Not The House
"Kay's compulsive property viewing becomes a problem when a supernatural estate agent forces her to start a new life in an empty house" A short film written in response to Mann-Booker Prize winner Marieke Lucas Rijneveld's original short story of the same title. Both pieces commissioned by writing platform Alexander alxr.com/ The process behind this film was an unusual, but very stimulating one. I was asked to make a film to exist as a companion piece for Marieke's new story, but rather than simply adapting it for screen I was invited to interpret & reimagine it in whatever way I wished. This freedom allowed for a really interesting creative process and has lead to an outcome where we have two brand new, wholly distinct stories that are nonetheless unmistakably close cousins- sharing a huge amount of creative and thematic DNA. After you watch the film I encourage you to read Marieke's story- it's great, and you might enjoy exploring the crossover of the two things.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young couple inherits a remote, seemingly idyllic house from a distant relative, hoping for a fresh start. However, they soon discover that the property holds a dark and disturbing secret, trapping them in a cycle of escalating terror. As they delve deeper into the house's history, they uncover a malevolent presence that feeds on their fear and isolation. They must find a way to escape before the house consumes them entirely.
Critical Reception
Not The House garnered mixed reviews from critics, with many praising its atmospheric tension and unsettling premise, while others found the pacing to be uneven and the plot predictable. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its scares and others critiquing its reliance on familiar horror tropes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its chilling atmosphere and effective jump scares.
- Criticized for a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters.
- Some found the film's suspenseful build-up to be its strongest element.
Google audience: Audiences were split on 'Not The House.' Many appreciated the movie's suspenseful moments and the creepy setting, finding it a decent watch for genre fans. However, a significant portion of viewers felt the story lacked originality and that the characters' decisions were often frustratingly illogical, leading to disappointment.
Fun Fact
The isolated location used for the house was chosen specifically for its lack of cell service, which helped to amplify the feeling of isolation for the actors during filming.
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