The found footage genre is still alive, but it’s not exactly doing well – especially if House on Eden is any sort of temperature reader. It goes to prove that anyone with a script and a camera can make a film, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be quality cinema. From A Spooky AF Production and distributed by RLJE Films & Shudder, House on Eden follows three amateur ghost hunters looking for their next big case. They deviate from their pre-determined destination and end up at a pristine house from the Victorian Era – which is shocking in itself because it’s in perfect condition despite decades in abandonment. Almost immediate the three ghost hunters begin to sense something isn’t quite right, but despite their initial reservations, they decide to stay the night. It ends up being the wrong choice as this investigation spirals completely out of control. House on Eden sounds good, in theory, but drops the ball on almost every occasion.
House on Eden is written and directed by Kris Collins. She also stars alongside Celina Myers, Jason-Christopher Mayer, Carrie Kidd and Barb Thomas. Jason-Christopher also served as editor and cinematographer alongside Adam Myers. The lead cast – Kris, Celina and Jason – also served as producers. Let me be clear: literally the only reason I rented House on Eden was because of Celina “Spooky Boo.” In my opinion, she is one of the most genuine social media personalities and I love all her content. The bad dad jokes, the viral sleepwalking videos, glimpses into her personal life and even her own ghost hunting adventures – she just has the “it factor” and I was so excited to see her in a horror movie. Too bad my excitement didn’t translate over to an enjoyable film. As well, I’m happy to see Jason-Christoper Mayer is still in the business as I was a fan of his 2012 title Nobody Gets Out Alive.
Found footage films are inherently cheaper and easier to producer than your typical narrative feature. Most are shot outside and don’t need numerous locations and feature a small cast. House on Eden has two locations – the woods outside the house and the house itself – and only three main characters, four if you count the villain herself. So one would assume that the budget saved on more production value would have been moved to the scares department. If you don’t have grim and gore, you need more jump scares – loud, scary noises & things moving on their own & better plot details with a creepy backstory. Unfortunately, House on Eden was lacking big time in the scares department and just felt like three people walking around a Victorian Era home. Which, to their credit, the home is far and away the best part of the movie. What a perfect, perfect location. It’s a shame nothing really happened within the walls that would move an audience.
A little bit Blair Witch Projection and a little bit Hereditary, House on Eden could have been great if it did… almost everything different. So many missed opportunities that it almost hurts me because I really wanted to enjoy my viewing. The chemistry between the girls and the witty banter with Jason. The way you can feel an otherworldly darkness creeping up on the house at night. Average pace and decent camera work. It had the potential to be an award winner based on the location alone, but the script wasn’t able to capitalize on that goldmine – and everything else about it felt like a need to catch up in terms of audience attention span. Damnit, Celina. I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you, how dare! I’d probably recommend watching some of Celina’s real-life ghost or spooky hunts on her YouTube channel instead of bothering with House on Eden. Sorry, guys. Final Score: 4.5 out of 10
