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Houses is a captivating drama film that explores the complex dynamics of a disintegrating family. It centers around the life of a couple named Richard and Emily (Wyndham Garnett and Sophie Ellsberg) and their young son, Sam (played by Will Brill). Richard is an unsuccessful writer who struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, while Emily is a high-strung artist who resents the constraints of the domestic life. Their tensions escalate as they begin to face financial difficulties and infertility.

The film opens with Richard and Emily moving into their new home in upstate New York. The house is a dilapidated fixer-upper that they hope to turn into a dream home. However, as they begin renovations, they discover a series of unsettling clues that suggest the house may be haunted. Strange noises and unexplained occurrences threaten to unravel the couple's already fragile relationship.

As the story progresses, we see the family's individual struggles come to the forefront. Richard becomes increasingly consumed by his writing, neglecting his responsibilities as a father and husband. Meanwhile, Emily resents Richard's lack of support and seeks comfort in the company of her ex-boyfriend, John (played by Tom Gilroy).

The tension between Richard and Emily reaches a breaking point when they clash over their differing desires for their future. Emily, desperate to escape the suffocating suburban life, proposes that they move to New York City. Richard, on the other hand, believes that their current house is their key to financial stability, and refuses to leave. As their argument heats up, Sam wanders off into the woods alone, highlighting the dangerous consequences of their unresolved issues.

Throughout the film, the house itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the family's state of disrepair. As they attempt to mend the physical structure of the home, Richard and Emily must confront the emotional damage that has taken root in their relationship. The haunting elements of the house represent the emotional ghosts that follow them from room to room, reminding them of the unresolved pain and tension.

The standout performances from the leads, Garnett, Ellsberg and Brill, are captivating and deeply emotive. Garnett expertly portrays Richard's inner turmoil, balancing his anxiety and self-doubt with a desperate need to provide for his family. Ellsberg is equally convincing as Emily, bringing a raw vulnerability and intensity to her character's conflicting desires. Brill is exceptional as Sam, giving a nuanced performance that captures the complexities of childhood in the midst of tumultuous family dynamics.

Director Jeremy Blake masterfully captures the tension and emotional turmoil that underpins the entire film. His use of space and natural light provides an eerie and evocative backdrop for the story's darker elements. Similarly, the haunting score from composer Fritz Myers brings a subtle but effective layer of unease to the film.

Overall, Houses is a beautifully crafted, nuanced exploration of family, love, and the emotional scars that haunt us. Its haunting visuals and soaring performances make it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.

Houses is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.