The House DVD Review

Written by Charlotte Stear

DVD released by MVM

Written by Monthon Arayangkoon and Sompope Vejchapipat
Directed by Monthon Arayangkoon
2007, Region 2 (PAL), 110 minutes, Rated 18
DVD released on 4th June 2012

Starring:
Inthira Chaloenpura as Chalini
Chutcha Rujinanon as Nuanchavee     
Komsun Nuntachit as Chalerm
Kongdech Jaturanrasamee as Utis
Nutthawat Plengsiriwat as Chant
Natthakan Thayutajaruwit as Chamchuree
Vorapoj Nimvijit as Vasan

Review:

A series of mysterious murders that happen to three separate couples over a long period of time intrigue a young journalist who finds their only common link is an old house that seems to change these people’s lives forever. As she delves more into the mystery, her own life begins to change and the danger of what lies in that house becomes a scary reality, but is she too late change a course that seems so set?

The ideas that run through The House are definitely intriguing and a good foundation for an eerie thriller, but a number of things hold it back from being the horror it could be. It suffers mainly in its pacing, where it should be slow and creepy; it escalates too quickly and shows too much too soon ruining the suspense which Asian horror usually does so perfectly. This genre always walks that fine line between cool/creepy and just plain confusing; The House pretty much dances all over that line before shooting off into the just plain confusing area without retaining anything remotely creepy. By the end of the film there are far more questions than when it began which is never a good sign.

There is also far too much overacting especially from Inthira Chaloenpura as Chalini, the lead journalist investigating the series of murders that have been associated with the house. Too many times it seems she is pre-empting something, leading the audience to be prepared for jumps that could have been surprises. The first time she gets near the house she is overly cautious and looks around almost in a comical cartoon Scooby Doo way.  Had she toned it down a notch or two, the performance would have been more believable and we would be more involved in the story.

There is a great soundtrack that runs throughout though; it builds up with the film to its finale as it is quite subtle at first, but increases as the film does which was a good technique.

Although these elements do make this a hard watch at times, The House is intriguing up to a point and the style is effective, it’s just not executed in the best possible way. It’s one of those, “it’s not all bad…but…” scenarios. Better luck next time.

Video and Audio:

Video and audio were both pretty good considering how dark the movie gets at times and also taking in account the fairly low budget feature.

Special Features:

Alas, there are none except for a trailer but who really needs that when you’ve just watched the whole thing?

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