Writer/director Ti West brings 2009’s The House of the Devil to the screen, which is allegedly based on a true story about a satanic cult.
College co-ed Samantha, played by Jocelin Donahue, is looked to escape her dorm and her roommate so she rents a house. However, she has no money. She takes a babysitting job from the Ulmans, played by Tom Noonan and Mary Woronov, who want to attend a party to watch the night’s lunar eclipse. Although the man behaves oddly, Samantha stays to care for the mother of Ulman&because the price was right.
Unfortunately for Samantha, no price is high enough for what is in store for her on the night of the eclipse. Hey, can’t say your friend didn’t try to warn you about the nasty vibes she was getting!
While there are glimpses of the satan aspect of what has gone on inside the house, it takes quite awhile for anything to happen. Overall, it was a great movie, with enough suspense to keep me watching. There is a lot of downtime however, such as when Samantha sets out to explore the house. But with the intermingling of suspense, it isn’t enough downtime for you to switch off the movie.
Donahue is great as the well-adjusted college student and does a nice job leading you to believe that she is restless with her living situation and looking for ways to earn money, like any college student would be is! Noonan and Woronov play creepy well, and the unexpected addition to the family who appears has enough evil intention in his eyes to make anyone cross a street and walk on the other side.
The House of the Devil is currently available for instant viewing on Netflix.
