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Housebound

Play trailer Poster for Housebound Released Oct 17, 2014 1h 49m Comedy Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A would-be thief (Morgana O'Reilly) is remanded to the custody of her estranged mother (Rima Te Wiata), who turns out to be correct in her assertion that evil spirits are afoot in their family domicile.
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Housebound

Housebound

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Critics Consensus

Alternately hilarious, gross, and simply diverting, Housebound is the rare horror-comedy that delivers on both fronts.

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Critics Reviews

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Aja Romano Vox Housebound is writer-director Gerard Johnstone's only feature film, but its unique tone has the confidence of an established, more experienced screenwriter Jan 12, 2021 Full Review Mark Kermode Observer (UK) O'Reilly is terrific as the sneery discontent at the centre of the madcap maelstrom, while Rima Te Wiata walks a wonderfully fine line between pathos and aggravation as the long-suffering/insufferable mum whose forced smile is about to crack. Rated: 4/5 Jul 5, 2015 Full Review Kate Muir Times (UK) Housebound does ghosts in the walls with the same wacky panache as the recent Wyrmwood did Aussie zombies. Rated: 4/5 Jul 2, 2015 Full Review David Parkinson Radio Times Creating a funny, believable situation only to interrupt it with sudden spikes of fear is a tough trick to pull off, but Johnstone and team make it look spookily easy. Rated: 4/5 Oct 31, 2024 Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Common Sense Media Combining a ghost hunt and murder story with a craftily wry sense of humor and genuinely likable, broken characters, this horror/thriller has good scares and atmosphere, but it also has heart. Rated: 4/5 Sep 23, 2023 Full Review Patrick Cavanaugh The Wolfman Cometh What starts as a relatively conventional horror-comedy eventually pivots into something genuinely creepy, though without betraying its established blend of scares and laughs. Rated: 4/5 Sep 20, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Housebound is a quirky made-for-TV movie that is memorable and loads better than most recent mainstream comedy-horror releases. This little hidden gem of a film from 2014 is the debut work of director Gerard Johnstone who is best known for directing 2022's cyber thriller film, M3GAN. This film is about a young woman, Kylie, who ends up in house arrest in her childhood home after attempting to rob a cash machine. Her punishment is doubly frustrating because she's forced to live with her overly chatty, superstitious mother, Miriam, who believes their house is haunted. From the get-go, Housebound takes a delightfully unconventional approach to blending horror and comedy. What starts as a slow-burn mystery about creaking floorboards and ghostly rumors quickly spirals into a wild, genre-blending ride. Kylie, played by Morgana O’Reilly, is a breath of fresh air as a protagonist. Her sarcasm and skepticism balance perfectly against her mother’s endearing eccentricities. Rima Te Wiata as Miriam delivers a standout performance, combining comedy and genuine warmth that makes her instantly likable. The dynamic between the two characters is one of the film’s strongest points, grounding the outlandish events in genuine emotion. Director Gerard Johnstone showcases his knack for timing and tone, deftly weaving humor into moments of tension without undermining the scares. The film’s pacing is sharp, keeping the audience intrigued as Kylie’s reluctant investigation into the house’s supposed haunting uncovers far more than anyone bargained for. The script is packed with witty dialogue and unpredictable twists that keep the viewer engaged throughout. A particular strength of Housebound is its atmospheric use of the house itself. The creaky old home feels alive, with secrets lurking in every corner. The production design enhances the eerie yet oddly cozy vibe, making the setting as much a character as the people inhabiting it. While Housebound delivers laughs, it doesn’t skimp on its horror elements. There are genuine jump scares, tense moments, and a few unsettling surprises, but all are delivered with a playful, self-aware edge that keeps the film lighthearted yet effective. In a genre often bogged down by clichés, Housebound stands out as a refreshingly original entry. It’s a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet still manages to craft a compelling story filled with charm, chills, and chuckles. For fans of quirky horror-comedies like What We Do in the Shadows or Shaun of the Dead, this film is an absolute must-watch. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/25/24 Full Review Glenn B Good movie, because it was not made in Hollywood. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review Clarissa M Perfect example of how great storytelling, good pacing, talented actors, and well-delivered comedy can make the most basic and universal premise in horror (haunted house) a thrilling and refreshing watch Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/24 Full Review Audience Member This movie is the epitome of why i couldn't sleep alone in the dark or walk home alone at night as a kid Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/03/24 Full Review C A Didn't think it was going to be as good as it turned out to be. I enjoyed it very much. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/27/24 Full Review Johnny D This movie is awesome. It kicks off with a great attention-grabber, and then Rima Te Wiata's expert comic relief keeps you entertained while the other characters are introduced and developed. And what great characters they are! Ross Harper gives a fine performance, but Morgana O'Reilly and Glen-Paul Waru are the real show-stoppers here. Man, they're hilarious. And then I absolutely loved how the ghost angle plays out. The whole plot, silly as it is, ends up being really gripping. This film somehow serves up genuine suspense, while somehow being hilarious at the same time; and by the end I was thoroughly satisfied. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis A would-be thief (Morgana O'Reilly) is remanded to the custody of her estranged mother (Rima Te Wiata), who turns out to be correct in her assertion that evil spirits are afoot in their family domicile.
Director
Gerard Johnstone
Producer
Luke Sharpe
Screenwriter
Gerard Johnstone
Distributor
XLrator Media
Production Co
Semi-Professional
Genre
Comedy, Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 17, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 5, 2016
Runtime
1h 49m
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