Forever Home

I saw this at the Phoenix Film Festival, which was the world premiere. Very well done with good writing, acting, special effects (watch for the red gloves).

It starts off as the basic everyday event of a happy couple moving into a new house together. The facts about the house and its inhabitants quickly become clear to them, and the risk to them if they stay in the house "too long."

It keeps moving along with fine actors portraying good characters, never a moment when you feel you're ready to leave and get popcorn. Just enough mix of the genres for everybody.

This one I have to highly recommend, and the filmmakers said it would be presented at additional film festivals this year.

This was an unexpected delight. I can't say that I am a fan of the horror genre - or jump scares in general - but I loved this movie. It was funny and heartwarming. It will make everyone laugh and it made even made me cry. It was a really special film that blended several genres seamlessly. If more horror films were like this, I'd watch them all.

I appreciated that this was an indie film with a new-to-me cast. It felt original while still being familiar - Can a horror film feel like a hug? If so, this one is the first to do so.

I can't wait to see what the director, Sean Oliver, and the cast and crew do next.

Of course I had never heard about the 2023 horror comedy "Forever Home" prior to sitting down and watching it here in 2025. Initially I found the movie's cover to be interesting, and with it being a horror comedy that I hadn't already seen and given my love of all things horror, of course I needed no persuasion to sit down and watch what director Sean Oliver had to offer.

The storyline in the movie, as written by writers Drew Leatham and Sean Oliver was fair enough. It starts out okay, but sort of flattens out in the middle, but thankfully picks up pacing again.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, and that was actually something that spoke well in favor of "Forever Home". I do enjoy watching new and unfamiliar talents on the screen when I sit down to watch a movie. The acting performances in the movie were fair.

The special effects in "Forever Home" were actually good for a movie such as this. And with it being a supernatural horror comedy of this kind, then the special effects definitely helped to make it all the more enjoyable and convincing.

Watchable, for sure, but it is hardly a noteworthy foray into the horror comedy genre.

My rating of "Forever Home" lands on a five out of ten stars.

If you're looking for a movie that delivers pure, unadulterated, laugh-out-loud fun with a side of spooky thrills, then buckle up, butter your popcorn, and prepare for "Forever Home"!

The plot? Oh, it's glorious. Imagine A young couple unwittingly spends all their money on a new home only to discover a terrible secret that puts not only their lives, but their afterlives at risk. The acting is actually pretty good and exactly as ridiculous as it needs to be. The special effects are are delightful. And let's just take a moment to appreciate the art direction here. The sets are fantastic, the use of color is brilliant, creating a visually stunning backdrop for all the mayhem. This movie knows exactly what it is, and it owns it - and it looks damn good doing it.

What truly elevates Forever Home is its sense of humor. It's not just funny; it's consistently funny. From witty one-liners to perfectly timed physical comedy, this film delivers the laughs. It gleefully skewers horror tropes, never taking itself too seriously, and that's precisely why it works so well.

While the scares aren't going to give you nightmares for weeks, they're effective enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Think of it as a rollercoaster ride - a few unexpected drops, a couple of sharp turns, but ultimately, you know you're in for a good time.

Now, is Forever Home going to sweep the Oscars? Probably not. Will it be studied in film schools for its groundbreaking cinematography? Doubtful. But will it provide you with a thoroughly entertaining and hilariously memorable movie night? Absolutely. This is the kind of film you grab your friends, some snacks, and maybe a few adult beverages for. It's the perfect antidote to a long week, a guaranteed mood booster, and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best movies are the ones that don't take themselves too seriously. It's also a testament to the power of great special effects and art direction. So, ditch the prestige pictures and embrace the glorious silliness and visual feast of Forever Home. You won't regret it.

Forever Home (2023), directed by Sean Oliver, ultimately falls short of its emotional potential. While the film tackles important themes of family and self-discovery, its execution feels lackluster. The pacing is uneven, dragging in several places where the narrative feels stuck in repetitive moments that don't add much to the overall story. Though the performances are competent, they lack the depth needed to truly engage with the characters on a deeper level. The direction is passable, but the film struggles to find its rhythm, leaving it feeling flat at times. While it has its moments, Forever Home fails to deliver a lasting impact, making it a forgettable viewing experience. 4.5/10 and that's being generous.