Review of The Silent House (2010) by Tom B — 27 Jan 2012

Scary house with unveiled history.

This subtle, understated low budget Spanish scare film has some creditable features. The film was shot in one long sequence with no cuts, bare that in mind and you have to note the excellent performance of the lead (and the director's ambition).

Yes it is semi-scary, with the camera right up close and behind the lead character Laura most of the time, other times being what she sees. The film is shot in mostly pitch black darkness, with a held lamp the source of light, and it does rely on this effect. The setting is an old house in the woods, in which Laura and her father appear to have been forced into staying. The house then unveils a haunted presence and death and mystery follows.

The plot is credible too, with a confusing but sinister ending revealer (the house indeed holds a haunting past for Laura) and I thought this is carried through well. Considering it's simplicity and horror based ideas it is still powerful and interesting, and as I mention the end twist although predictable adds to the viewing experience.

Silent House is thus not going to be for everyone, it is a semi-scary thriller that relies on its look and the threat of something being revealed, and although a modern ghost/haunting outing, the main scare arguably is the end plot chapter. The fact it is based on true events only adds to the film.

The DVD I had only had English or German subtitles (being a Spanish Language film), with no features. It is short at 78mins too. It is a 2010 film, released again in 2011 in the UK.