me immediately.
- Hey, be careful out there.
Oh, that's not good.
- Jonathan, where are you?
Jonathan.
- What is it, Jack?
- What the hell are you doing up there?
I've been trying to get ahold of you.
I found the basement.
Just having a look around.
If there's another way in, this is probably it.
- Look Jack, I need you to get back up here right now.
I found something very interesting.
- Jonathan.
Jonathan, you're breaking up.
Jonathan.
- Jack.
Jack, if you can hear me,
get the hell out of the basement.
- Barnum vindictae.
- Jack?
Jack, I've been trying to reach you.
There's something very wrong with this place.
- Is that you, Sarah?
- Who are you?
- What did I tell you about being late for school?
- What do you want?
- You're not Sarah.
What have you done with my Sarah?
- There, that should stop the bleeding.
- Thanks.
- But you might need stitches.
What the hell happened?
- What did you find in the basement?
- Doesn't matter.
- Of course, it matters.
Jack, what did you find?
- I found a little blood.
- And?
- Next to it, there was a.--
- well, that definitely wasn't here before.
There's no dial tone.
- What the hell?
That's not possible.
- Hello.
It's your wife.
- What?
- She says she's your wife.
She wants to talk to you.
- Oh, it hurts so much, Jack.
- Rebecca.
- This is all your fault.
Why did you let him do this to me?
- Rebecca.
- Jack?
Hello.
What's going on?
You all right, Jack?
- She's been dead for five years.
- God, I'm so sorry.
- She was a psychic.
I loved her more than anything.
More than life itself, but
I could never understand that side of her.
All the ouija boards, the totems, tarot cards.
I tried.
One evening at dinner, she told me
that she made contact with this evil spirit.
I thought she lost her mind.
I tried to reason with her,
talk some sense into her, but
she was convinced
it was real.
She became obsessed with those boards.
No matter what i did to hide them
or get rid of them,
every night, I'd wake up and I'd find her on them.
As the weeks went on,
she got worse and worse.
She locked herself in her room,
she stopped eating.
She wouldn't talk to anybody.
She was scared.
She was convinced this thing
was trying to kill her.
One night,
I came home,
and she was in the bath.
There was blood everywhere.
She slit her wrists.
Before I could do anything,
she took the knife
and she cut her throat open,
right in front of me.
I couldn't save her.
I tried,
I tried.
I should have.
I couldn't live with myself,
with the guilt.
I took it out on everyone,
clairvoyants, psychics, mediums.
The more frauds I exposed,
the more it fueled my anger
that she'd been duped
or brainwashed by all that paranormal bullshit.
She was right.
It's real.
You're up early.
- Couldn't sleep.
You?
- I slept pretty good.
So, what is all this stuff?
- What you're looking at is the history
of Richmond manor for the last 200 years.
It turns out that most of our murder victims were,
unbeknownst to them, related to the richmonds.
Back in 1801, there was an unprovoked massacre here.
No one knows who started it,
but the family scattered.
Since then, something's been drawing them back here
and murdering them.
I found something else among the list of names.
A family, the donavans.
- Holy shit.
- Holy shit indeed, Jack.
Your being here is no coincidence.
- What about you?
- I've been asking myself that same question.
My hunch is that it feeds off psychic powers somehow.
Myself, your wife,
even our hapless friend here.
- That's the symbol I saw in the basement next to the blood.
- Basement, I've been seeing it everywhere.
Every time I touch the board,
it's like a feedback loop in my mind.
Of course, it's a conduit.
That's how it gets around.
That's how it delivered the cards to us.
That's how it's drawing its power.
See, it's been weak so far, but now,
it's taking physical form.
- The question is
can we herd it back?
- There's one way to find out.
How many shells have we got?
- Two in the chamber, one here.
- Let's hope it's enough.
- Yeah.
Son of a bitch.
- What?
- Son of a bitch.
- Shit in my mouth.
- How old is this guy?
Barnum, barnum, barnum.
That's one of the words i saw in the basement.
- Words, what words?
- There's some writing on the wall in Latin.
It said, "barnum vindictae."
- Barnum revenge.
- Oblitus.
- Forgotten.
- Legitimus fetus.
- Barnum's Richmond's bastard son.
No wonder he's pissed off.
- What does that all mean?
- It means we're not getting paid.
- I'm serious.
- So am I, Jack.
I've got some pretty big gambling debts.
It's the dice, they call to me.
- Jonathan, focus.
Could we use it to hurt him?
