The House of the Devil (2009)

Directed by: Ti West

Written by: Ti West

Players: Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov

Setup: Strapped for cash, young college student Samantha Hughes accepts an offer to "babysit" for some stranger, on your average weeknight with a solar eclipse... on the outskirts of town...somehow dealing with Satanic rituals (CHILL, you learn this in the beginning)...in a house built on a Native American burial ground (I said CHILL, as seen in... oh wait, that's from a different movie).

Review:  Color me excited to finally be checking a movie by oft heard about director Ti West (who also writes AND edits the picture), especially right before Halloween when I already happen to be on the prowl for an atmospheric and well made thriller that happily lacks B movie clichés. Suffice to say, this prowl was a success as we have a decent little suspense film (and an attractive throwback poster to boot!).

It's clear West is all about nostalgia by the opening credits; the whole segment happily emulates sequences from the 70s and early 80s, horror movies or not.  If one had no previous knowledge of the picture, they may assume they're checking a peppy dramedy... until about the 38 minute mark (and besides the fact the opening states "facts" about Satanic worshipers from the 80s).  Still, while relaxing moments exist, its pretty clear all is not what it seems with a calm yet creepy atmosphere right on the fringes of this frigid college town, (developed with assistance from the beautifully legato yet foreboding score).
 

Development is key, and West seems to appreciate this second to nostalgia.  Though the director may appear to only desire another chance to live in the 25-35 years ago (maybe the 60s with a little Rosemary’s Baby here and there) he clearly is interested in bringing those elements into the present day with a fresh take on the genre.  This shows especially in the camera work, which goes back and forth between dated and modern techniques, and without removing one from the film.  His love of the past also shows when viewing Tom Noonan's name in the cast (he of Manhunter fame, you know he's GOTTA be bad somehow) along with the solid music selection.  

"You know I was also in Heat... but yeah most people know me as the scary SOB from Manhunter"

While it is clear this is an independently produced film (not a terrible thing, but couldn't help but be conscious of the acting at times), it’s just as apparent this is a unique flavor of filmmaking.  Fresh moments of didactic emotions flood the screen, as when Samantha listens to music that evokes positivity, yet is crushed by the viewer when they recall the true environment she exists in (I get that same feeling when I'm up late at night dancing to "Call On Me" thinking an Alien baby might attack me).  Potential happiness can't be exhibited forever in this genre, as seen when the constructed and lengthy suspense leads to a decently gruesome and horrific third act (SPOILER: There will be blood).  

The film may find some detractors in its apparently meandering course to the crux of the matter.  While maybe too slow in some spots, I applaud this effort overall, as West displays the necessity and interest in showing some depth to the world (and developing some solid tension, giving the audience no clue as to when they should expect what they've been expecting!).  Almost bare bones, Devil excels in its tight construction and setting that all can relate to: being alone in the unknown... and for normal people, fear of being stuck in a creepy ass house babysitting for Tom Noonan (Manhunter YO!).

Tidbit: The film was shot on 16mm and had a VHS release.  Made in 2009, you cannot tell me somebody isn’t yearning to travel back 20 years or more.

Drink of Choice:  Blood On The Rocks

• 2 parts Tequila
• 1 part Triple Sec
• Club Soda 
• Grenadine (BLOOD)

Combine over some rocks, with a heavy hit of that Grenadine, and you've got a Margarita tailor made for Zombies.