HorrorThriller

A House on the Bayou

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 19, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

  • Angela Sarafyan as Jessica Chambers
  • Paul Schneider as John Chambers
  • Lia McHugh as Anna Chambers
  • Jacob Lofland as Isaac
  • Doug Van Liew as Grandpappy

Director
Alex McAulay

Other Movies Director is Known For

  • Don’t Tell a Soul (2020)

Producer
Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris McCumber, Mary-Margaret Kunze

Writer
Alex McAulay

Budget
$3 million

Production Company
Blumhouse Television, Epix

Running Time
88 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for violence, disturbing images, some sexual content, and language)

Content Advisory

  • Intense violence
  • Disturbing imagery
  • Strong language
  • Brief sexual content

Movie Story
A House on the Bayou follows the story of Jessica (Angela Sarafyan) and John Chambers (Paul Schneider), a couple on the brink of separation who decide to take a trip to a secluded house in the Louisiana bayou in an attempt to rekindle their relationship. They bring along their teenage daughter, Anna (Lia McHugh), hoping that the tranquil setting will help them reconnect as a family.

However, what begins as a peaceful getaway quickly turns sinister when a pair of mysterious locals, Isaac (Jacob Lofland) and his older companion Grandpappy (Doug Van Liew), arrive uninvited at the house. The strangers seem friendly at first, but their behavior becomes increasingly unsettling as the night progresses. The Chambers family soon realizes that they are trapped in a twisted and nightmarish situation, where the line between reality and horror blurs.

As secrets from the past emerge, the family must confront the dark forces that lurk within the bayou and within themselves. The house, seemingly alive with malevolent energy, becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the tension and fear as the family’s bonds are tested. A House on the Bayou combines elements of psychological horror with supernatural thrills, creating a tense and eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.

Special Effects
The special effects in A House on the Bayou are used to enhance the film’s unsettling atmosphere and supernatural elements. Practical effects and atmospheric visuals play a key role in creating the eerie mood of the bayou setting. The film uses subtle CGI to heighten the tension during key moments, particularly in scenes involving the house itself, which seems to take on a life of its own. The effects contribute to the film’s overall sense of dread and unease, making the house feel like a malevolent force in the story.

Box Office Performance
A House on the Bayou was released through streaming platforms and had a limited theatrical release, primarily aiming for the home entertainment market. As a Blumhouse Television production, the film was part of a strategy to produce high-quality horror content for streaming audiences. It received a mixed reception, with some viewers appreciating its slow-burn tension and atmospheric setting, while others found the story predictable.

Filming Locations

  • New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

  • “The bayou has a way of keeping secrets.” – Isaac
  • “Sometimes a house holds onto the things that happen inside it.” – Jessica
  • “You can’t escape what’s coming for you.” – Grandpappy

Behind-the-Scenes

  • The film was shot on location in New Orleans, Louisiana, to capture the authentic atmosphere of the bayou setting.
  • Director Alex McAulay drew inspiration from Southern Gothic literature and classic horror films to create the film’s eerie, slow-building tension.
  • The house used in the film was a real, historic property, chosen for its isolated and haunting appearance, which played into the film’s themes of isolation and hidden darkness.

Awards

  • None

Final Verdict
A House on the Bayou is a suspenseful and atmospheric horror-thriller that plays on the fears of isolation and the unknown. While the film may not reinvent the genre, it effectively creates a tense and eerie mood, bolstered by strong performances from its cast. The film’s blend of psychological and supernatural horror, set against the backdrop of the mysterious Louisiana bayou, makes it a solid choice for fans of slow-burn horror. Although the story’s twists may be predictable for seasoned horror viewers, the film’s creepy atmosphere and unsettling themes are likely to keep audiences engaged.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10

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