- What the words, the book, the symbol?
We could try a ritual.
The question is, "where?"
- The basement.
- The basement's the door he using to leave.
We need to find the door he used to come in.
It could be anywhere.
- I think I know where.
- Show me.
- This has to be it.
The reading's are off the charts.
Trust me, that isn't normal.
- I like it.
We'll perform the ritual here.
No matter what you hear, no matter what you see,
it's imperative you stay within the salt circle
till the ritual is complete.
- I'm ready.
- I hope so.
- So, what now?
- Now we wait.
This could take some time.
- Oh, that didn't take long.
What's that?
- Ignore it.
- It sounds like.
- Look, it's a trick, ignore it.
- I have to check.
- Really? Hmm?
What did I just say?
- Jonathan!
- Jack.
Jack.
Jack, where the hell are you?
Oh, Jesus Christ, Jack!
- We've gotta get out of here.
- No, we have to complete the ritual.
Oh, that doesn't sound friendly.
- Come on, come on.
This is getting really messed up, I just saw.--
- look, if we don't complete that ritual,
we're gonna die in this house tonight.
Oh shit, look.-- - Use the gun.
- What?
- Shoot her.
- I'm not qualified.
- Shoot her!
- Oh!
- You got her, it worked.
- Is it dead?
- I don't know.
Can you kill something that's already dead?
- Oh, it smells.
- Stay here and watch it.
- And do what?
- If it moves, kill it again.
- Stop looking at me!
Fuck you.
- Look familiar?
The falls?
- What are you doing?
- Are you serious?
We've gotta document this.
- Have you lost your fucking mind?
- This changes everything.
- Oh.
Oh, Jesus.
Jack, he seems a bit big.
Jack, he's, oh, he's big.
It's big, it's big, it's big beard.
Come on.
- What?
Go upstairs and prepare the ritual,
I'll take care of him.
Oh shit!
- Oh, come on.
- Why don't you help me, Jack?
You could have saved me from him.
But you helped me die.
- Fuck, son of a bitch.
Barnum, you bastard.
I call upon you of spirits of hell.
Appear in my presence before this circle of sogoma.
I am the stag of seven tines.
I am the wide flood on the plain.
I am the wind on the deep waters.
I am shining tear on the sun.
I am a hawk on the cliff.
I am fair among the flowers.
I am a god who sets the world afire with smoke.
Show yourself, demon.
Jack, what the hell are you playing at?
- Rebecca, is that you?
- It hurts so much, Jack.
The pain never stops.
He won't let it.
Look what you made me do.
- No.
- You could've stopped it.
You could've helped me.
- Stop.
- Why did you let him do this to me?
Why did you let me die?
- Stop it!
You're not my wife.
You're not my wife!
- You're wife tastes sweet, Jack.
Very sweet.
- You're not my wife!
No!
- Oh, good of you to join us.
- I had some old demons to deal with.
Let's finish this.
- I'm fine, by the way.
Start reading.
- In these names that are above all others,
whether it constrained by chains or returned to darkness,
may you never disturb this house again.
- Again.
- In these names that are above all others,
whether it constrained by chains or returned to darkness,
may you never disturb this house again.
- Atat.
- In these names that are above all others. - Barnum.
- Whether constrained by chains. - Bacuth.
- Or returned to darkness. - Exsilium.
- May you never disturb this house again.
- Vindictae.
Again. Atat.
- In the names are above all others. - Barnum.
- Whether it constrained by chains.-- - Bacuth.
- Or returned to darkness.
- Exsilium.
- May you never disturb this house again.
- Vindictae.
Again!
- In the names that are above all others. - Atat.
- Whether it constrained by chains. - Barnum.
- Or returned to darkness. - Bacuth.
- May you never disturb this house again. - Exsilium.
- Vindictae.
Atat.
- In these names that are above all others. - Barnum.
- Whether it constrained by chains. - Bacuth.
- Or returned to darkness. - Exsilium.
- May it never disturb this house again.
- Vindictae. You are banished.
- Is that it?
- I don't know.
Don't look at it!
We have to complete the ritual.
- Atat,
barnum.
Bacuth.
Exsilium.
Vindictae.
- Don't look at it.
- Atat, barnum, bacuth, exsilium, vindictae.
Atat, barnum, bacuth, exsilium, vindictae.
- This can't be right.
It was way too easy.
Oh no, no, no, no.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Jack, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Jack.
- Giving up so soon, Mr. blazer?