Happy Tuesday, Horror Fans! This week, I've unearthed a gem from Tubi that I consider a must-watch! Coincidentally, today is also my birthday, so I've selected one of my personal favorites for this occasion. Allow me to introduce you to, "House of the Devil."
Released in 2009, this film was both written and directed by Ti West (known for "X", "Pearl", and "The Innkeepers"). It marked my introduction to West's work, and I swiftly became a fan after experiencing this cinematic treat.
Set in 1980, the story centers around Samantha, portrayed by Jocelin Donahue, who embodies the quintessential final girl archetype. Samantha, a college student, seeks employment to secure a place of her own, away from her less-than-pleasant dorm roommate. Without family support, she's determined to earn enough money to rent a promising apartment she's found, leading her to accept a last-minute babysitting gig at a secluded house during a lunar eclipse.
A fun fact about the movie is the appearance of Greta Gerwig, known for her successes of "Barbie" and "Lady Bird," who portrays Samantha's friend, Megan. Megan accompanies Samantha to the house and plans to pick her up later that night. The Ulmans, the seemingly ordinary couple Samantha babysits for, express gratitude for her help and offer her $400 to care for Mrs. Ulman's mother while they're away.
After trying to get some school work done Samantha decides to order some pizza from the place Mr. Ulman suggested and this kicks off an intense story about the sinister realities hidden in the house. Samantha tries to put the pieces together, but this may be a larger problem than she is able to handle.
"House of the Devil" boasts a captivating storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its 90-minute runtime. Samantha's relatable character makes it easy to root for her, while the film teases the impending climax, maintaining engagement until the end. One of my favorite pieces is the film's lighting, which strays from the typical dimness of haunted house tropes, employing backlighting and accent lighting to immerse the audience alongside Samantha as she unravels the mysteries within the house.
In conclusion, "House of the Devil" is a cinematic triumph that shouldn't be missed. Its combination of suspense, storytelling, and visual prowess guarantees a thrilling viewing experience that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. If you want a more in-depth look at House of the Devil check out my podcast episode where I cover the whole film, spoilers included.
10 out of 10 Screams