Nexus Studios' "The House" is a stop-motion animated anthology film. At three different times, the three episodes linked together revolve around the theme of a large, spooky home. It's called a black comedy, but it's definietly more dark than funny. It was released on Netflix on January 14th, 2022.
Why is this seemingly innocuous film so disturbing?
"The House" is a unique, specific, and bizarre film that keeps the audience guessing throughout. Good stop-motion movies make us forget that they are made in stop-motion. This is exactly what happens here! The figures' movements are so flawless that the viewer doesn't see that the animation was done by moving the object in increments while filming frame by frame. If you're going to watch something grim, this unconventional thriller with hidden messages should be on your list.
“I - And hear within, a lie is spun”
Emma de Swaef and Marc James Roels directed the first story. It takes us back 200 years to a family who lived in a modest house at the time. They aren't concerned about their lack of money until the snobbish aunts arrive. While drunkenly rambling through the woods, Raymond (Matthew Goode) receives an offer he can't refuse: Van Schoonbeck (Barney Pilling) offers to build a new house for Raymond's family for free in exchange for them abandoning their current home. It's a miracle! In fact... it just seems to be that way.
“I’m just… I’m just an actor. He gives me a script! I have to say things to you and do things! And I just can’t anymore! I just can’t! I just–” (Mr. Thomas)
“II - Then lost is truth that can’t be won”
The second story is directed by Niki Lindroth von Bahr. We're now in the present day. The owner of the house (Jarvis Cocker) is renovating it and planning to sell it. Bugs are the issue he’s dealing with. The owner is taken aback when one couple (Sven Wolter and Yvonne Lombard) expresses interest despite the fact that all other potential buyers invited to the open day have not. What a stroke of luck, right? There is, however, a catch here as well. The pair moved in right away, with no deposit. The characters in this episode are rats rather than people, which distinguishes it from the first.
“We are extremely interested in the house” (couple)
“III - Listen again and seek the sun”
The last, 3rd part is set in the near future. The entire town has been flooded, and the only thing that remains standing is our weird house. Rosa (Susan Wokoma), the cat that owns it, wishes to restore the mansion to its former glory. She is unable to do so since the other two tenants, Elias (Will Sharpe) and Jen (Helena Bonham Carter), do not pay rent. Rosa is irritated because she wants to carry out her plans. She is also displeased that Jen has been visited by her mysterious companion Cosmos (Paul Kaye). Despite everything, this visit is essential for the characters.
“Don’t be frightened about being someone else. Try to see the good thing that you did make. Love your past but travel on.” (Jen)
The producers give the audience a lot of freedom in how they perceive the work, including the titles, endings, and connections. I don't want to impose anything here, so I'll leave it at that. The film is filled with symbolism just waiting to be unearthed. I watched a few YouTube videos discussing the deeper meaning of each segment, and I was surprised to find that the viewpoints were either very similar or completely different. I have a feeling that if I watch it again (and I've already done it twice), I'll be able to get even more out of it. “The House'' is unquestionably a thought-provoking film.
“A home is a place
Love and life can mix
A house is nothing
Nothing but a collection of bricks”
J. Cocker
Almost the entire time, I had a strange feeling. Some things kept me guessing until the end. Each story is about 30 minutes in length, which is the ideal length to keep the audience interested. It's a film that sticks with us long after we've seen it. "The House" stands out amongst other productions from the beginning of 2022.
“What’s the difference between a house and a home?
A home is a place you never feel alone
Oh, a house is just a collection of bricks”
J. Cocker
TRAILER
Supporting sources:
- Keller, J. 14 Jan., 2022, Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The House’ On Netflix, An Animated Dark Comedy About A Big Creepy House In Three Different Timelines (online), available at 'The House' Netflix Review: Stream It Or Skip It? (decider.com) (accessed 03 Feb., 2022)
- Power, T. 24 Jan., 2022, The House review (online), available at The House review | TechRadar (accessed 03 Feb., 2022)
- 13 Jun., 2019, Stop Motion Animation (online), available at What is Stop Motion Animation? - Definition from Techopedia (accessed 03 Feb., 2022)
Which story did you like the most and why? 😊
ReplyDeleteEach story has "something". Story 2 was, however, my favorite. The characters as rats and worms make it quite uncomfortable, and this was the most difficult part for me to get through. Personally, I prefer this kind of weirdness.
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