If you’re a fan of horror movies, you might have come across the 2018 Netflix original, Open House. The movie follows the story of a mother and son who move into a relative’s vacation home after a family tragedy.
However, things take a turn for the worse when they start experiencing strange occurrences in the house. But just how scary is Open House?
The Plot
Open House is not your typical horror movie. It’s more of a slow burn that builds up to a terrifying finale.
The movie’s plot revolves around the idea of paranoia and how it can affect one’s perception of reality. The mother and son duo, Naomi and Logan Wallace, are trying to cope with their loss while attempting to rebuild their lives in this isolated mountain town.
The movie does an excellent job of establishing an eerie atmosphere right from the start. The house they move into is large and spacious but empty, which makes it feel even more ominous. Naomi starts hearing strange noises at night, and objects start moving around without any explanation.
As the story progresses, things get increasingly bizarre, with several red herrings thrown in along the way to keep you guessing about what’s really happening.
The Acting
One of the standout elements of Open House is its acting. Piercey Dalton plays Naomi Wallace with an understated intensity that makes her character relatable despite some questionable decision-making throughout the film. Dylan Minnette delivers an impressive performance as Logan Wallace, conveying his vulnerability as he tries to deal with his grief while also being terrified by what’s happening in the house.
The supporting cast also does a great job of adding to the tension in the film. You never know who to trust or what their motivations are.
- The Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Open House is one of its strongest points. The cinematography is excellent, with wide-angle shots that capture the vastness of the house and its surroundings. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the use of silence to heighten tension, and sudden loud noises to jolt you out of your seat.
The isolated mountain town setting adds to the sense of dread and isolation that permeates throughout the movie. You get the impression that there’s no one around to help Naomi and Logan if things go wrong.
The Verdict
So, just how scary is Open House? It’s safe to say that it’s not for everyone.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced horror movie with jump scares galore, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you’re a fan of slow-burn horror movies that build up tension over time, you’ll definitely enjoy Open House.
The movie has its flaws, such as some plot holes and an ending that might leave you scratching your head. Still, overall it’s a well-made horror film with excellent acting and an eerie atmosphere that will keep you on edge until the very end.
