Blu-ray Review - The House of the Devil (2009)

      The House of the Devil, 2009.

      Directed by Ti West.

      Featuring Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, AJ Bowen, Dee Wallace, Brenda Cooney, and Greta Gerwig.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A college student takes on a babysitting gig that isn't as it seems. Paying homage to a time when films of this sort were labeled ‘chillers’, The House of the Devil captures the slow-building tension and unsettling atmospheres of classics like The Amityville Horror and Rosemary’s Baby, culminating in a surge of Hammer-style violence that harkens back to an era of horror that prioritized genuine scares over heavy CGI effects and overused jump scares.

      Set in 1983, Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) is a student eager to move out of her university accommodation and into her own place. In need of fast rental money, she accepts a babysitting job from a peculiar couple named the Ulmans, who reside in a large, eerie house isolated from everything. Accompanied by her friend Megan (Greta Gerwig) for support, Samantha arrives at the Ulman residence, only to learn from Mr. Ulman (Tom Noonan) that she will not be caring for a child but instead for his elderly mother-in-law, whom he assures her will pose no issue and that she won't even notice is there.

      Uncomfortable with this revelation, Samantha initially declines, but Mr. Ulman, who frequently mentions the lunar eclipse that night, is insistent and offers her more money. Reluctantly, Samantha agrees, much to Megan's dismay, prompting her friend to leave with plans to return after midnight to pick her up. Once the Ulmans depart, Samantha spends her time exploring the vast house, listening to her cassette player, and ordering pizza. However, after hearing unsettling noises, she tries to call Mr. Ulman at the number he provided, only to discover that it does not exist…

      At this point, the real action of the film begins, but revealing more would spoil the experience. The House of the Devil is a genuine slow-burner; while the central segment with Samantha exploring the house occupies a significant portion of the runtime, it is this gradual build-up of suspense that enhances the impact of the film’s climax. With influences from classic Hammer films and a significant nod to 1970s horror—particularly evident in its references to The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror—this film is not suited for those seeking a quick horror experience. Yet director Ti West skillfully employs a ‘less is more’ technique to deliver effective terror. In fact, if someone were unaware this film was from 2009, they might mistakenly believe it was an authentic production from the early ’80s—an oversight in marketing!

      As is now customary, this limited edition Blu-ray from Second Sight is visually stunning and packed with numerous extras that, to be frank, cater more to devoted fans, but a wealth of information is available through new and archival interviews with Ti West, actors Jocelin Donahue and AJ Bowen, along with several crew members who have stories to share. The package also includes making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, two audio commentaries featuring Ti West with various cast and crew, art cards, a collector’s book, and a sturdy slipcase adorned with striking new artwork by Nick Charge.

      Thus, this release is yet another outstanding addition from Second Sight, who are steadily excelling with their recent lineup. The House of the Devil stands out amongst the horror films of the 2000s, showcasing a new director unafraid to create a chilling and atmospheric homage amidst the trend of graphic torture films and remakes that dominated the genre at the time, and even in 2025, it remains a remarkable horror film as well as Ti West’s signature work.

      West's recent X trilogy highlighted his talent for reinterpreting familiar concepts with a fresh perspective, but those films unfold quite differently compared to this one, which pays tribute to the past without the inclusion of gimmicks or blatant messages. If you are seeking a pure horror experience from the 21st century, then The House of the Devil ranks among the finest examples.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward