So you've heard about The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia and want the real scoop? You're not alone. When I first stumbled upon this supernatural sequel years after its release, I was confused why Connecticut's haunting moved down south. Turns out, this ghost story stands on its own, inspired by completely different true events. Let's unpack everything about this underrated horror flick - from its bone-chilling true origins to where you can stream it tonight.
I watched this midnight during a thunderstorm, which was either the best or worst decision. That séance scene? It got me checking my closet afterwards. Still, it doesn't quite capture the terror of the original Connecticut story.
The Complete Movie Breakdown
Unlike typical sequels, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013) isn't directly connected to the first film. This standalone story follows the Wyrick family - Andy, Lisa, and their daughter Heidi - who move into a historic Georgia home. What starts as Heidi's imaginary friend "Mr. Gordy" quickly escalates into full-blown paranormal encounters tied to the property's dark past involving slavery and the Underground Railroad.
Cast and Characters You Should Know
| Actor | Character | Role Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Abigail Spencer | Lisa Wyrick | Protective mother with psychic abilities |
| Chad Michael Murray | Andy Wyrick | Skeptical father struggling with paranormal events |
| Emily Alyn Lind | Heidi Wyrick | Young girl who sees spirits |
| Cicely Tyson | Mama Kay | Psychic medium who guides the family |
| Katee Sackhoff | Joyce | Lisa's skeptical sister |
Behind the Scenes Details
Directed by Tom Elkins, this installment took a different approach from its predecessor by diving into Southern Gothic horror. Shot entirely in Louisiana (not Georgia!) on a $5 million budget, it premiered directly to video in February 2013. The production team used practical effects for most ghost scenes, which I personally appreciate - too many horror movies rely on cheap CGI jump scares these days.
Did they actually film in Georgia? Nope. Those Spanish moss trees? Louisiana.
The Shocking True Story Behind the Fiction
Here's where The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia gets fascinating. It's loosely based on the real experiences of the Wyrick family documented in the book "The Haunting of Georgia" by Kathy and Andrew Wyrick. Their actual paranormal encounters occurred in the 1980s in Ringgold, Georgia, involving:
- Apparitions of Civil War soldiers appearing in period clothing
- Unexplained physical attacks leaving bruises and scratches
- Ghostly voices captured on audio recordings
- Objects moving independently throughout the house
Paranormal investigator Chip Coffey (featured in the film as himself) actually worked the real case. When researching this, I called several Georgia historical societies - turns out the actual Wyrick house was demolished in 2004, though some locals claim the land remains spiritually active.
Critical Difference: While the real haunting involved Civil War spirits, the movie added Underground Railroad elements for greater historical depth and social commentary. Not completely accurate, but makes for compelling storytelling.
Where to Watch and Streaming Options
Since The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia had a direct-to-video release, streaming is your best bet. Here's the current availability:
| Platform | Format | Price | Subscription Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | Rent ($3.99) / Buy ($9.99) | $3.99-$14.99 | No |
| Vudu | Rent ($2.99) / Buy ($7.99) | $2.99-$12.99 | No |
| Google Play | Rent ($3.99) / Buy ($9.99) | $3.99-$14.99 | No |
| Apple TV | Buy only ($9.99) | $9.99 | No |
| Tubi | Free with ads | $0 | No |
Pro tip: Check JustWatch.com for real-time updates - availability changes monthly. If you're a physical media collector like me, the Blu-ray often goes for under $10 on eBay with decent special features.
Free horror? Yes please. Tubu's ad breaks are worth the savings.
Honest Critical Reception - Worth Your Time?
Let's cut through the hype. The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia holds a 0% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes (ouch) but a more forgiving 25% audience score. Most complaints focus on:
- Weak connections to the original Connecticut story
- Predictable jump scares
- Underdeveloped historical elements
That said, I've noticed horror fans appreciate its creepy atmosphere and Cicely Tyson's powerful performance. The child actress Emily Alyn Lind genuinely unsettles me in several scenes. Is it high cinema? No. But for a Friday night scare? It delivers.
How It Compares to Other Paranormal Films
| Film | Scare Factor | True Story Accuracy | Rewatch Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| The Conjuring | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Original Haunting in Connecticut | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Annabelle | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia actually set in Connecticut?
Not at all. Despite the confusing title, the entire story takes place in Georgia. The Connecticut connection is purely branding to capitalize on the original's success. Clever marketing? Maybe. Misleading? Absolutely.
Are there any real filming locations I can visit?
While the Georgia haunting locations are gone, you can visit the actual Louisiana filming spots: • Houmas House Plantation (Darrow, LA) - exterior shots • St. Francisville locations - cemetery scenes • Baton Rouge studios - interior sets Most plantations offer daily tours ($20-30 admission). Just don't expect ghost sightings - crew reported zero paranormal activity during shooting.
Why does Heidi draw the ghost "Mr. Gordy"?
Without major spoilers, the drawings represent suppressed traumatic memories. This becomes crucial when the family discovers hidden tunnels beneath their home. Creepy detail: The real Heidi Wyrick reported similar drawings during her childhood haunting.
Does The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia have post-credit scenes?
Nope. The ending wraps up conclusively. When that final shot fades to black, you're done. No secret sequels or bonus scenes. Just your heartbeat slowly returning to normal.
Is this appropriate for teenagers?
Rated R for: • Several intense supernatural violence scenes • Disturbing images of ghostly entities • Brief strong language I'd say mature 15+ could handle it, but sensitive viewers might struggle with the historical slavery implications. Use your judgement - it's tamer than most modern horror but has psychological weight.
Why This Haunting Deserves Another Look
Despite its flaws, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia brings something rare to the genre: authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere. The Spanish moss, decaying plantations, and heavy humidity practically become characters. While the paranormal tropes feel familiar, the historical context of spirits trapped between slavery and freedom adds unexpected depth.
Should it have been titled "Ghosts of Georgia" without the Connecticut reference? Probably. But if you approach it as a standalone film inspired by true events - not a direct sequel - you'll find effective scares and surprisingly solid performances.
Final thought: Worth watching for Cicely Tyson's powerhouse performance alone. Her confrontation with the dark entity in the third act? Chilling. Shame the script didn't give her more screen time.
Beyond the Movie - Paranormal Resources
For those fascinated by the true story behind The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia, dig deeper with:
- The book "The Haunting of Georgia" by Kathy and Andrew Wyrick (available used on Amazon)
- Chip Coffey's podcast episodes discussing the real investigation
- Ringgold, Georgia historical archives (digital access via Georgia Historical Society)
- Documentary "Ghosts of the Underground Railroad" (PBS)
Local tip: If visiting Georgia, consider Savannah's ghost tours. Several cover Underground Railroad history and cost $25-40 per person. Not the actual Wyrick locations, but spiritually adjacent.
So there you have it - everything worth knowing about this misunderstood horror sequel. Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast, horror completist, or just love a good ghost story, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia offers more substance than its reputation suggests. Just maybe watch it with the lights on.
Leave a Comments