Horror cinema is often at its best when it taps into primal emotions—fear, loss, love, guilt—and channels them through stories that are as unsettling as they are relatable. Anything for Jackson (2020), directed by Justin G. Dyck and written by Keith Cooper, is a film that does exactly this. It takes a premise that feels both familiar and subversive—a “reverse exorcism” performed by grieving grandparents—and spins it into a nightmarish, darkly funny, and surprisingly poignant tale about the lengths we go to for those we love.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the film’s plot, characters, themes, box office performance, similar movies, and why it’s a must-watch for horror fans and newcomers alike. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to round out your understanding of this unique entry in modern horror.
Detailed Plot Summary
Anything for Jackson opens with a scene that’s both mundane and quietly chilling: Audrey and Henry Walsh, an elderly couple living in suburban Canada, go about their morning routine. Their banter is gentle, their home is cozy, and they seem like the kind of grandparents you’d want to visit on a Sunday afternoon. But this illusion is shattered when they kidnap Shannon Becker, a heavily pregnant woman and Henry’s patient, and chain her in their attic.
The Walshes’ motivation is revealed quickly: they are grieving the loss of their only grandson, Jackson, who died tragically in a car accident. Their daughter, Jackson’s mother, survived but is left paralyzed and in deep depression. The couple’s grief has driven them to desperation, leading them to join a local Satanist group and seek out an ancient spellbook. Their plan is to perform a “reverse exorcism”—to transfer Jackson’s soul into Shannon’s unborn child, giving him a second chance at life.
Audrey and Henry are not your typical horror villains. They are polite, loving, and genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing, even as they cross moral lines. They promise Shannon they don’t want to hurt her or her baby, but their actions say otherwise. The ritual, performed with trembling hands and anxious hearts, unleashes a force far beyond their control.
Instead of simply summoning Jackson’s spirit, the couple inadvertently opens a doorway for a host of tormented souls and demonic entities. Their home becomes a haunted prison, with Shannon at the center. Ghostly apparitions—some grotesque, some tragic—begin to appear, each with their own agenda. The most memorable of these is a contortionist ghost suffocating in plastic, and a hag who flosses her teeth until they fall out, both of which deliver truly nightmarish visuals.
As the supernatural chaos escalates, the Walshes’ carefully laid plans unravel. Detective Bellows, investigating Shannon’s disappearance, becomes suspicious and eventually discovers the truth—only to fall victim to the demonic forces herself. Meanwhile, Ian, a fellow Satanist and occult enthusiast, offers his help but reveals himself to be dangerously unstable, further complicating matters.
The film’s climax is a crescendo of horror and heartbreak. Audrey and Henry, now fully aware of the consequences of their actions, must decide how far they’re willing to go to bring Jackson back. The spirits haunting the house become more aggressive, and the line between victim and perpetrator blurs. The story ends on a note that is both tragic and ambiguous, leaving viewers to ponder the true cost of love and the dangers of tampering with forces beyond our understanding.
Characters: Complex, Human, and Haunting
Audrey Walsh (Sheila McCarthy)
Audrey is the emotional core of the film. Her grief is palpable, and her love for Jackson is both touching and terrifying. Sheila McCarthy delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the desperation of a grandmother who will do anything for her family—even if it means embracing darkness. Audrey’s journey from gentle matriarch to desperate occultist is both believable and heartbreaking.
Henry Walsh (Julian Richings)
Henry, a doctor by profession, is the more reserved of the two, but his pain runs just as deep. Julian Richings brings a quiet intensity to the role, portraying Henry as a man torn between his scientific rationality and his overwhelming sorrow. His partnership with Audrey is the film’s anchor, and their dynamic—alternately supportive and strained—feels authentic.
Shannon Becker (Konstantina Mantelos)
Shannon is more than just a victim. She is resourceful, courageous, and determined to survive. Her terror is visceral, but so is her resolve. As the supernatural events intensify, Shannon’s fight for freedom becomes a central thread, and her interactions with the Walshes add layers of empathy and tension.
Ian (Josh Cruddas)
Ian is the wild card—a fellow Satanist whose obsession with the occult makes him both an asset and a threat. His presence adds unpredictability to the story, and his actions drive the plot toward its chaotic conclusion.
Detective Bellows (Lanette Ware)
Detective Bellows represents the outside world’s encroachment on the Walshes’ insular nightmare. Her investigation brings a sense of urgency and inevitability to the proceedings, and her fate is one of the film’s most shocking moments.
Themes: Grief, Love, and the Dangers of Obsession
Anything for Jackson is a film about grief—raw, unfiltered, and all-consuming. Audrey and Henry’s love for their grandson is so powerful that it overrides their moral compass. Their journey is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the temptation to play god.
The film also explores the theme of unintended consequences. The Walshes’ attempt to control the supernatural leads to chaos, suffering, and the unleashing of forces they cannot comprehend. Their story is a modern-day Pandora’s Box, where the desire to undo loss opens the door to even greater horrors.
