Stir of Echoes

Tom Witzky undergoes a startling shift after his sister-in-law hypnotizes him at a party, jolting his sense of reality. He soon starts seeing a ghostly girl who appears in unexpected places, turning his quiet life into a puzzle with eerie hints. Tom and his wife Maggie try to interpret these visions and what they might say about the girl's fate and the events that touch their neighborhood. As the clues accumulate, their home becomes a focal point for a growing danger, and ordinary concerns give way to a creeping mystery. The film blends a suburban setting with supernatural intrigue without overindulging in gore. The tension never rests, even when life seems ordinary. The eerie mood lingers after the credits roll.

Directed by David Koepp, the film adapts a Matheson story with a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker. Released in 1999, Stir of Echoes follows Kevin Bacon as Tom Witzky and threads a tense mystery from a supernatural premise for audiences.

The film earned about 21.1 million dollars worldwide on a 12 million dollar budget, delivering a solid return and marking the project as a quietly successful late 90s horror release in theaters worldwide, drawing audiences across nations for international markets.

Stir of Echoes helped shape late 90s thrillers by pairing a quiet suburban setting with supernatural hints and a detective vibe. It contributed to the idea that memory and hidden past events drive everyday fear, influencing later urban horror narratives. Its emphasis on sound design and practical effects earned praise.

Critics generally praised Bacon's grounded performance and Koepp's tight direction, while noting the suspense comes from atmosphere rather than gore. The film explores how memory and guilt distort reality and how a normal home can hide dangerous secrets. Its running time and storytelling leave an enduring impression in 90s thrillers.