The House (2022) Dir: [Various]
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This new netflix film is comprised of a 3 part Anthology of animated tales, each one spanning about 30 minutes. They all feature a rarely used form of filmmaking these days in stop motion animation. It was genuinely refreshing to see a different and creative style of filmmaking.
What's more, there are different directors for each chapter of the story - which allows for some fresh intricacies in each one. Furthermore, there are some running features, both visually and thematically, throughout each part of the anthology which I for one found to be very satisfying to see.
Part 1 is a slow burn, suspenseful and eerie horror. It left me feeling uneasy in exactly the way you want to be when watching a modern horror. The stop motion animation style is absolutely wonderful and actually adds to the surreal creepiness of the story.
I found myself to be quite transfixed to what I was witnessing and the film's sinister undertones come to a head in an unsettling yet well executed climax.
Part 2 continued the surreal and unnerving feel of the previous one, but tells a completely new story. This one wasn't quite as strong as the prior part but still manages to hit home with the creepy modern horror vibes.
Once again, the stop motion animation is beautiful - something that doesn't let up throughout the film. The way this one subverts your expectations in its narrative is neatly done and only adds to your experience of watching it.
Part 3 steps away from the horror genre and more into a drama. It still has surreal undertones, but doesn't get anywhere near as sinister. This is the most satirical of the three, and also has the most comedic moments - though it doesn't take away from its story, which itself is interesting and enjoyable.
I think this part was the best way to end this anthology, it finishes off the story of the house very nicely. This film has a cast of talented voice actors, headlined by the icon that is Helena Bonham Carter. It also features Jarvis Cocker, Mia Goth, Susan Wokoma, Matthew Goode, Paul Kaye, Will Sharpe, Claudie Blakely, Mark Heap and Miranda Richardson.
Of the 3 parts, I would say the first was my favourite - it's story is the strongest and most intriguing, but the other 2 are also highly enjoyable.
At just over 90 minutes, this doesn't take long to watch, so I would say it's a must watch for 2022, especially for fans of stop motion cinema.
This is an intricate and unique set of stories that pull you in and tell 3 different and easy to invest in tales.
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