The House That Jack Built (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The House That Jack Built (2018) is a provocative and controversial psychological horror film directed by Lars von Trier. Featuring Matt Dillon in a standout performance as the titular character, the film explores the mind of a serial killer through a series of harrowing and graphic incidents. With its dark themes and intense content, the film has sparked significant debate and discussion. This review will examine the film’s plot, themes, and where to stream, rent, or purchase it online in the United States.
Plot Summary
The House That Jack Built follows Jack (Matt Dillon), a highly intelligent but deeply disturbed individual who embarks on a series of murders over the span of several years. The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each detailing a specific crime committed by Jack, and is framed by his reflections and conversations with a mysterious figure (played by Bruno Ganz).
The narrative unfolds through Jack’s recollections of his crimes and his philosophical musings about his actions. As the film progresses, Jack’s crimes become increasingly brutal and his psychological unraveling becomes more apparent. The film delves into Jack’s motivations and the impact of his actions on his own psyche and the world around him.
Themes and Analysis
The House That Jack Built explores several complex and challenging themes:
- Violence and Morality: The film presents a graphic and unflinching portrayal of violence, exploring the nature of evil and the moral implications of Jack’s actions. It raises questions about the nature of cruelty and the boundaries of human behavior.
- Psychological Exploration: The film provides an in-depth look into Jack’s mind, exploring his motivations, thoughts, and justifications for his actions. It examines the psychological factors that contribute to his criminal behavior.
- Art and Aesthetics: Lars von Trier uses the film to explore the relationship between art and violence. The film’s presentation of Jack’s crimes is both disturbing and artistically stylized, prompting reflections on the nature of artistic expression and its connection to darker aspects of human experience.
- Existential and Philosophical Questions: The film engages with existential and philosophical questions about the nature of existence, morality, and the human condition. Jack’s conversations with the enigmatic figure reflect his existential crisis and his search for meaning.
Lars von Trier’s direction is marked by its provocative and unrelenting approach to storytelling. The film’s visual style and use of sound contribute to its intense and unsettling atmosphere.
Matt Dillon delivers a powerful performance as Jack, capturing the character’s complexity and disturbing nature. The supporting cast, including Bruno Ganz, adds depth to the film’s philosophical and existential themes.
Where to Watch The House That Jack Built Online
For those interested in watching The House That Jack Built, there are several options available for streaming, rental, and purchase in the United States.
Streaming Services
- Hulu
- The House That Jack Built is available for streaming on Hulu. Subscribers can watch the film at no additional cost as part of their subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video
- The film is available for streaming with an Amazon Prime subscription, though availability may vary.
Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Prime Video
- The House That Jack Built can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing it in HD is usually priced at $12.99.
- Apple iTunes
- The film is available for rent or purchase on Apple iTunes. Renting generally costs $3.99, and purchasing it is around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Google Play Movies & TV offers the film for rent or purchase. Pricing is similar to other digital platforms, providing another option for viewers.
- Vudu
- Vudu has The House That Jack Built available for rent or purchase. The prices are comparable to other platforms, and Vudu often has promotions that may offer discounts.
- YouTube Movies
- YouTube Movies provides The House That Jack Built for rent or purchase, with prices typically in line with other digital services.
Conclusion
The House That Jack Built (2018) is a challenging and thought-provoking film that delves into dark and complex themes with unflinching intensity. With its exploration of violence, psychology, and existential questions, the film offers a unique and provocative cinematic experience.
Available for streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and YouTube Movies, accessing this film is both convenient and straightforward. Whether you’re interested in its exploration of the human psyche or its provocative storytelling, The House That Jack Built provides a compelling and unsettling viewing experience.
