House of Spoils (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The latest film from Blumhouse Productions, House of Spoils (2024), is a psychological horror story blending supernatural elements with the high-stress environment of the culinary world. Directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, this thriller explores the journey of a young chef (played by Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose) who embarks on the ambitious task of opening her own restaurant, only to face ghostly disturbances linked to the estate’s previous owner. With a solid cast, including Arian Moayed (Succession) and Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria), House of Spoils adds its name to the growing list of food-focused dramas, but does it manage to serve a satisfying cinematic dish?
Plot Overview
In House of Spoils, Ariana DeBose plays a chef on a mission to open her first restaurant, escaping the hustle of a high-end New York eatery for a more secluded venue upstate. Bankrolled by Andres (Arian Moayed), a wealthy and somewhat shady restaurateur, she must not only contend with the pressure of creating a new menu and managing a struggling kitchen staff but also with paranormal forces that haunt the estate.
The mansion’s eerie ambiance starts to affect her, as she begins noticing strange occurrences—mysterious ingredients in her pantry, food that rots quickly, and the ominous presence of the estate’s previous owner. Her descent into madness, paranoia, and obsession with success parallels her unraveling control over the kitchen. The narrative weaves together themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the supernatural to create an unsettling atmosphere.
DeBose’s Performance: A Mixed Bag
Ariana DeBose, best known for her sharp and engaging performances in films like West Side Story, brings her undeniable charisma to the role of Chef. She effectively conveys a sense of determination and vulnerability, showing the toll the high-stakes restaurant business can take. However, when it comes to the film’s horror aspects, DeBose’s performance occasionally falls short. Certain “scary” scenes, where she’s supposed to be startled by ghostly apparitions, come across as less convincing and at times unintentionally humorous. Still, her portrayal shines during the more intense kitchen sequences, especially when working opposite Moayed and Ferreira.
Supernatural Themes & Culinary World Critique
One of the most interesting aspects of House of Spoils is its attempt to blend supernatural horror with a critique of the culinary industry. The film toys with the notion that the real “haunting” comes not just from the ghost of the estate’s former owner, but from the toxic environments within high-pressure kitchens themselves. The stress, sexism, and cutthroat competition prevalent in the restaurant business are all touched upon but not explored as deeply as they could have been. This is where House of Spoils falters, offering glimpses of thematic depth but not fully committing to them.
In terms of food-centric cinema, the movie doesn’t quite match the sharpness or complexity of recent hits like The Menu or The Bear, both of which delve into the darker sides of culinary arts with much more precision and wit. However, House of Spoils is unique in its blending of food, folklore, and horror—creating a compelling but uneven recipe that doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
Third Act Disappointment
Without giving away too much, the third act of House of Spoils leaves much to be desired. The tension that builds up throughout the film is undercut by a confusing and somewhat anticlimactic twist that leaves viewers more puzzled than satisfied. What could have been an innovative take on witchcraft and its ties to the natural world ends up being overshadowed by predictable genre clichés and rushed storytelling.
The film attempts to reframe witchcraft not as evil but as a connection to the natural world, a refreshing concept. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go beyond this surface-level portrayal, resulting in a conclusion that feels more like a missed opportunity than a satisfying resolution.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch House of Spoils Online
As of October 3, 2024, House of Spoils is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, offering easy access to anyone with a subscription to the service. It’s an exclusive release, so viewers can expect it to remain on the platform for an extended period. While it may not be available on other streaming platforms for free, you can also rent or purchase it through digital rental services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies, especially in the U.S. These options provide flexibility for viewers who may not have a Prime subscription but still wish to see the film.
How Does It Compare to Other Horror Films?
House of Spoils will inevitably draw comparisons to films like The Menu and The Bear, both of which blend food culture with intense psychological drama. However, where those films stand out for their biting social commentary and sharply drawn characters, House of Spoils struggles to make a lasting impact. Its supernatural elements are intriguing but ultimately underdeveloped, and the horror aspects feel formulaic, failing to provide the scares that horror fans might expect from a Blumhouse production.
Final Verdict: A Tasty Concept, But Lacking Full Flavor
House of Spoils has all the ingredients for a thrilling, genre-blending film, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The performances, especially by DeBose, keep the film engaging, and the supernatural twist offers something fresh in the food-related film genre. However, the lack of depth in its critique of the culinary world, combined with an underwhelming third act, leaves the film feeling more like an appetizer than a full-course meal. Horror fans may find some enjoyment in the ghostly elements, but those seeking a deeper narrative will likely be left wanting more.
