Watch The House of the Devil
- R
- 2009
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.3 (52,199)
The House of the Devil is a horror film released in 2009. It features Jocelin Donahue as Samantha, a college student who takes up a babysitting job in a remote house in the woods. The movie is set in the 1980s and has a style that pays homage to classic horror movies of the time. Samantha needs money to pay for her new apartment and comes across an ad offering a babysitting job. She is hesitant at first, but the money on offer is too good to pass up. She meets the man who placed the ad, Mr. Ulman, played by Tom Noonan, and his wife, Mrs. Ulman, portrayed by Mary Woronov. They seem odd and a little creepy, but Samantha accepts the job anyway.
Samantha's friend, Megan, offers to take her to the house in the woods. On the way, they encounter a fortune-teller who warns Samantha of the danger ahead. Samantha dismisses the warning as superstition, but the ominous atmosphere of the house makes her uneasy. She meets the child she is supposed to be babysitting, but he is asleep when she arrives. Mr. and Mrs. Ulman leave, and Samantha is left alone in the house, or so she thinks.
As the night wears on, strange things begin to happen in the house. Samantha starts to experience terrifying visions and is spooked by various occurrences. She hears footsteps, doors creaking, and strange noises in the attic. She begins to realize that there is more to the Ulmans than meets the eye.
Director Ti West builds tension slowly and carefully, creating an atmosphere of dread and fear. The cinematography, lighting, and sound design are all used effectively to create a sense of unease. The use of practical effects, such as practical makeup and animatronics, instead of CGI, is also effective in creating a more authentic horror experience.
Jocelin Donahue delivers a strong performance as Samantha. She perfectly captures the fear and confusion that her character feels as the night unfolds, and her vulnerability makes her relatable and sympathetic. Tom Noonan and Mary Woronov are also fantastic as the Ulmans, exuding a sense of menace that is both unsettling and captivating.
The House of the Devil is an atmospheric, slow-burning horror movie that pays homage to classic horror movies of the 1980s. Its deliberate pacing and attention to detail make it an effective and memorable viewing experience. The film has been praised for its tension-building, suspenseful storytelling and for its ability to create an atmosphere of dread and unease. It is a must-watch for horror movie fans, particularly those who enjoy classic horror films.
The House of the Devil is a 2009 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 73.