Review of The House of the Devil (2009) by Robert G — 06 Jun 2010

This film is, to quote my friend Charlie, "SO F***ING SUSPENSEFUL!" The film's ominous score coupled with Writer/Director Ti West's purposeful camera movements creates a tension that is palpable throughout the room. The film's dark lighting and isolated location keep the audience on the edge of their seat wondering if they'd do the same thing in that spot.

After Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) finds a wonderful apartment where she can live alone rather than with her dorm mate, she needs to find a way to pay for it. She calls to fill in for a babysitter position posted near her dorm only to find the job isn't what it seems. Reluctant from the obviously creepy atmosphere and tenant, she only accepts after being offered more than she needs to pay the first month's rent on her new place. Why pass up the money for something that could be nothing, right?

It may sound familiar, or uninventive, but by the end, you don't care because it feels like a redone roller-coaster, you may know the track, but it's brand new. This film captures all the feel of the classic horrors, but never feels old or stale, but rather fresh and continuously progressing.

In the end, everyone that watched it with me agreed...this film is BRILLIANT!