We are thrilled to explore True Haunting, Netflix’s latest paranormal documentary series, which premiered on 7 October 2025. With executive production by the celebrated horror auteur James Wan, this five-episode series reinvents the genre by weaving cinematic horror sensibilities into allegedly real supernatural events. In this review and deep dive, we examine each haunting tale, assess the production quality, contextualise its place within Netflix’s paranormal offerings, and offer a final verdict that will assist horror fans and sceptics alike in deciding whether to tune in.
The Two Haunting Accounts: Eerie Hall & This House Murdered Me
“Eerie Hall” (Episodes 1–3): The Torment at SUNY Geneseo
Our journey begins in 1984, at SUNY Geneseo in upstate New York, where Chris DiCesare — a collegiate track star — took residence in Erie Hall, room C2D1. What first manifested as disembodied whispers calling his name evolved into full-bodied apparitions, physical assaults, and sustained psychological torment. DiCesare eventually christened the entity “Tommy,” linking it to Lieutenant Thomas Boyd, a Revolutionary War soldier tortured and slain in 1779 on land which would later encompass the college grounds.
The series records the harrowing encounter wherein claw marks allegedly appeared on DiCesare’s back during an encounter in the shower, culminating in a priest’s blessing ritual in mid-April 1985 that purportedly brought the ordeal to a close. During that period, the famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the campus; Lorraine is said to have declined DiCesare’s handshake, ominously remarking, “I don’t want to know my future.” The legend persists among SUNY Geneseo students that Erie Hall remains haunted to this day.
“This House Murdered Me” (Episodes 4–5): The Sinister Utah Residence
Switching coasts and eras, the second haunting follows April Miller and Matt Wilson, a Utah couple who, in 2004, purchased a Victorian home in Salt Lake City’s historic Avenues neighbourhood. What began as a dream house turned into a nightmare. The family experienced unexplained shadow figures, childlike sobbing, intrusions, and malignant presences that threatened their very safety.
Desperate, they recruited the help of paranormal investigators — including Ed and Lorraine Warren — eventually unearthing a dark past: a polygamist who had imprisoned and tortured children in a hidden chamber behind the walls. The series reconstructs these episodes with haunting reenactments and personal testimony, creeping ever closer to the precipice between horror and truth.
A Cinematic Vision: Style, Technique, & Tone
True Haunting distinguishes itself by adopting a cinematic horror aesthetic rather than adhering to the conventions of conventional documentary. Thanks to James Wan’s influence, the show uses carefully framed shots, immersive sound design, and professional-level reenactments that evoke the tension and dread of a feature-length horror film rather than a typical docuseries.
The storytelling structure mixes dramatic recreations (with actors physically resembling the real individuals) and present-day interviews with the actual survivors. Each episode clocks in at 30 to 35 minutes, maintaining taut pacing that keeps viewers on edge. The visual direction intentionally blurs the boundary between documentary and supernatural thriller, delivering a layered experience that rewards both believers and horror aficionados.
Critical and Audience Reaction: Praise, Skepticism, and Discord
Critical Acclaim: Style and Respect
Many critics have lauded True Haunting for its exceptional production values and James Wan’s suspense mastery. The atmospheric tension earns particular praise, as does the respectful handling of the subjects — the series avoids sensationalising trauma and instead treats experiences with empathy.
Reviewers also commend the series’ ability to blend documentary and horror, creating a viewing experience that feels both credible and chilling.
Criticism: Evidence vs. Atmosphere
Not all responses are unreservedly positive. Some critics argue the series leans heavily on atmosphere and dramatization rather than hard, verifiable evidence. The balance between narrative flair and factual rigor has drawn scrutiny, particularly in the series’ lack of scientific methods or sceptical counterpoints.
Pacing is another common criticism: the first three episodes (the Eerie Hall arc) feel more fully rendered, while the climactic two-episode Utah story is sometimes viewed as rushed or abbreviated in exposition.
Viewer Reaction: Division and Debate
Among Netflix audiences, the response has been lively. Many have described the series as “bone-chilling”, applauding its capacity to deliver genuine scares. On Reddit and fan forums, however, debate rages. Some viewers question the credibility and veracity of the accounts, while others argue that the emotional weight and consistency of the survivors’ testimony make the series compelling, regardless of objective proof.
Positioning Among Netflix’s Paranormal Portfolio
Netflix already hosts an array of supernatural and paranormal documentaries, including Files of the Unexplained (2024), Encounters (2023), and The Devil on Trial (2023). True Haunting, however, stakes a different claim: it is less a cold case-style documentary and more a horror-document hybrid.
Its cinematic ambition, combined with brand-name involvement from James Wan, positions the series as a flagship entry for the streamer’s ghost and haunted content. Released near Halloween season, it appears strategically timed to compete with other horror releases, such as Ryan Murphy’s The Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Its approach suggests Netflix aims to deepen its footprint in premium paranormal entertainment, rather than simply document unexplained events.
Strengths & Weaknesses: Where True Haunting Succeeds and Stumbles
Strengths
-
Atmospheric immersion: The series creates real tension, often delivering visceral chills rather than abstract speculation.
-
Stylish production: The aesthetic polish — from lighting to pacing — elevates it above many paranormal documentaries.
-
Emotional core: The inclusion of survivors’ voices gives weight and humanity to the stories.
-
Hybrid format: By blending documentary and horror, the show appeals to both true-crime/paranormal fans and horror enthusiasts.
Weaknesses
-
Limited empirical evidence: Skeptics will find the lack of forensic or scientific support disappointing.
-
Unequal pacing: The first narrative arc feels more fleshed out than the second.
-
Absence of sceptical counterbalance: The series rarely challenges claims with sceptical voices or alternate hypotheses.
-
Potential overreliance on reenactment: For some viewers, the stylised dramatization may overshadow real events.
Comparative Analysis: Why True Haunting Stands Out
Unlike most paranormal documentaries, True Haunting doesn’t settle for static archival footage or interview montages. Instead, it harnesses cinematic language — light, shadow, camera movement, tension-building edits — to evoke dread. This gives it an edge over more conventional titles such as Encounters, where the focus is on interviews and found footage.
Moreover, James Wan’s presence ensures the horror theory of the show feels intrinsic rather than grafted on. In effect, True Haunting competes not just with paranormal documentaries but with scripted horror storytelling. That crossover ambition is rare and gives it a distinctive appeal.
Who Should Watch—and What to Expect
This series is best suited to viewers who:
-
Enjoy supernatural narratives without requiring comprehensive scientific validation.
-
Appreciate cinematic storytelling in nonfiction contexts.
-
Are intrigued by haunted histories and ghost lore.
-
Want an eerie, immersive experience rather than dry case files.
If you’re a hardcore paranormal investigator seeking documented proof, you may find the series lacking in empirical backing. But for those who enjoy experiencing dread, questioning the unknown, and leaning into atmospheric storytelling, True Haunting delivers.
Final Verdict: A Haunting Triumph in Genre-Blended Storytelling
True Haunting succeeds admirably as a horror-flavoured exploration of alleged real hauntings. While it may not satisfy demands for rigorous proof, it more than compensates through emotional resonance, haunting aesthetics, and a deeply immersive structure. For viewers with an appetite for the supernatural—and a willingness to suspend disbelief—it offers a compelling, chilling ride.
In the ever-expanding universe of Netflix’s spooky catalogue, True Haunting stakes a bold claim: not simply as another ghost story, but as cinematic paranormal entertainment. If you relish the unseen, speak to shadows, or just enjoy a beautifully crafted ghost tale, this is one to watch — ideally with the lights off.