At its heart, the film is about the human need for connection and meaning. The Walshes’ actions, though misguided, are rooted in love—a love that becomes twisted by pain and desperation. The film asks viewers to empathize with its antagonists, blurring the line between villain and victim.
Box Office Collection
Anything for Jackson is an independent Canadian horror film that premiered at festivals and was later released on streaming platforms such as Shudder and AMC+. As is common with many indie horror releases, especially those distributed primarily via streaming, the film did not have a wide theatrical release and thus lacks a traditional box office gross. Its success is instead measured by critical acclaim, word-of-mouth, and its growing cult following among horror enthusiasts.
Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Anything for Jackson, you might also appreciate these films, which blend supernatural horror with emotional depth and moral ambiguity:
| Movie Title | Year | Why It’s Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Hereditary | 2018 | Family tragedy, occult rituals, and the horrors of grief. |
| Rosemary’s Baby | 1968 | Pregnancy, satanic cults, and paranoia in a domestic setting. |
| The Autopsy of Jane Doe | 2016 | Supernatural horror in a confined space with escalating dread. |
| The Babadook | 2014 | Grief and motherhood manifesting as supernatural terror. |
| The Others | 2001 | Haunted house, ambiguous ghosts, and emotional storytelling. |
| The Dark and the Wicked | 2020 | Siblings facing supernatural evil and familial loss. |
| We Are Still Here | 2015 | Grieving parents, haunted house, and demonic forces. |
| The Witch | 2015 | Occult horror, family breakdown, and rural isolation. |
These films, like Anything for Jackson, use horror to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes, making them more than just vehicles for scares.
Why You Should Watch Anything for Jackson
Anything for Jackson stands out in the crowded horror landscape for several reasons:
-
Unique Premise: The idea of a “reverse exorcism” performed by grieving grandparents is both original and unsettling. The film subverts expectations by making the villains sympathetic and the victims complex.
-
Emotional Depth: The horror is grounded in real, relatable emotions—grief, love, and desperation. This makes the supernatural elements more impactful and the characters more memorable.
-
Memorable Visuals: The film is filled with inventive and disturbing imagery, from suffocating ghosts to grotesque rituals. The practical effects and creature design are top-notch.
-
Strong Performances: Sheila McCarthy and Julian Richings deliver standout performances, bringing nuance and humanity to their roles.
-
Atmospheric Storytelling: The film balances moments of dark humor with genuine terror, creating a tone that is both unsettling and oddly endearing.
-
Thought-Provoking Themes: Beyond the scares, the film invites viewers to reflect on the nature of loss, the limits of love, and the dangers of unchecked obsession.
Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a newcomer seeking something different, Anything for Jackson offers a fresh, intelligent, and emotionally resonant experience.
Conclusion
Anything for Jackson is a rare gem in modern horror—a film that combines supernatural scares with emotional honesty and narrative ingenuity. It’s a story of grief-stricken grandparents dabbling in the occult is both chilling and moving, offering a meditation on love, loss, and the price we pay for second chances.
Director Justin G. Dyck and writer Keith Cooper craft a film that is as visually inventive as it is thematically rich. The performances by Sheila McCarthy and Julian Richings anchor the story, making Audrey and Henry Walsh some of the most memorable horror protagonists in recent memory.
The film’s blend of horror, dark comedy, and genuine pathos sets it apart from more conventional genre fare. It’s a story that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting viewers to ponder the boundaries of morality, the dangers of obsession, and the enduring power of love, even when it leads us down the darkest paths.
If you’re looking for a horror film that will both unsettle and move you, Anything for Jackson is not to be missed.
FAQs
Q: Is Anything for Jackson based on a true story?
A: No, the film is a work of fiction. However, its emotional core—grief and the lengths people go to for loved ones—resonates with real human experiences.
Q: Is the film more scary or emotional?
A: It’s a blend of both. The scares are effective and often inventive, but the film’s emotional depth is what sets it apart, making the horror more impactful.
Q: What is a “reverse exorcism”?
A: In the film, a reverse exorcism refers to the act of inviting a spirit (in this case, the Walshes’ grandson) into a human host, rather than expelling a demon. The ritual, however, goes awry and opens the door to many unwanted spirits.
Q: Is the film gory or violent?
A: There are moments of violence and disturbing imagery, but the film relies more on atmosphere, tension, and psychological horror than on gore.
Q: Where can I watch Anything for Jackson?
A: The film is available on streaming platforms such as Shudder and AMC+, as well as on-demand rental services.
Q: Does the film have a happy ending?
A: Without giving away spoilers, the ending is more tragic and ambiguous than happy, in keeping with the film’s themes of grief and consequence.
Q: What makes the film unique among horror movies?
A: Its focus on elderly protagonists, its subversion of the exorcism trope, and its emotionally driven narrative make it a standout in the genre.