Prepare yourself for a cinematic whirlwind that will shatter your notions of what horror can be! As spooky season rolls in, classics like the gruesomely intense Bring Her Back or the unbeatably terrifying The Evil Dead are tempting picks for a snug evening of chills at home. But if you're craving something delightfully odd and unconventional to ignite that Halloween vibe – think less blood-soaked slashers and more bewildering wonders – then the 1977 Japanese fantasy horror flick House is an absolute must-watch. And trust me, once you dive in, you'll wonder why you waited so long.
Trying to summarize House feels like chasing shadows – it's that elusive. At its core, the story follows a young girl who escapes to her aunt's countryside retreat for the summer, accompanied by six pals, after her widowed dad introduces a eerily calm new partner and announces his plans to wed her. No sooner do they arrive than bizarre, otherworldly events erupt, turning a simple getaway into a supernatural spectacle. But here's where it gets controversial: this bare-bones outline barely scratches the surface of the film's wild, 88-minute rollercoaster. For a tantalizing glimpse, check out the trailer – it's just a nibble of the madness.
House is the brainchild of director Nobuhiko Obayashi, whose whirlwind of hyper-stylized visuals and frenetic energy define its one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Yet, much of the dream-like, nightmarish chaos stems from the co-writer, Chigumi Ôbayashi – who was just ten years old at the time. In a fascinating interview on the film's Blu-ray edition, Nobuhiko shared his philosophy: 'Adults stick to what's logical, keeping things dull and predictable. Kids, though, conjure up the inexplicable – they thrive on the weird and mysterious. True cinematic magic lies not in the obvious, but in the strange and unexplainable.' This insight reveals how the movie taps into childhood imagination, making it a playful yet profound exploration of fear. For beginners dipping into horror, think of it as a gentle introduction: it blends elements that aren't overly graphic, focusing instead on absurdity to make the eerie feel approachable and fun.
The result? A film that leaps dramatically from heartfelt family drama with dreamy, hazy imagery to upbeat slapstick sequences reminiscent of a quirky music video, then plunges into early J-horror territory. Picture retro techniques like circular wipes and artificial backdrops colliding with surreal horrors like decapitated heads and splashes of vivid crimson blood. Beneath the surface, though, runs a thread of traditional folklore, addressing deep emotional wounds – like grief or family upheaval – through a lens of quirky, morbid humor. This is the part most people miss: it's not just about scares; it's a clever way to process trauma without getting too heavy-handed, making it relatable for anyone who's faced life's curveballs.
House stands apart from anything else in cinema. As critic Carrie Rickey noted in her Philadelphia Inquirer review, it's 'too ridiculous to truly frighten, yet too haunting to be purely funny.' That balancing act is what hooks you – and it's sparked debates among fans. Is it really horror, or more of an avant-garde art piece? Does involving a child in writing make it groundbreaking, or does it risk undermining the seriousness of the genre? (We'll discuss that more in the comments!) Its DNA is evident in Sam Raimi's slapstick-infused Evil Dead 2, and it shares a surreal, menacing undercurrent with David Lynch's Twin Peaks, where random events uncover hidden darkness.
I've revisited House countless times, and each watch ends with me muttering, 'What on earth did I just experience?' – in the most exhilarating way. It's a bona fide cult favorite that reels you in irresistibly. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and seek it out right away.
You can stream House now on the Criterion Channel or HBO Max.
What do you think – is blending childish creativity with horror a genius move or a risky gamble? Does this change how you view supernatural films? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
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- Terrence O'Brien
