So on an unexpected stop at my local Blockbuster (I rent about 4 times a year) to specifically look for a copy of the unbelievably inspiring PRECIOUS (2009), I decided to peruse the new releases section and came across THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL. I had seen the box art in a few magazines and recalled its mention on a variety of online horror sites. I had the evening free, so I figured "Why the F^*k not?" It was an excellent decision.
I'm not impressed by very many horror flicks these days. "Been there, seen that" is what I usually think after most modern flicks have wasted my time. Complete lack of originality. THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (HOTD) is that rare gem, and after seeing it over a month ago, I still can't get it out of my head. Hence, my need to share it with others and figure why it captured my inner demon, especially since nothing happens in the first 55 minutes... but I couldn't stop watching!
The general premise: Set in 1981, college sophomore Samantha is in dire need of $$$ to escape her annoying dorm mate and get her own apartment, but she needs the down payment in 3 days. Passing a community campus board later that day she sees a babysitting ad. Upon arriving at the secluded house, however, she finds she won't be caring for a child, but instead an unseen, elderly woman in the attic. All she has to do is stay in the house for 4 hours while the family is away at an event and she'll earn a cool $400. Against her better judgment, she agrees, and as the night unfolds discovers she should have followed her gut instinct.
Sounds like a been-there/done-that plot from the early 1980s - but it's just that element which is what makes this film work. The awesome thing here is that this doesn't seem like a 2009-made feature set in 1981. Director Ti West (CABIN FEVER 2) pays such intimate attention to period detail in costumes, props, hair, set design and the type of film used in 1981 that it actually comes across as a forgotten time capsule just released to the public. Its time period also plays extreme importance in that in today's cell phone/instant 911 help era, this story wouldn't work. In 1981, it's still entirely plausible.
So, like I said earlier, nothing happens for the bulk of the film. Samantha walks around the eerie 3 story house, trying to ignore its creepy creaks and groans.... until she can't take them anymore. As she tries to silence the night and her nerves, Sam slowly begins to accidentally discover the secrets of the house, the family she knows nothing about... and that lady in the attic. For anyone who's ever babysat in an unfamiliar home, all that tension will quickly come back to you, which is the brilliance behind West's quest to terrify you from the inside out. Once Samantha discovers all the truths of her unfortunate situation, you'll be chewing your nails off and - that rare of rarest things for true fans bored with everything they've seen before - you'll be covering your eyes and screaming at the screen. Think back to the original HALLOWEEN (1978) or THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974). Yeah - it gets that scary. Overall, however, this is much more aesthetically ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968) than Leatherface.
If you want to see the latest modern remake or sequel, pick up SAW VI or - snooze - PROM NIGHT '08. If you want to remember what it was like to watch something with a true sense of evil and suspense -something that wants to crawl under your skin and sink into your brain vs. simply grossing you out - spend a night in THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL.
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