It’s Halloween weekend and while the spooky season is most certainly going to be different this year, due to the continual problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations will go ahead regardless with many people opting to watch a horror movie over the coming days. Not surprisingly, Netflix is ready and waiting for the rise in horror streaming and from today has made the new movie, His House available to subscribers.
His House is a dark thriller from director Remi Weekes and stars Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith. The film tells the story of two refugees, who have fled their country in search of salvation, only to find themselves trapped in a new nightmare.
Set largely within a rundown property, situated on a housing estate in England, His House focuses on Bol and Rial Majur – a couple trying to make a home for themselves in the UK. They are given a place to live and the opportunity to remain in the country, so long as they stick to some ground rules and settle in.
What the couple are not given is any psychological support to help them as they navigate their way through unfamiliar surroundings, and work through the horrors they have endured. Escaping a war-torn country and travelling across the sea for sanctuary has left deep emotional scars, and they play a significant role in shaping this story and presenting the horror.
Part psychological drama, part haunted house picture, His House is a timely movie which explores the subject of migration through the lens of horror. It features some truly creepy moments, a huge dose of scares, and an impressive turn from its leads.
Going into this movie I knew very little. I caught the trailer for His House last week, and I was aware the film received its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival back in January; but beyond this my knowledge was somewhat lacking.
But my limited knowledge of this movie proved to be a good thing, as having now watched the film I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had few expectations going in, and I came out the other side feeling suitably moved.
By the end of the film, I had been shocked, terrified, and at times I felt a little sad. This is a well-directed, carefully considered piece, which isn’t afraid to talk about a contentious subject matter, while also offering some entertainment.
While this is a story about dark forces, witchcraft, and spectres, there is a very human side to the story, and that is something which never gets forgotten no matter where the film goes. As such, it balances supernatural shocks with real-world horror and the end result is a modern day ghost story.
While His House is a fairly small-scale picture in terms of its presentation, at times coming across more like an ITV drama than a feature film, the movie tackles an important subject which is dominating the headlines. It opens up an interesting discussion looking at fear and desperation, and does it through a very grim portrait of contemporary life.
Those looking for something to watch this weekend, along the lines of a slasher or a demonic possession picture, won’t find what they are look for here. But those who want something more substantial, and something with a little more depth, would be wise to check this movie out, as His House is certainly a horror in keeping with 2020.
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