Review of The House of the Devil (2009) by Jerod H — 07 Apr 2013

I had to double take the year this film was made - Yes 2009 - yet it's more 80's than any 80's horror I have ever seen. From the opening credits, it's grainy style, it's washed out colours, the soundtrack, even the poster, everything about this film oozes 80's horror. It isn't however just a clever gimmick - Ti West's The House of the Devil does everything right. EVERYTHING.

This is no slasher film. It relies on the classic combination of slow build suspense, creepy sounds and tense silences to great effect. In retrospect, nothing much really happens and it was quite a slow burner but that did not detract from it being a very engaging film.

A college student desperate for cash to pay the bills takes on a babysitting job that gets stranger and stranger and soon she realises the house and it's residents have some rather sinister secrets. If you like horror this should DEFINITELY go on your list. It does not disappoint. Look out for more from Ti West with another superb film: The Innkeepers.