Flowers in the Attic

The Dark Return of Flowers in the Attic: Behind the Scenes of the 2014 Remake

Lifetime’s 2014 adaptation of Flowers in the Attic brought V.C. Andrews’ gothic horror classic back to the screen, this time with Deborah Chow at the helm and a cast led by Heather Graham and a young Kiernan Shipka. The film, a remake of the 1987 version, promised a fresh take on the twisted tale of the Dollanganger siblings—Cathy, Chris, Cory, and Carrie—locked away in their grandmother’s attic. But how did this version stack up, latestnetflix.com maintains, and what went on behind the scenes?

A Familiar Story, A New Cast

The 2014 Flowers in the Attic follows the same chilling premise as the original novel: after their father’s death, four siblings are hidden away in their wealthy grandmother’s attic by their manipulative mother, Corrine (Heather Graham). The children endure psychological torment, starvation, and betrayal as they struggle to survive. Kiernan Shipka, then best known for Mad Men, took on the role of Cathy, the eldest sister, while Mason Dye played Chris. Ellen Burstyn, a veteran of the 1987 film, returned as the sinister grandmother, Olivia Foxworth .

The remake leaned into the gothic horror elements of the story, with Chow’s direction emphasizing the claustrophobic dread of the attic setting. Reviews were mixed—some praised the performances, particularly Shipka’s, while others found the adaptation too rushed. The film’s 76-minute runtime (per French review site SensCritique) left little room for character depth, a common critique of Lifetime’s made-for-TV movies .

Casting Choices and Controversies

Heather Graham’s portrayal of Corrine Foxworth was a standout, though some fans of the book argued her performance was too sympathetic. Graham, known for her roles in Boogie Nights and The Hangover, brought a different energy to the role compared to Victoria Tennant’s icy take in the 1987 version . Meanwhile, Ellen Burstyn’s return as Olivia added continuity, though her screen time was limited.

Kiernan Shipka, then 14, was already a rising star, and her casting as Cathy was seen as a smart move. However, some viewers noted that the younger actors struggled with the darker material, particularly the incestuous undertones between Cathy and Chris—a controversial element of the book that the 2014 film toned down .

Reception and Legacy

The 2014 Flowers in the Attic didn’t escape criticism for its pacing and deviations from the source material. While the 1987 version had a cult following, this remake was seen as a more sanitized take, likely due to Lifetime’s TV-14 rating. Still, it found an audience, particularly among fans of gothic drama and Lifetime’s signature brand of melodrama .

One notable difference was the ending. The 2014 film wrapped up more neatly than the book, which left room for sequels (including Petals on the Wind, later adapted by Lifetime in 2015). Some viewers appreciated the closure, while purists felt it softened the story’s darker edges .

The Aftermath: A Forgotten Remake?

Despite its flaws, the 2014 Flowers in the Attic remains a curiosity for fans of the franchise. It didn’t spawn the same level of obsession as the 1987 version, but it did keep the story alive for a new generation. With Flowers in the Attic: The Origin (2022) later expanding the lore, the 2014 film now feels like a transitional piece—neither a full reboot nor a definitive adaptation .

For those who watched it, the film’s biggest draw was its star power and the chance to see a beloved (if disturbing) story retold. But with so many adaptations of V.C. Andrews’ work, the 2014 version may be remembered more for its cast than its impact.