Review of I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) by Thequietgamer — 28 Oct 2016

The strength of Oz Perkin's horror gem is in it's ability to make you as paranoid and uncomfortable as it's easily frightened main character, played by Ruth Wilson. It doesn't do so with big shocks, jumps, or any of the cheap scare tactics you'll find in mainstream horror films clogging up theatres today. Instead it relies on silence.

It's a gorgeous movie. The camera angles are immaculate, showing just enough to keep you edge with what you can see and constantly pondering about what you can't. It takes the time to earn your fear. Perkins plays off of the natural uneasiness of darkness and shadows. The movie works it's way under your skin by toying with the typical setups modern horror has made us accustomed to. It sucks you into it's admittedly bare bones narrative with it's hauntingly beautiful narration. The writing itself feels like poetry.

If you're looking for big thrills and chills I recommend going elsewhere. This is a slow movie. One with only one real scare (oh, but what a scare it is). The rest is just suitably creepy to the point where it will make your skin crawl. It's proof that the best horror doesn't have to jump out at you. Horror can be still. Silent. It can work it's magic on you by simply making you feel uncomfortable and isolated. Essentially, it can make you scare yourself.

And yes, it is a beautiful movie with some of the most haunting cinematography I have ever witnessed. Those monologues are a thing of grace. Packed with themes that will stick with you long after watching. Oz Perkins has created something deeply affecting and just f*cking terrifying. It's both a horror film and a work of art.

8.