The Ladies of the House

Disclosure: I realized AFTER I watched the movie that I am acquainted with one of its writers via mutual friends on social media. But since it was afterward it didn't affect my viewing of it. I had immediately said it was great and recommended it to others prior to realizing.

I loved it, and I'd place it somewhat in the same vein as great feminist horror movies I've enjoyed like Teeth or Ginger Snaps. This isn't that silly Tumblr style of modern feminism mind you, but a genuine and smart exploration of gender roles and, in some respects, a powerful female revenge fantasy (although truthfully none of the characters come off like great people, which is part of the dark appeal). But since it's grindhouse style of course, the main idea is gruesome sexy fun, you won't be beaten over the head with any ham-handed social commentary.

Great acting, special effects, drama, humor, and eroticism. I say it's funny, but it isn't overt comedy; it's more funny in the way the NBC Hannibal series is funny. Very dark and sharp humor, if you're sick like me you'll probably laugh.

Watch it on Hulu if you're into this genre, you won't have a bad time!

"Ladies of the House" is an intelligent and insightful film with even some touching moments that upends the "grindhouse" and "slash horror" genres completely and logically in a way that hasn't been done before. It's also about family, in a way, and how, especially in today's fast-paced society, we make our own family. The characters are wonderfully deep and developed and excellently portrayed. Writers Justina Walford and John Wildman craft a believable and intriguing story and Director Wildman does an excellent job bringing it to life on camera. Kudos to the cast and crew for a well-done buffet of lovingly crafted genre delight!! ** Full Disclosure: I backed this film when it was in its formative stages via crowdfunding.

If you are interested in seeing a horror.thriller type movie I highly recommend TLotH. The characters of this adventure are what really make the film. ON top of that top notch writing by Justine Walford and the director skills of John Wildman, Make this an enjoyable film that will leave you scratching your head and saying, Did I just see that??

The detail is noted right down to the color themes selected throughout the film. All the actors and actresses took to really making us believe in their characters and as you watch you find your self routing for the woman.

Farah White as the motherly Lin, Shows compassion but when needed is tough as nails.

Melodie Sisk as Getty, The real deal, Gets her hands bloody dirty, kicks ass and takes no bull s@#%t.

Brina Palencia as Crystal, Love struck,young oh and crazy.

The woman rule this movie from start to finish.

All the males were fantastic but without a doubt for this one it definitely is fem-power.

Short and sweet, and this time, in 1st person.

I quite enjoyed this little flick. To say it's a great film is far from the truth; to say it's garbage is equally as incorrect. After reading the reviews, then watching the movie, it is evident that too many of the negative reviews a) judged this against other movies, b) had high and/or different expectations, or c) missed the point entirely. So, to address these points quickly:

• a) Personally, unless there are content, character, or personnel connections between films it is not a good idea to use comparisons when subjectivey reviewing content. Sure...it's easy enough to find flaws here, but flaws can generally be found in any movie, especially when comparing it to one that is preferred or superior.

• b) I learned a long time ago not to carry expectations, of any kind, in to movies (when possible), especially independently produced films or B-flicks. Read the synopsis for this. If it sounds interesting then leave it at that. Know you're likely not going to get a masterpiece of horror, and hit play.

• c) Similar to expectations, though a bit more subjective, this movie was a bit more than just a horror flick, as it contains a bit of allegory and commentary on society and family. That said, the point was to illustrate a dichotomous "family" by displaying both the light and dark side, as well as the human desire for love and acceptance, but done under the guise of a dark, twisted little story. It may not have done it well, hence so many people missing the point, but it was there.

Now, about the flick...

The allegorical content is really interesting, and takes a little while to catch on to Wildman's drift, but by the time the final scenes arrive, it should be pretty clear. I thought he did it very well, especially watching the characters prepare for their "family" time, then observing the roles they each play during these final scenes. It's even a bit of an "a-ha" moment, as Wildman capitulates what he's been driving toward since the beginning of the film.

Regarding the production:

The film is well shot, with pro equipment, sound, and editing. Definitely not your average indie film. There's not much, if anything, I would characterize as "cheesy B-flick," but rather independent horror. The lighting is a little dark at times, but this was likely intentional, as it didn't spoil any aspects of the film. One particularly good aspect was the foley. Too many independent films have poor to average foley sound, but not here. Not only was it well above average, but it was pretty darn good...and in sync! This is due, in large part, to the attention in the editing room, which was also good. Thankfully, having a good director makes all the difference, and Wildman did a good job capturing some difficult scenes, developing a script that provided for some decent character development (though it took a little while), and his placement of actors. The actors all did a good job; they each provided convincing performances of unique characters, each with a bit of quirk and zeal. A good job overall by the cast and crew.

My biggest complaints are in the special effects and editing around them. My beef is not with the fx themselves, as they were more than adequate, rather the quickness they came and went. More than anything, this was likely about budget than capabilities, especially since there was some pretty well done gore.

Regarding parental content:

• This is a dark film. While there are some comical elements - actually, more irony then comedy - it is not a comedy or horror-comedy. If anything, it is more darkly dramatic horror, as there is ample gore, some of which is pretty hefty.
• I wouldn't call it a gore flick, nor is it so disgusting that it becomes exclusionary, but it is a fairly graphic horror flick, especially in the 2nd half of the movie. Personally, I always wish there was "more gore," but there is enough in the second half to make it a worthy viewing, it's just not packed. Naturally, with gore, there is blood. Neither is over the top, and I think Wildman missed some opportunities, but again...I'm not so sure that's what he was after. That, and more gore equals bigger production buck$.
• There is some brief nudity as well as a few sexual situations, but not as an overarching theme or index for exploitation. It moreless fits in to a storyline that allows for these brief situations to occur without them feeling useless, unneeded, or purely for exploitation purposes.
• A bit of profanity, but not incessant or overload.
• Definitley a few disturbing sequences, but I wouldn't call this film scary, and don't recall any jump scares. That's not what kind of horror Wildman intended for this.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. Far better than a lot of indie horror films, especially since Wildman obviously took every aspect of this seriously. Just don't go in to it expecting a gorefest, tons of rampant nudity, or full on grindhouse. As I mentioned...if you read the synopsis and think it sounds appealing, then leave it at that and push play. It's worth the watch...once.

The Plot.

THE LADIES OF THE HOUSE follows the events surrounding a birthday outing with two brothers and a friend which turns into a horrific fight for survival after they become trapped in a house with a "family" of malevolent women who enjoy a pin-up lifestyle and a special diet.

Firstly,there were only two reviews when I wrote THIS review. One of them gives the movie 10 stars AND it's the dude's ONLY review which clearly mean he worked on the film.

So right away, I thought this was going to suck.

It is very cheaply made and sort of reminds me of some of those horror films like Frankenhooker -- not plot wise, but the way it looks and the way it's directed. Although some of the direction is disjointed.And the pacing is often slow. A bunch of gore and no nudity! What????

The storyline is really dumb. And soon the movie becomes tedious. Nothing allows you to suspend disbelief. THis movie could have been so much better in the hands of a different director and writer.

It could have been really cool and a cult classic.

Unfortunately It turns out to be a dud