Review of The House of the Devil (2009) by Mandi R — 27 Mar 2016

When I saw this the first time I think I must have been falling asleep or going in and out of the room or something because I remember not thinking much of it. So glad I gave this a second chance.

This is a slow burn, tension filled movie that is a wonderful 80s throwback. There's that whole 'based on true events' thing at the beginning, the aesthetic, and reliance on practical effects and camera work to get things done. Another thing about this film is that it plays on the 'satanic panic' of the period where a fair amount of people believed that there were roving gangs of satanists out to get you.

The film sets up the main character of Sam perfectly. She's just an average college student looking to make money and move out. She's sweet as pie and super nice - and she makes one stupid call. A call that maybe even I would have made as much as I like to think that I'd say no.

It's a treat of a movie. Definitely recommend would recommend it.