‘The House’ is a wonderful stop-animation piece that is perfectly paired with innovative stories in a dark and dramatic tone. All three chapters capture a Kafkaesque and Twilight Zone kind of horror.
The anthology film format was great and while it may seem that the three stories are disconnected, they all allude to the human condition. The film weaves a sense of impending dread and unease throughout its storytelling. These psychological stories use analogies, metaphor, themes and symbols to discuss fear, obsession and sadness. The protagonists become consumed inside an archetypal house that promises them everything worldly but ends up destroying them as they fall victims of their own illusions.
The stop-motion animation, tactile puppets and character designs are excellent across the board. The set models, sound designs and lighting direction truly make the environment a personified living character.
This film delves into complex emotions and anxieties that surround the concept of home and what could be lurking within the walls. In this movie, the “house” is a symbol of materialism, blindness, greed, capitalism and existential crisis.
Overall, ‘The House’ is a wonderful stop-motion animation that breathes life into its characters and settings. I think it’s a fun one to watch this time of year! I highly recommend this film.