Housebound

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Les N Brilliantly funny the way that only Kiwis can be. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/25/25 Full Review Alissa R Such an underrated masterpiece! Housebound is easily in my top 3 favorite movies of all time simply for it's originality, humor, and unpredictability. I wish I could go back in time and watch it for the first time again. Going from thinking it was a ghost story, to a home invader story, to a this crazy girl is seeing things story, then back again was an absolutely delicious unicorn that almost never happens with todays predicable garbage. Pure cinematic gold. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Allan L If you are in the mood for a suspense filled who done it with a splash of dark English humor then you came to the right place. That's about all I will say other than this. Enjoy. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/25 Full Review Audience Member A very underrated movie. Once I saw it was a comedy I thought it was going to be like the scary movies but no it really casually seeked comedy into it, it also has a very unique plot. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Kevin R Very unique horror-comedy. Did not expect it to be so well-crafted. Can’t believe I’ve never heard of nor watched it until a couple of nights ago. Morgana O’Reilly did an amazing job acting in this. It had some good jump scares and the comedic elements are extremely subtle. I do recommend watching this film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/05/25 Full Review 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 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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