I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) Movie Review
“I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” directed by Oz Perkins, is a psychological horror film that delves into the eerie and unsettling aspects of ghost stories and haunted houses. Released in 2016, the film has garnered attention for its atmospheric tension and minimalistic approach to horror. This review will explore the plot, characters, atmosphere, and current streaming options in America.
Plot Summary
The film centers on Lily (Riley Keough), a live-in nurse hired to care for a reclusive and elderly author named Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss). Iris, who lives in a decaying, isolated mansion, is suffering from advanced dementia and is the author of a chilling ghost story about a girl who was murdered by a ghostly presence. As Lily settles into the house, she begins to experience unsettling occurrences and begins to suspect that the ghostly figure from Iris’s story may be more than just fiction.
As Lily navigates her new surroundings, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural begin to blur. The film unfolds slowly, focusing on Lily’s growing sense of dread and isolation. The narrative is steeped in atmospheric tension and psychological horror, with a focus on creating a haunting and immersive experience rather than relying on traditional jump scares.
Characters and Performances
Riley Keough as Lily
Riley Keough delivers a subtle and haunting performance as Lily, the young nurse who becomes entangled in the house’s dark history. Keough’s portrayal captures Lily’s growing unease and vulnerability as she grapples with the eerie happenings around her. Her performance adds depth to the film’s psychological tension, making Lily’s fear and isolation palpable.
Paula Prentiss as Iris Blum
Paula Prentiss plays Iris Blum, the elderly author whose haunted past plays a central role in the story. Prentiss’s portrayal of Iris is both enigmatic and melancholic, adding a layer of mystery to the character. As Iris struggles with dementia, her fragmented recollections contribute to the film’s eerie atmosphere and sense of impending doom.
Bob Balaban as Mr. Waxcap
Bob Balaban appears as Mr. Waxcap, a minor but significant character who serves as a conduit for information about the house’s past. Balaban’s brief appearance adds a layer of context to the film’s backstory, helping to unravel the mystery of the haunting.
Atmosphere and Visuals
“I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House” is noted for its atmospheric and minimalist approach to horror. The film’s cinematography, by Julie Kirkwood, captures the mansion’s decaying grandeur and contributes to the sense of isolation and dread. The use of shadows, dim lighting, and long takes enhances the film’s eerie ambiance and adds to the psychological tension.
The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the atmosphere to build gradually. The haunting visuals and unsettling sounds contribute to a pervasive sense of unease, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The minimalistic approach to horror allows the film to focus on psychological fear rather than overt scares.
Script and Direction
Oz Perkins’s direction emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension over traditional horror elements. The script, written by Perkins, relies on subtlety and suggestion to create its chilling effect. The dialogue is sparse, and the narrative unfolds slowly, allowing the tension to build organically.
The film’s approach to storytelling is reflective and introspective, focusing on Lily’s internal struggles and the haunting presence that seems to pervade the house. This emphasis on atmosphere and psychological depth makes the film a distinctive entry in the horror genre, appealing to those who appreciate a more nuanced and subtle approach to fear.
Streaming and Rental Options in America
As of 2024, “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House” (2016) is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for streaming with a subscription to Amazon Prime or for rent/purchase.
- iTunes: Offers rental and purchase options.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Can be rented or purchased.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
These options provide access to the film for viewers interested in experiencing its atmospheric and psychological horror.
Conclusion
“I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House” (2016) is a unique and atmospheric horror film that stands out for its focus on psychological tension and minimalistic storytelling. Riley Keough’s performance and the film’s haunting visuals contribute to a deeply unsettling experience. While its slow pacing and subtle approach may not appeal to all horror fans, it offers a distinctive and immersive take on the genre. Available on various streaming platforms, the film is a compelling choice for those who appreciate a more nuanced and atmospheric horror experience.
