Ti West's 2009 horror film, The House of the Devil, showcases West's talent as a filmmaker and leaves viewers with a shocking and thought-provoking ending. Starring Jocelin Donahue and Greta Gerwig as best friends Samantha Hughes and Megan, the film takes unexpected twists and turns as Samantha finds herself in a perilous situation. What sets The House of the Devil apart from other horror movies is its exceptional cast. Jocelin Donahue, known for her roles in Doctor Sleep, Holidays, and I Trapped The Devil, delivers a captivating performance. Additionally, it is intriguing to see Greta Gerwig, known for her work in lighter films, take on a scary film. Gerwig, who has also written and directed acclaimed dramas such as Little Women, Lady Bird, and the highly-anticipated Barbie, adds another layer of interest to the film. Lastly, the movie's surprising ending serves as a compelling reason to give it a watch.
What Is The House Of The Devil About?
The House of the Devil introduces Samantha Hughes as she takes on a babysitting job for Mr. Ulman (Tom Noomnan). However, the true responsibility lies in caring for his mother-in-law. Little does Samantha know that her agreement will lead to a series of alarming events, beginning with the shocking murder of her best friend Megan by Victor (A.J. Bowen). This unique twist defies the conventions of traditional babysitter horror films. Samantha emerges as the embodiment of the quintessential final girl, displaying both vulnerability and intelligence as she navigates her way through a terrifying ordeal.
Samantha wakes up in the middle of a sinister ritual after consuming a drugged slice of pizza. The room is adorned with a pentagon on the floor, and the nefarious figure known as "Mother" (portrayed by Danielle Noe) commences a repulsive and horrifying procedure. Mother fills a goat skull with her own blood and forces Samantha to ingest it. Although Mother may not be regarded as one of the most iconic witches in cinematic history, she exudes an eerie presence that convinces Samantha that escape from these dangerous individuals will be challenging.
In 2022, the success of original horror films at the box office, such as The Black Phone and Nope, proves their popularity. Among these hits, Ti West's The House of the Devil stands out as an entirely unique, original, and imaginative movie.
What Are Ti West's Other Horror Movies?
Ti West, renowned for his work on The House of the Devil in 2009, took on the role of both writer and director for the chilling horror film, The Innkeepers, released in 2011. Uniting forces at a mysterious and eerie ancient inn, co-workers Luke (Pat Healy) and Claire (Sara Paxton) find themselves amidst rumors of paranormal activity. Regarded as a hidden gem within the horror genre of the 2010s, this film captivates viewers with its unsettling ambiance, a testament to Ti West's exceptional artistry.
How Does The House Of The Devil End?
Ti West has gained recognition in recent years for his X trilogy, consisting of the highly anticipated 2022 horror film X, the captivating prequel Pearl, and the upcoming MaXXXine. Portraying both aspiring actress Maxine and the wild, intense, and unforgettable killer Pearl, Mia Goth delivers a remarkable performance. X and Pearl exemplify West's distinctive and imaginative storytelling, leaving horror enthusiasts eager to see what he has in store next.
In The House of the Devil, Samantha witnesses the lifeless body of Megan, learning of her tragic demise. Although she cannot afford the luxury of grieving in that moment, the weight of this harrowing and dark encounter will undoubtedly haunt her reflection. Engaging in a strategically paced altercation with Mother, Samantha nearly escapes the clutches of this sinister entity, exhibiting her resourcefulness. Pursued by Mr. Ulman, he insists that she becomes an integral part of a fearful ritual. Eventually, Samantha resorts to desperate measures by pointing a firearm at her own temple. As the tension rises, viewers are abruptly transitioned to a television reporter discussing a lunar eclipse that coincided with the unsettling ceremony.
In The House of the Devil, Samantha finds herself waking up in a hospital bed, only to discover the horrifying news that she is now pregnant against her own wishes, a consequence of the ritual she unwillingly participated in. This scene echoes the shocking ending of the classic horror film Rosemary's Baby.
Ti West's films stand in stark contrast to Kevin Smith's horror movies, as they offer unique and distinct experiences. West masterfully takes elements from traditional horror, such as final girls, eerie houses, witches, and serial killers, and weaves them into fresh and original narratives. The House of the Devil could have easily been a run-of-the-mill film about a babysitter in a haunted house. However, West skillfully steers the story in unexpected directions, ensuring that it captivates audiences like no other. The result is a thrilling and engaging cinematic experience that no horror fan should forgo.
