The Domestic

South Africa puts out some really good horror films and this just adds to that list.

This was a fantastic film!!!! Loved it!!!! It was very well done, had a great story and the actors were wonderful. I'm so glad this was shown at Screamfest this year. It was in my top 3 films from Screamfest 2022. I'm not sure why the low rating on here, so ignore the low rating and check this film out. The film kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. I can't wait to see what else will come from this writer/director.

Please go check this out on Amazon, or another streaming platform, you won't regret it.

Considering this is a budget horror flick, the production is top notch. The acting and the script keeps the audience interested, although I would not have picked the actress playing the antagonist, as she was too quiet and failed to exude that feeling you get from a menacing villain. The subtle soundtrack serves to generate a feeling of chill and foreboding. The film reminded me of the 70's "The Witching Hour" from Hammer House of Horrors. I am glad I ignored the low rating and gave this film a chance.

The ending was a little underwhelming but this is due to the budgetary constraint. However, it did feel rushed and it could have given us flashbacks of how the villain came to be.

I saw this film at the Austin Film Festival last fall and it was by far my favorite movie of the festival. I'd buy the soundtrack if I knew where to find it. Highly recommended. Some impressive performances and tremendously atmospheric. The special effects were completely practical and understated, which actually helped sell the supernatural elements with their non-CGI realism. I had no idea where the film was heading, and another big plus was the implicit but never overplayed colonial socio-political influence, which lended a bit of sympathy to the villainess. Beautifully executed from a cinematic perspective as well. Some references seem to be made in reviews to the film's low budget, but I felt these limitations were overcome by the filmmakers' technical virtuosity. So sad to see this film essentially flounder, while mainstream American pablum gets plastered across various platforms.

I don't know why people are rating this movie so low on here. It is an amazing look into the old ways of South Africa. Hollywood glitz is not needed to showcase it. This does it perfectly with its slow ominouse burn and dark oppressive light in the house. It's very accurate and chilling. The performances are incredible. You do need subtitles for some of it though, or a lot is missed.

There is also a highlight on how South Africa has changed now. It's no more just about race, it is about the poor and wealthy being divided. Something the whole world is facing now. A real threat to us all.

Truely loved this movie. Will look out for more from this writer/director.