House of Spoils (2024), directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, is a supernatural horror film that combines the culinary world with elements of witchcraft. It stars Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose as the lead, alongside Barbie Ferreira and Arian Moayed. Set in an eerie mansion that doubles as a restaurant, the film presents a psychological thriller centered around a chef battling internal and external demons, including the spirit of the mansion’s previous owner. While the concept promises a unique blend of culinary drama and supernatural horror, House of Spoils falls short in delivering the scares and thrills expected from a Blumhouse production.
Plot: A Culinary Nightmare
The story follows a talented yet unnamed chef (played by DeBose) who decides to open her own restaurant in a remote location. With financial backing from a mysterious investor, Andres (Arian Moayed), Chef is tasked with transforming the mansion into a fine dining establishment. However, her plans are interrupted by strange occurrences linked to the house’s dark past, including ghostly manifestations, mysterious garden herbs, and the lingering presence of the former owner.
As Chef tries to establish her culinary empire, she battles not only the pressure of creating a successful restaurant but also the supernatural forces that seem to be sabotaging her efforts. The kitchen becomes a war zone, with mold-infested ingredients, bugs invading the food, and strange hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and the paranormal.
Character Analysis: Mixed Performances
Ariana DeBose delivers a performance that is both commendable and flawed. As a chef determined to succeed, she portrays ambition and strength well, but her fear in the face of the supernatural feels unconvincing. DeBose shines during the scenes of her descent into madness, especially when interacting with her co-stars, but her portrayal of fear is lacking, making key horror moments fall flat.
Supporting characters, like Andres (Moayed) and sous chef Lucia (Ferreira), are underdeveloped. Andres is introduced as a typical sleazy businessman, and while the film hints at a deeper vulnerability in his character, it never fully explores it. Lucia’s flirtations with Andres and tensions with Chef provide some interesting dynamics, but again, the film doesn’t delve deep enough to make these relationships memorable.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes, But Lacking Depth
Visually, House of Spoils excels. The mansion, overrun with nature, provides a haunting backdrop to the culinary drama. The creeping vines, moldy ingredients, and eerie garden filled with mystical herbs contribute to the film’s gothic atmosphere. However, while the cinematography effectively captures the decay and supernatural elements, the film misses an opportunity to immerse viewers fully in the culinary process. Unlike films like The Menu or shows like The Bear, which highlight the artistry and intensity of cooking, House of Spoils glosses over the actual preparation of food, which is a missed opportunity given the thematic focus on the culinary world.
Theme and Message: Supernatural Feminism and Kitchen Chaos
One of the film’s more interesting elements is its commentary on the culinary industry’s sexist tendencies. Chef’s struggle to establish herself in a male-dominated field resonates, and the supernatural forces can be interpreted as a metaphor for the internal and external pressures women face in professional kitchens. However, the film fails to fully commit to this theme, making its feminist message feel half-baked.
The inclusion of witchcraft, often a symbol of feminine power, adds another layer to the story, but it too remains underexplored. The film hints at a deeper connection between the natural world and the occult, with Chef discovering a secret garden that seems to enhance her abilities. Yet, the film never fully develops this concept, leaving viewers craving more.
Comparison with The Menu (2022): A Sharp Contrast
It’s impossible to discuss House of Spoils without comparing it to The Menu (2022), another film that blends culinary artistry with horror. While The Menu presents a clever, satirical take on the high-end food industry, House of Spoils takes a more literal, supernatural approach. Unfortunately, where The Menu succeeds in its sharp commentary and intense atmosphere, House of Spoils feels undercooked. The supernatural elements in House of Spoils are predictable and lack the tension that made The Menu such a compelling watch.
Moreover, The Menu criticizes the consumers and culture that devalue the culinary art, whereas House of Spoils argues that the problems begin within the kitchen. This is an interesting perspective, but it’s delivered in a way that feels too familiar and fails to innovate.
Direction and Screenplay: Missed Opportunities
Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, who previously impressed with Blow the Man Down (2019), seem to struggle with the genre shift in House of Spoils. Their direction has moments of brilliance, particularly in the film’s visual style and pacing, but the script falls short. The film builds toward a tense climax but ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The twists, especially in the third act, feel forced and convoluted, leading to an ending that leaves more questions than answers.
Final Verdict: Is House of Spoils Worth Watching?
House of Spoils is an ambitious film that attempts to combine supernatural horror with a feminist message set against the backdrop of the culinary world. While it has its moments, particularly in its visuals and atmosphere, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The underdeveloped characters, lackluster scares, and superficial exploration of its themes prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of culinary horror, House of Spoils may offer enough intrigue to warrant a watch, but for those seeking a deeper, more satisfying experience, films like The Menu or shows like The Bear are far better options.
Recommendation
If you’re a fan of eerie atmospheres and supernatural elements, House of Spoils is worth a watch on a quiet night in. However, don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. It’s a film that teases greatness but never quite gets there.
Curious to see how the culinary world meets the supernatural? House of Spoils is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here, and for more great movies, check out the best-rated films on Prime Video.
