The House of the Devil (Ti West, 2009, USA)

The House of the Devil is an early feature by Ti West, perhaps best known now for his trilogy of films starring Mia Goth (X, Pearl, and Maxxxine). House is noteworthy for its associations with the mumblecore movement of the latter half of the first decade of the 2000s. Those coming to the film for the first time may be surprised to see Greta Gerwig, now Hollywood royalty, in a rather small supporting role. Lena Dunham, who would later find success with HBO's Girls, is the voice of the 911 operator in the film.

Evoking late 70s and 80s horror including, among other films, Peter Medak's The Changeling, Ti West evokes the visual style and pacing of those films. This slowness no doubt alienates some viewers expecting a more modern horror film filled with jump scares. It was also a source of contention with the financiers of the film, who wanted to cut some footage from the film in the interest of picking up the pacing. The result does have some pacing issues, but the slow-burn tension at work is worth sticking around for.

West pays tribute to the golden age of 70s/80s horror with several casting decisions, including Tom Noonan (Manhunter) as the owner of the strange house, Mary Woronov (veteran of several Roger Corman pictures), as well as Dee Wallace (Cujo). When we finally reach the film's finale, West delivers on the film's promise. The film gets extra points from this Connecticut native for using Connecticut as its shooting location, including Torrington (later to be used in West's The Innkeepers) as well as Central Connecticut State University. The film certainly captures some of the inherent spookiness of the Nutmeg State. House of the Devil is well worth a watch for horror fans as well as those interested in the "mumblegore" movement.

6/10