A creepy, withdrawn little girl turns into a demonic captor for hell and terrorizes everyone in sight.  Seems like an overused movie plot, especially since it is being used once again in the new movie “Case 39.”

This movie was actually shelved for two years before its release on Friday, October 1.  This movie was also not screened for critics, which usually is a huge red flag for all movie-goers.  The question is,  should it have ever been released? My answer is a resounding yes.  I thought the film was extremely engaging.  The movie stars Renee Zellweger in the role of Emily Jenkins, a social worker assigned to help a ten year old little girl named Lilly (Jodelle Ferland).

Zellweger doesn’t often play roles in movies that are of the thriller/horror genre.  I was a little concerned and not entirely sure that I would enjoy seeing her in a thriller type movie.  However, she was truly remarkable in her performance and portrayed her character very well in this movie..  However, the real star of the movie in my eyes is Ferland, who does an incredible job portraying Lily, the seemingly normal, but demonic little girl.

Jenkins has been up to her neck in all of her 38 cases. She gets case 39 plopped right on her desk, where Lily comes in.  At first glance, Lily is a serious abuse victim.  She is withdrawn from society, does not talk very much, and is very shy in demeanor.

As soon as Jenkins steps foot into the Sullivan household, she realizes something is very weird and wrong.  Mr. Sullivan (Callum Keith Rennie) will not speak directly to her and Mrs.  Sullivan (Kerry O’Malley) looks like she has not seen a bed or a comb in a year.  Jenkins realizes that Lily needs serious help and an escape from the house that she lives in.

Trust me when I say that anyone visiting this home would have serious doubts as to whether any child should be permitted to live there.  First of all, the house is extremely run down and depressing looking.  Not to take anything away from the movie but the house screams a demonic little girl lives here.

After her investigation, Emily is convinced that Lilly is being abused and is determined to rescue her from her parents.

She is aided in this investigation by her boyfriend and child psychiatrist Doug (Bradley Cooper).

After taking Lily in, Jenkins realizes that trouble follows Lily wherever she goes.

It is not until after Doug’ mysterious and brutal death, that Jenkins realizes all this trouble might just be Lily herself.

Wherever Lily is death follows and it seems as though whoever talks to Lily ends up either going on a violent killing streak or killing themselves.

If you’re a nice and  kind person, you are the prime target of the evil that follows this little girl.  Or is it the little girl that is evil?Are you scared?

Because you should be.

Hilary Weidner can be reached for comment at [email protected]