The Houses October Built (2014) Movie Review: A Chilling Found Footage Horror
The Houses October Built is a 2014 found footage horror film directed by Bobby Roe, who also stars alongside Brandy Schaefer, Zack Andrews, Mikey Roe, and Jeff Larson. The movie explores the darker side of haunted house attractions, blending elements of documentary-style filmmaking with traditional horror to create a tense and unsettling experience.
Plot Summary
The film follows five friends—Brandy, Zack, Bobby, Mikey, and Jeff—who embark on a road trip across the United States in search of the scariest haunted house attractions. Their journey is documented with handheld cameras, capturing their experiences as they visit various haunted houses in the days leading up to Halloween.
As they delve deeper into the world of extreme haunts, they hear rumors about a mysterious underground haunt known as “Blue Skeleton,” which is said to offer the most terrifying experience of all. Determined to find this elusive haunt, the group encounters increasingly disturbing and dangerous situations. What begins as a fun adventure soon turns into a nightmarish ordeal as they realize they may have gone too far in their quest for fear.
Performances and Characters
The cast, consisting of Bobby Roe, Brandy Schaefer, Zack Andrews, Mikey Roe, and Jeff Larson, deliver naturalistic performances that lend authenticity to the found footage format. Their camaraderie and chemistry make the group’s dynamic believable, and their reactions to the escalating horrors feel genuine.
Brandy Schaefer stands out as the central character, providing a relatable and sympathetic perspective as the group’s skepticism gives way to real fear. The performances are crucial in maintaining the film’s immersive quality, as the audience becomes invested in the characters’ fate.
Direction and Narrative
Bobby Roe’s direction effectively combines documentary-style filmmaking with traditional horror elements, creating a sense of realism that heightens the tension. The found footage approach works well for the film’s premise, making the audience feel like they are part of the group’s journey.
The narrative explores themes of fear, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. While the plot follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, the execution keeps viewers engaged and on edge. The pacing is well-handled, gradually building suspense until the climactic and unsettling finale.
Themes and Execution
The Houses October Built delves into the allure and danger of extreme haunts, examining why people seek out fear and how far they are willing to go to experience it. The film raises questions about the nature of fear and the ethical boundaries of haunted house attractions.
The execution of these themes is effective, with the found footage format adding to the sense of immediacy and immersion. The use of real haunted house locations and actors enhances the film’s authenticity, making the horror feel grounded and plausible.
Visuals and Production
The film’s production values are solid, with the handheld camera work adding to the found footage aesthetic. The haunted house attractions are well-designed and convincingly eerie, providing a fitting backdrop for the story. The use of practical effects and real locations contributes to the film’s gritty and realistic feel.
The cinematography captures the claustrophobic and disorienting nature of the haunts, using lighting and camera angles to create a sense of unease. The sound design is also effective, with eerie soundscapes and jump scares that heighten the tension.
Streaming Availability
For those interested in watching The Houses October Built, the film is available on various streaming platforms. In the United States, it can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi with a subscription. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, and Amazon Video.
Conclusion
The Houses October Built is a chilling found footage horror film that offers a unique take on the haunted house subgenre. While it follows a familiar formula, the film’s execution, performances, and immersive style make it a compelling and unsettling watch. Fans of found footage horror and those intrigued by extreme haunts will find much to appreciate in this atmospheric and tense film.
For viewers seeking a suspenseful and immersive horror experience, The Houses October Built delivers with its blend of documentary realism and traditional scares. With its accessible streaming availability, it’s an excellent choice for a spooky movie night.
