Get ready for a wild ride with the mind-bending Japanese fantasy horror masterpiece, House! As we enter spooky season, it's time to delve into the realm of unconventional horror. While classics like Bring Her Back and The Evil Dead are go-to choices for a chilling movie night, House offers a unique twist on the traditional horror experience.
Imagine a story that defies explanation: a young girl, seeking refuge from her father's new, unsettling partner, finds herself in a rural home with her friends, only to encounter a whirlwind of supernatural strangeness. It's a plot that barely scratches the surface of the madness that unfolds over 88 minutes.
The genius behind House is a collaboration between director Nobuhiko Obayashi and his 10-year-old daughter, Chigumi Ôbayashi, who co-wrote the film. In an interview, Nobuhiko shared his philosophy: "Adults are limited by their understanding, keeping things mundane. Children, on the other hand, embrace the unexplained, the mysterious. Cinema's power lies in the unexplainable."
And that's exactly what House delivers. It's a wild ride through different genres, from family drama to slapstick comedy, all while exploring the depths of folklore-inspired horror. Circle wipes and vivid colors clash with gruesome imagery, creating a narrative that confronts trauma through dark absurdity.
Carrie Rickey, in her review for the Philadelphia Inquirer, described it perfectly: "Too absurd to be truly terrifying, yet too nightmarish to be purely comical." This unique blend is what makes House so captivating. Its influence can be felt in the slapstick horror of Evil Dead 2 and even in David Lynch's Twin Peaks, where malevolence is explored through unexpected twists.
I've watched House countless times, and each viewing leaves me with the same thought: "What the heck did I just witness?" It's a cult classic that demands your attention and leaves a lasting impression.
So, if you're seeking a truly unique horror experience, House is a must-watch. Stream it now on the Criterion Channel or HBO Max, and prepare to have your mind blown!
