Violet McGraw and Rupert Friend star in a scene from the movie "Separation." The Catholic News Service classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (CNS/Blair Todd, Open Road Films)

By Catholic News Service

Schlocky horror flick from director William Brent Bell in which a failing comic-book artist (Rupert Friend) battles his soon-to-be ex-wife (Mamie Gummer), an angry lawyer, for custody of their 8-year-old daughter (Violet McGraw). After Mom suffers a mysterious, violent death, this cringe-inducing domestic drama gets grafted onto a ghost story involving haunted puppets and larger-scale specters.

The plight of the young heroine, rather than inspiring pathos, subjects viewers to the afflicting experience of witnessing emotional child abuse.

Occult themes, fleeting gore, some rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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