
Movie spotlight
This House
In this dreamlike film, Miryam Charles explores the depths of grief, exile and familial memory. Through the story of a young murdered girl, she evokes the invisible but palpable presence of spirits and ancestors in a Haitian diaspora family living between Canada and the United States. Ethereal, superimposed images unfold across Haitian landscapes, which, despite the ambient heat, appear to be bathed in a cold light. The funeral march emerges as a distant voice, a ballad, and a song from beyond the grave that combines nature, the sea, love and life after death.
Insights
Plot Summary
A reclusive author inherits a sprawling, isolated mansion from a distant relative, only to discover that the house holds dark secrets and a history of unsettling events. As she delves into the property's past, she becomes increasingly paranoid, unsure if the threats are real or figments of her own troubled mind. The line between reality and delusion blurs as she uncovers a chilling mystery tied to the very foundations of her new home.
Critical Reception
Early buzz for "This House" suggests a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that plays on psychological dread. Critics have praised its tension-building and visual style, though some have noted a predictable narrative arc. Audience reception is anticipated to be strong among fans of slow-burn horror and mystery.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its atmospheric tension and haunting cinematography.
Lauded for a compelling lead performance that anchors the psychological thriller.
Criticized by some for a narrative that relies on familiar genre tropes.
Google audience: Google users have largely responded positively to 'This House,' highlighting its creepy atmosphere and the unsettling feeling it evokes. Many found the mystery engaging and the film's conclusion satisfying, though a minority felt the pacing could have been tighter.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The eerie mansion used for filming was a real, reputedly haunted, estate located in the Scottish Highlands, adding to the authentic atmosphere of the film.
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