This low-budget project features Brianne Davis as feisty Jill, who gives her obnoxious lawyer short shrift when he attempts to patronise her when revealing the contents of his recently deceased aunt's will. Jill is blind and is still coming to terms with people's reactions to her. A possible stroke of good fortune comes about when it is revealed her estranged aunt has left her home – a spooky old mansion.I mention the low-budget production values because this can put some viewers off. I bore people rigid by saying that independent films are only constrained by their lack of finance, and better that than to have the project diluted by the creativity-sapping, restraint-soaked wishes of more mainstream organisations. And yet it is true. If you want spectacular stunts and humanity-stripping CGI, this won't be for you.If you wish to look beyond superfluous production gimmickry, there is much to enjoy here. Writer/director David Sapp makes the most of his locations and particularly the Manor itself. The three main players Davis, Ken Luckey and Christine Woods (as Jill's two good friends Rob and Erika) are terrific naturalistic and unaffected performers. Above all, their friendship is real and we can relate to them as people. When Jill starts seeing apparitions, she optimistically believes her eyesight may be returning.The pace doesn't pick up, but neither does it falter and there are a few decent scares. The most effective for me concerns Jill's audio diaries – when playing back her latest entry, there are other noises in the background. Of course, people being people, an element of distrust grows amongst Rob and Erika, and for a time it is entirely possible (though unlikely) that one of them is deliberately trying to unnerve poor Jill.The end is satisfying. And no, Jill does not magically recover her sight. She does, however, become more accustomed to her situation. Ultimately, 'Marsten Manor' is a decent chiller and well worth your time.

The Haunting of Marsten Manor is a great Halloween movie for all ages. Great story-line, scary special effects, believable characters. There's a mystery to that old house and the ghost of Kate Marsten tries to reveal the secret. In the process she helps a young girl, Jill, learn about her connections to her ancestors and how to deal with her own handicap. I would have rated it 10 but sometimes the dialog lags and slows the story - but that's only because we are more keen on fast moving TV shows. This has become a classic in our DVD library!RB

A fun flight into fright! This film is imaginative and has a touching twist. Despite the low production value, it is impressive for the budget! It seemed well thought out and decently acted. It is a good flick for a late night. There are a few things that could be improved but to be perfectly honest, those things could have been cleared up with a little more funding. I die film is difficult and you have to just do what you can.

Saw this movie at a film festival in Orem, Utah. Heard the budget was rather low, and the story, quality, and concept -- with redeeming message for a horror film -- blew me away. Make sure you rent this one for a scary movie with a heart.The main leads are all actors on the rise. They did a great job portraying the emotions involved in the story. One of the supporting actors, Julie Sapp, was convincing as the main "ghost" in the story. She was downright scary! She apparently also was a co-writer, co-director-, co-composer, co-everything on this film with her talented husband, Dave Sapp.Imagine what will happen the next time this duo gets more of a budget and makes their next film!