The Open House (2018) Movie Review: A Tense Thriller That Falls Short
Introduction
“The Open House” (2018), directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, is a psychological thriller that attempts to build suspense through a combination of isolation and mystery. Starring Diana Silvers, Noah Le Gros, and Patricia Clarkson, the film revolves around a mother and son who move into a remote vacation home only to encounter a series of unsettling events. Despite its promising premise, the film struggles to maintain tension and deliver a satisfying payoff. This review examines the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, while also providing information on where to stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The story follows a mother, Naomi (Piercey Dalton), and her teenage son, Logan (Diana Silvers), who move into a secluded house after a family tragedy. The house, which is open for sale, becomes the center of eerie and disturbing occurrences as Naomi and Logan try to settle into their new life.
As strange events unfold, including unexplained noises and unsettling encounters, the tension escalates. The film delves into themes of fear and paranoia as Logan becomes increasingly convinced that they are not alone in the house. The mystery deepens as the characters uncover dark secrets about the home and its previous occupants.
Performances
Diana Silvers, as Logan, delivers a performance that captures the character’s growing sense of fear and isolation. Silvers effectively conveys the psychological strain experienced by her character, though the script occasionally limits her range.
Noah Le Gros plays the role of the enigmatic neighbor, Brian, whose involvement adds an additional layer of suspicion. Le Gros’s portrayal is competent but does not fully explore the complexities of his character.
Patricia Clarkson, known for her strong performances, appears in a supporting role as the eccentric realtor. While Clarkson brings a touch of intrigue to the film, her character’s role is minimal and does not significantly impact the narrative.
Direction and Cinematography
Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote’s direction focuses on creating a sense of isolation and unease through the film’s setting. The use of the remote house and its surroundings is effective in establishing a claustrophobic atmosphere. However, the film’s pacing and narrative structure are uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others fail to build sufficient suspense.
Cinematographer Andrew L. Jones captures the film’s eerie and foreboding atmosphere with a muted color palette and tight framing. The visuals contribute to the sense of isolation and discomfort, though the film’s reliance on jump scares and clichéd horror tropes diminishes their effectiveness.
Themes and Analysis
“The Open House” explores themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown. The film attempts to delve into the psychological impact of living in a house with a dark past, but the execution falls short of fully realizing these themes. The narrative’s focus on building suspense through unsettling occurrences often leads to predictable and formulaic scares.
The film’s exploration of paranoia and the impact of trauma on its characters is intriguing but not deeply developed. The story’s resolution lacks the depth and complexity needed to provide a satisfying conclusion, leaving some plot threads unresolved.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “The Open House,” it is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. You can stream the movie on Netflix. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. These options provide flexibility for viewers to access the film on their preferred platform.
Conclusion
“The Open House” (2018) is a psychological thriller that offers a tense and eerie atmosphere but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling and satisfying story. While Diana Silvers and the film’s setting contribute to a sense of isolation and fear, the uneven pacing and reliance on clichéd horror elements detract from its overall impact. The film’s attempt to explore themes of paranoia and trauma is intriguing but underdeveloped, resulting in a movie that is more unsettling than truly engaging. For those curious about modern horror and psychological thrillers, “The Open House” is available on various streaming and rental platforms.
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