In the spirit of Halloween, I thought it would be fitting to review a horror film. I could review Paranormal Activity 3, like everyone else in the world would be doing if they had to talk about one horror film right now, but I’d rather wind the clocks back to 2009 for a while and discuss a film that looks like the clocks were wound back to the 1980’s in production…House of the Devil. Currently streaming on Netflix, I suggest you check this film out before it’s gone from the instant route, because as far as modern horror films go, it’s absolutely sublime.
Written, directed and even edited by Ti West, House of the Devil is a “grindhouse” type throwback ordeal. But never once does this film try to be over the top or in it for the exploitation factor. It’s a carefully paced, terse narrative and it’s one hell of a slow burn. In most genres of film this is hard to appreciate. It’s also hard to appreciate horror “with a punchline.” Thankfully this film has none of that. It drives along slowly, almost in real time, grinding on the nerves of the viewer and making you as uncomfortable as the main character. There’s a fabulous sense of isolation throughout that we can all relate to having spent nights home alone and investigating the closets and under the bed at the slightest trace of noise.
Jocelin Donahue plays a college girl typical of the 80’s (right down to the Walkman) named Samantha whose just gotten her first apartment. She’s trying to pick up jobs on the side to pay for her costly new rent (300 a month respectively) and she calls a flier put up for a babysitting job. Her friend, played by Greta Gerwig, accompanies her to a creepy old house to accept the position. Upon arrival they’re greeted by an extremely awkward and antsy man named Mr. Ulman played by Tom Noonan. Eventually Samantha is left alone in the house with an …unusual and undemanding baby sitting job and the tension starts to build.
Unlike horror movies which deliver a scare a minute with some kind of hulking monster jumping out from behind a corner, the fear here builds in silence until eventually it’s palpable. You’ll be able to hear your own heart beat at the end of it. Watch this alone, preferably in the dark with all background noises silent. It’s the kind of movie where you want to put yourself in the same element as the main character to feel the full effect.
Something has to be said about the genius way in which the tropes of 80’s films are brought to the screen again here. Like I mentioned before, this is faithful homage film, but it also manages to do things that haven’t been done before. The shots are well constructed and exceedingly well lit. A slight film grain only enhances the picture quality in this case and I’m sure the film looks gorgeous on blu ray. A lot of natural light is relied on and the shadows often lie to the viewer as well as betray the main character. It’s excellent work, especially for such a low budget.
House of the Devil represents everything I thought was dead and gone in the horror genre. Innovation, acting and a unique style all come through in spades here and if you’re a horror fan or cinemaphile you won’t be disappointed. I imagine the standard rage-fueled uncultured teenager looking for a movie heavy on the cheap scares would be better off taking his date to Paranormal Activity, Final Destination or the latest in the Saw series, but I respect that this one tries to go for a demographic of horror fans who know the score and remember the good old days.
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