House of Demons

I had to come and put a review on here because I really like this movie and I hope more people that will appreciate it will get to see it.

It's not the typical expected horror film, but instead uses horror elements and psychedelic sci-fi elements as a framework to delve deep into the mind. The film cuts between the present, the past, memories of the characters, and their visualizations.

My friend and I watched it and had totally different reactions. I loved it and thought it was fresh and original and entrancing. He was expecting more of a straightforward horror and thought it was confusing and basically hated it. I was able to get him to slightly come around so I'm pretty proud of that!

So, it seems to definitely be a love it or hate it movie.

Here's why I was on the "love it" side:

• It's original, which is becoming exceedingly rare, especially with dime-a-dozen horror films where everything feels like a throwback to something else. I genuinely did not know what was going to happen and was taken on a pretty intense ride. There's also a moral to the story that all comes together at the end and was uplifting.

• It's psychedelic. It's got really cool shots and intercutting, there are a lot of cool trippy colors and editing tricks that take you on a ride. I really enjoyed all of the weird and intense places the movie took me that I didn't expect.

• I understand that it's one of these super low budget indies, so I'm forgiving of imperfections. There are a times when the lighting is a little wonky or something is a bit off, and there are time jumps where one character is supposed to be young, but is still played by the same actor. Stuff like that would be unacceptable in a bigger movie, but I give these smaller movies a pass on stuff like that. Some things actually look really good for the budget and the acting is much better than a lot of horror movies.

I'd definitely recommend to watch it as it's not something you'll see anywhere else. I'd be curious to see the if the film develops a cult following because it definitely feels like that kind of vibe.

This is the worst crock of dogcrap I've ever seen. Has to be the worst movie I've ever sat through. Avoid at all costs.

Most of the cast is trying, especially Whitney Moore, and there are a few interesting shots here and there. Some decent lighting. The story could have made more sense and the ending could not have been completely tacked on and removed from everything that came before. That said, the editing is what kills this movie flat out. It's a completely disjointed mess that is jumping between something like ten ongoing plots at once. My friend and I gave up trying to count how many there were. He gave up on the film completely about thirty minutes in. Basically avoid this one.

Not all demons are palpable. Some exist within. And House of Demons exposes both. Not your typical slasher movie. It has a sort of 1970s vibe. Watch it and keep your nightlight on.

A horror film that probes into the psyche. Not your run of the mill blood and guts nightmare thriller. Cast includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "Tara", a charismatic actress and creative filmmaker in her own right (Amber Benson).

What more could a movie lover hope for? Give it a try.