Winchester: The House that Ghosts Built

“Winchester” is a highly imaginative retelling of the story of Sarah Winchester, the widow of world famous gun manufacturer William Winchester. Upon his death Sarah (Helen Mirren), inherits a vast sum of money and a controlling share of her late husband’s firearm company. In the movie, she visits a medium to help her get over her grief following the death of her child and husband. After seeing the medium, she proceeds to build up her house with dozens of rooms and hallways. She does this to hold the spirits of the those who have been killed by the Winchester rifle.

This erratic behavior troubles the other shareholders of the Winchester manufacturing company. The members enlist the help of a professional psychological evaluator in hopes of getting her declared insane and unfit to run the company. We are introduced to Eric Price (Jason Clarke), a man with a tragic and sordid past. He agrees to take the job and soon comes to the Winchester mansion.

That’s the set up and opening of this intricate concoction of fiction mixed with bits of truth. Let’s start with the plot… Impressive! From the back story to the introduction of characters to the climax, rock solid. Now on to the acting, outstanding very well cast and authentic. However, it must be said that the writers took many liberties with the story.

Objectionable content

There is an abundance of content of concern. The film is about the Winchester rifle, so gun violence is portrayed in detail. Eric Price’s character is shown to be addicted to a poisonous drug called Laudanum (opium and alcohol), and he uses it in the beginning of the film. He is also addicted to alcohol and to sex with many women. Prostitute women are shown, although not overtly.

The entire storyline line centers around spirits lingering after death and Sarah Winchester’s supposed obsession with keeping them caged in her house due to her alleged guilt and remorse. The fantasy of ghosts is wholly unbiblical and Sarah’s beliefs and motivations are mostly false based on historical records. Some sort of demonic possession is also depicted frequently. A child becomes possessed by an insidious spirit. Sarah Winchester’s character herself is shown being possessed, and she almost welcomes it, as she feels that she is the only one that can control the spirits that haunt her.

The Word of God clearly states in Hebrews 9:27…

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

This contradicts the film’s premise and its false beliefs about the afterlife. These false ideas may lead viewers astray and cause some to doubt the Word of God. We are called to be Salt and Light and to spread the truth about what happens on the day of final judgment and how one can be saved through repentance and surrending their life to Jesus Christ, and following him as Lord and Savior.

This movie is generally well produced with an interesting story, amazing visuals, costumes and character development. However, it vears very far from reality when it comes to Sarah Winchester’s true life and so far from truth when it comes to a Biblical worldview. I encourage readers to look up the true story of Sarah Winchester. Though not a Christian, she was also not as portrayed in this film. Christian should be wary of this film’s premise and ideas and should not be fooled by what this film tries to pass off as truth.

• Violence: Very Heavy
• Profane language: Moderate—“J*sus,” “My G*d,” “Oh G*d,” “d*mn”
• Vulgar/Crude language: Minor
• Nudity: Moderate
• Sex: Moderate—• 3 prostitutes seen with man in open robe • Topless prostitute (back to camera) • Kisses

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.