His House (2020): A Movie Review
Synopsis
“His House,” directed by Remi Weekes, follows the harrowing journey of a South Sudanese couple, Bol and Rial, who flee their war-torn homeland seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. As they arrive in a typical British town, they are faced not only with the challenges of adjusting to a new life in an unfamiliar culture but are plunged into a deeper struggle with the traumatic memories of their past. Throughout the film, they find themselves placed in a rundown house that quickly becomes a living nightmare, as they confront sinister supernatural forces that echo the horrors they endured in their homeland.
Bol (played by Sope Dirisu) struggles to assimilate into his new environment, eager to embrace the opportunities that the West offers, while Rial (played by Wunmi Mosaku) grapples with the lingering traumas of their past and the indifference of their new society. The house, seemingly an innocent dwelling, becomes a vessel for their guilt and the haunting remnants of their experiences, leading the couple down a path of paranoia and distrust as they come to realise that some demons cannot be left behind, even when one flees to safety.
Cast
- Sope Dirisu as Bol
- Wunmi Mosaku as Rial
- Malachi Kirby as the immigration officer
- Emily Taaffe as the landlord
- Jaden G. Henshall as the young boy
- Hannah Onslow as the social worker
Review
“His House” arrives as a multifaceted piece of cinema, exposing the stark contrasts between the horrors of war and the heightened expectations of freedom found in the West. It masterfully weaves together themes of identity, trauma, and the supernatural, and it contextualises a refugee’s experience within a narrative that transcends simple horror tropes.
What sets “His House” apart from other horror films is its grounding in real-world issues. The film does not merely rely on jump scares and cheap thrills; instead, it layers a haunting atmosphere with a genuine exploration of the psychological toll that such turmoil can inflict. The supernatural elements serve as metaphors for the couple’s unresolved traumas and the cultural displacement they experience. Viewers can feel the weight of Bol and Rial’s past, instilling an emotional depth that echoes beyond the confines of their new home.
The performances by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku are nothing short of phenomenal. Dirisu beautifully balances Bol’s eagerness for a new start with the emotional turmoil of his past. He captures the internal conflict of a man who wishes to break away from his memories yet is tethered by the weight of his experiences. Mosaku, on the other hand, delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of Rial, who tries to navigate her grief and sense of belonging. Her character becomes the emotional core of the story, representing the difficult reality faced by many migrants who are forced to confront their trauma while attempting to build new lives.
Visually, “His House” is striking, employing a stark cinematography that captures both the dreariness of the couple’s new life and the eerie confines of their home. The house itself becomes a character, a metaphorical prison populated by memories and guilt. Cinematographer Jo Moen’s use of shadow and light enhances the psychological tension, as the characters move through darkened corridors that seem to whisper secrets of the past.
The film does an excellent job of rejecting the notion of the “monstrous other.” Instead of depicting supernatural beings as evil entities that threaten the Western norm, “His House” enhances the idea that true monstrosity comes not from external forces but from within. The supernatural occurrences in the film mirror the protagonists’ internal struggles, illustrating how unprocessed grief and memories manifest into something terrifying. This clever narrative device adds a layer of complexity to the horror genre, confronting the audience with a reflection of their societal attitudes towards refugees and the experiences after trauma.
The script, penned by Remi Weekes, is filled with heart and heaviness. It successfully juxtaposes sharp social commentary with poignant personal storytelling. The dialogues are well-crafted, with moments of levity to contrast against the menacing atmosphere, providing the audience a chance to breathe as the couple navigates their new reality. Furthermore, it does not shy away from depicting the pervasive bureaucracy that often adds another layer of anguish for refugees; the meetings with immigration officers are rife with tension, illustrating the harshness of an uncaring system.
However, while “His House” establishes itself as a pioneering commentary on the refugee experience, the film occasionally falters in pacing during its middle act. The tension does dip, and at times the narrative seems to lose its focus, causing moments of disconnection between the audience and the unfolding horrors. This could have been averted with stronger thematic linking between the past horrors Bol and Rial faced and the present manifestations in their home.
Despite its few pacing issues, “His House” remains an enthralling watch due to its profound exploration of trauma, horror, and the struggle for identity. The film ultimately asks poignant questions about the consequences of war, migration, and the innate human desire to belong, making it a significant addition to both the horror genre and discussions surrounding refugee experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “His House” is a bold and haunting reflection on the experience of refugees and the psychological impact of their pasts. By intertwining supernatural horror with the real horrors of trauma and displacement, Remi Weekes has created a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The stellar performances from Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku, combined with compelling visual storytelling and a rich narrative, make “His House” a standout film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
For its inventive fusion of horror and real-world issues, along with its emotional depth, I would give “His House” an 8.5 out of 10. A must-watch for horror enthusiasts and those seeking a richer understanding of the complexities facing migrants in today’s world.
