Do you believe in ghosts? You’re not alone. Mississippi is home to at least 10 paranormal research groups made up of people who definitely do — and they’re part of a much larger trend.
Across the U.S. and U.K., more than 300 groups are actively investigating unexplained phenomena, often inspired by popular television shows like “Ghost Hunters,” “Medium,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “Haunting Evidence.”
Intrigued by the notion that someone had created a horror film based on the Southern ghost story of the Bell Witch — a tale I’ve heard whispers of growing up near Tennessee — I recently rented “An American Haunting” hoping to uncover more about this mysterious legend. To my surprise, the film is one of the few horror movies I’ve seen that explores supernatural torment and possession through the lens of psychological trauma.
Set in early 1800s Tennessee, the movie tells the haunting story of young Betsy Bell, a once-lively, flirtatious teenager who abruptly transforms into a withdrawn, exhausted version of herself. She confesses to her teacher that she’s unable to sleep, haunted by a terrifying presence that visits her at night. Her sudden decline sets off a series of terrifying events.
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