HOUSE

The Theatrical feature HOUSE, not to be confused with the TV series of the same name, is the story of Jack and Stephanie who, along with Randy and Leslie, find themselves trapped in an Inn where their guilty pasts literally come to haunt them. Randy shot his abusive father when he was a child. Leslie was sexually molested by her uncle and killed him. Jack and Stephanie were too wrapped up in themselves to notice their young daughter have a fatal ice-skating accident.

Locked in the house with its caretakers, who also happen to be Devil worshippers, the past memories embodied by residents of the house chase the main characters until they almost all meet a tragic end. There is an allegory that the house is where the Accuser taunts the guilty. The main character who is “pure evil” claims to have killed God. Yet an enigmatic young girl appears who sacrifices herself, releasing light, which enables Jack and Stephanie to escape.

This is a top notch thriller. While it begins as many thrillers do with a couple stranded in a spooky old house with creepy residents, it quickly takes on an allegorical message of dealing with sin and the need for a sacrifice for sin. Two of the characters kill themselves in payment for their own sin, and yet two others accept that the sacrifice of the girl of light to rescue them. The Christian message is strong, though it takes an understanding of biblical truth to really unravel it.

Based on a novel by Christian authors Frank Perretti and Ted Dekker, HOUSE is well paced and gripping. While the characters aren’t fully realized, they are empathetic and do connect with the viewer. The production values are high and the directing is very sure handed. The music reflects the constant jeopardy of the plot, but seems a bit tiresome at times.

There is much symbolism of water, dealing with the death of girl in the skating accident as well as smoke and light.

There are really terrifying moments from the image of the first frame to literally the last. There are on-screen murders and constant jeopardy. The characters are all dealing with terrible events from the past and it all makes for an unsettling experience.

For fans of thrillers, this is well made with no foul language or sexuality, yet delivers on the scare and chills. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children and other viewers who are sensitive to being easily scared.