I usually end up spending more time scrolling though movies to watch than actually watching one. Sometimes, I will pass up a movie for its lackluster cover art only to find out months later that a genuinely fantastic film has been behind that terrible art, just waiting for me to give it the chance it deserves. Eric Hurt’s House Hunting is one of those films.
I can’t count the amount of times I passed by House Hunting, reading the synopsis each time saying to myself, “that sounds like it would be good,” as I continued my search. Last night, however, I brought up YouTube and watched the trailer; I had finally made up my mind: I was going to invest the time in this film. What I was greeted with was a truly amazing film that instantly reminded me of a time when atmosphere was king. This truly has a The Twilight Zone-esque feeling to it, incredible characters who all have as many sinister qualities as they do good. Everything is layered so well that it’s not hard to get sucked into the story at all.
When two families are searching for the perfect house, a mysterious man appears to have just the place they have both been searching for. Upon arrival, it’s obvious that something isn’t right and when the families attempt to leave, they quickly realize that this is not an ordinary house. When every attempt to leave leads them right back to the house, both families have no choice but to bunker down and make the best of the situation. A seemingly never-ending stockpile of stew and firewood keep them fed and warm, but as they begin to crack, things get even more frightening.
Without spoiling the film, I will just say that fans of supernatural horror will have no problem settling into House Hunting. It has enough horror and enough suspense to satisfy the angry mobs of horror fans who have seen it all before. I enjoyed this one thoroughly and suggest you give it a go.
I give it 3.5 cans of stew out of 5.
