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Like I mentioned in my review of "The Guest," I love the 1980s, especially 80s horror, but one genre always kind of eluded me; the devil-worshiping/possession genre. I simply don't find those types of films very scary or unnerving. This goes double for, get ready for it, "The Exorcist." I simply don't get the appeal of what so many people call "the scariest film ever made." I also think the market has been flooded with these possession/evil house/devil worshiping found footage type films, and while they are low budget, and make a ton of money because we have enough sheep who go to the theater to waste their money with lackluster fare like that. But, every once in a while I'll take the advice of a friend, or in this case a blog (thanks Slaughter Film) and go out on a limb and watch something I normally wouldn't, and than I wonder to myself why it took so long to finally get around to this movie. That movie is 2009's "The House of the Devil." Directed by Ti West, who has also worked on the anthology series "V/H/S" and directed "The Sacrament" brings to glory of late 1970s and early 80s Gothic horror to life by recreating a film that is suspenseful and a crap ton of fun.
"House" is the tale of Samantha, a struggling college student looking to move out of her dorm room that is constantly being used by her over-sexed roommate. Desperate for money after finding the house of her dreams, Sam calls about a babysitting job the night of a lunar eclipse. After losing hope on the job, she receives a call from Mr. Ulman, the man who placed the babysitting ad. Dragging her friend Megan along, Sam accepts the job and heads to the Ulman residence. Upon arrival, as the viewer, you already have the sense that something isn't quite right about Mr. Ulman, who is played to creepy perfection by consummate creeper, Tom Noonan. Creeped out, Sam is about to leave, but now desperate, Ulman tells Sam to name her price. She's seizes the moment knowing that her new house is on the line. The film progresses with Sam exploring the house, hearing noises, and finally learning the secret the Ulmans have been hiding all along. To spoil the third act would be a disservice.
What works so well in "House" is the look of the film. The opening credits are something right out of a Wes Craven film, mixed with Hammer Horror, and a dash of Italian giallo. The hair styles are to the era, the score is reminiscent of something Ric Ocasek. However, even with all of these 80s elements, the film is still very contemporary and can fit into any era.
The one gripe I see that people could have is the pacing of the "House." There isn't a whole lot of "action" until about an hour into the film, but just like the films of yore, the build-up is part of the fun of this film. However, in this day and age of instant gratification, jump scares, and found-footage dredge (which is ironic since I actually enjoyed "V/H/S") it's refreshing to see a movie like "House" but I"m sure that's the reason why this film hasn't gotten much traction outside of die-hard horror fans who have been watching the genre for decades.
Overall, "The House of the Devil" is great and it pains me to think that it took me so long to finally get around to this film. The production design is strong, the acting is believable and likable, and the villains are creepy. It's everything that you would want in a suspenseful horror film. New school kids beware, this IS your Daddy's horror film.
Fun Fact: The Church of Satan was founded by Anton LaVey in 1966
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