The Night House
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 20, 2021
Genre
Psychological Horror, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Rebecca Hall as Beth
- Sarah Goldberg as Claire
- Vondie Curtis-Hall as Mel
- Evan Jonigkeit as Owen
- Stacy Martin as Madelyne
Director
David Bruckner
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Ritual (2017)
- The Signal (2007)
- Southbound (2015)
Producer
David S. Goyer, Keith Levine, John Zois
Writer
Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski
Budget
Estimated at $10 million
Production Company
Searchlight Pictures, Phantom Four Films
Running Time
108 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Disturbing images
- Language
- Some sexual content
Movie Story
The Night House is a chilling psychological horror film that explores grief, loss, and the darkness that can linger in the wake of tragedy. The story follows Beth (Rebecca Hall), a recently widowed woman who is struggling to cope with the unexpected suicide of her husband, Owen (Evan Jonigkeit). Alone in the lake house that Owen built for them, Beth begins to experience strange and unsettling events that make her question everything she thought she knew about her husband and their life together.
As Beth sifts through Owen’s belongings, she discovers a series of mysterious clues that suggest he was hiding something from her. She finds architectural plans for a reverse version of their home, strange books on the occult, and disturbing images of women who resemble her. These discoveries lead Beth down a dark path as she attempts to unravel the secrets that Owen kept from her, all while dealing with the growing presence of something malevolent in the house.
Beth is haunted by terrifying visions and encounters with what seems to be Owen’s ghost, but as the line between reality and nightmare blurs, she begins to suspect that there might be something far more sinister at play. The film delves into themes of duality, the unknown, and the psychological impact of grief, using the eerie setting of the lake house to build tension and dread.
The narrative of The Night House is both a psychological exploration and a supernatural mystery. As Beth uncovers the truth about Owen’s secret life and the dark forces that may have driven him to suicide, she is forced to confront her own fears and the possibility that she is not alone. The film builds to a shocking and thought-provoking conclusion that leaves audiences questioning what is real and what is imagined.
Special Effects
The film uses practical effects, sound design, and subtle visual distortions to create an atmosphere of unease and tension. The house itself becomes a character in the story, with its architecture and layout contributing to the sense of disorientation and dread that permeates the film. The special effects are used sparingly but effectively, enhancing the psychological horror without overwhelming the narrative.
Box Office Performance
The Night House was released in theaters and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film grossed over $15 million worldwide, a solid performance for a psychological horror film with a relatively modest budget. Rebecca Hall’s performance was particularly praised, with many considering it one of her best roles to date. The film’s success was also bolstered by its intriguing plot and the strong direction of David Bruckner, known for his work in the horror genre.
Filming Locations
- Syracuse, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “There is nothing. Nothing is after you.” – Beth
- “You were right. There is nothing.” – Owen
- “I didn’t believe in anything before you.” – Beth
Behind-the-Scenes
Director David Bruckner, known for his work in horror, brought a unique blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements to The Night House. The film’s screenplay, written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, was praised for its complex narrative and the way it handled themes of grief and loss. Rebecca Hall, who also served as an executive producer, delivered a powerful performance that anchored the film, portraying a woman unraveling as she confronts both her past and the unknown.
Awards
- Nominated for a Saturn Award (Best Horror Film)
- Rebecca Hall received critical acclaim for her performance, though it did not result in major award nominations, it was widely recognized as one of the best horror performances of the year.
Final Verdict
The Night House is a gripping and atmospheric psychological horror film that stands out for its strong performances, particularly by Rebecca Hall, and its ability to blend psychological and supernatural elements. The film’s exploration of grief, memory, and the unknown, combined with its eerie setting and effective scares, makes it a compelling and unsettling watch for fans of the genre. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with more questions than answers, in the best possible way.
IMDb Rating
6.5/10