Review of Dream House (2011) by Dawdlingpoet — 28 Nov 2021

This is a mystery thriller film, featuring themes including arson, haunted houses and hiding. This film starts out with a very sentimental, perhaps partially idyllic tone, with Will leaving his job to spend more time with his family, getting compliments from colleagues and his kids being excited to see him more, accompanied by upbeat, positive instrumental pieces playing in the background. Obviously, due to the plot it doesn't stay that way forever though.

Its fair to say the main plot is far from original and there are a number of cliches present, when things (plot wise) take a sinister turn, such as sinister music, darkly lit moments with things happening suddenly and so on. There is quite a big plot twist present (which is a bit of an understatement) but I found it hard to believe, for a few reasons which I won't go in to, so as not to give any big spoilers away. Generally speaking, the film felt over exaggerated. Having said all that, I did, nevertheless, feel intrigued enough to keep watching and wait to see what would happen to Will and I'd be lying if I said it didn't seem at all spooky, as it did seem relatively spooky and I found myself feeling quite engrossed a certain way in to the film, over half way in to the film but I suppose not everyone would necessarily wait that long to become interested in it. I think the script very much lets this picture (as they used to call them) down.

Cast wise, Daniel Craig plays Will - he does quite well at playing a both worried and frustrated father figure, while Rachel Weisz plays his wife, Libby, who seems utterly bemused by whats going on. Meanwhile, their children are Trish, played by Taylor Geare and Dee Dee, played by Claire Geare. They probably gave the best performances in a way, as their facial expressions really reflect the circumstances their in. Other cast members include Naomi Watts as Ann Patterson and Marton Csokas as Jack Patterson.

Content wise, the film contains partial nudity at times and there are some violent scenes, with injuries shown including blood depicted. There are a few instances of mild profanity, no extremely graphic language but it does have a mildly sinister feel to it, particularly towards the end of the film, which may potentially frighten or disturb a very young audience. I didn't find it especially scary as such (as I've mentioned) but there are a few potential moments which might make you jump, if your especially susceptible to such things and due to this, its been given a 15 rating. Ultimately, I was left with unanswered questions and I felt that there was a clash of it trying to be too sentimental and sweet and also trying to be almost too spooky/sinister but it didn't really, realistically pull off either quite right, sadly.

No, I wouldn't specifically recommend this title, as its too cliched and didn't grab my attention in the first half. It is a bit spooky and has an interesting (if inplausible) plot twist but it isn't the best film of its type by any means.