The House That Jack Built

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2:43

The House That Jack Built

R

Released Dec 14, 2018

2h 31m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

59%

Tomatometer

138 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

In five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest.

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Critics Consensus

The House That Jack Built presents writer-director Lars von Trier at his most proudly uncompromising: hard to ignore, and for many viewers, just as difficult to digest.

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Emma Stefansky

Slate

Von Trier may be a provocateur, but his brand of provocation seems to be growing stale.

Apr 8, 2019

Full Review

David Stratton

The Australian

The violence in The House That Jack Built is horrific...you've been warned.

Rated: 1/5

Mar 8, 2019

Full Review

Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

If this shrill, manipulative, sledge-hammer allegory is right for our times, give me Dante any day. Von Trier has certainly done better, but never worse.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 5, 2019

Full Review

Bryce Hanson

Horror Movie Talk

This is a serial killer movie that definitely pushes the envelope. Many of the killing scenes seem a little too real, and feel a little like watching a sudden snuff film.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 6, 2025

Full Review

Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

If you enjoy serial killer movies, do not watch The House That Jack Built expecting traditional, satisfying fare. If you are a von Trier fan, he has done better work, and something in this film feels lacking.

Jun 12, 2024

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

It's precisely because I see the merits of his form that I find its overly mindful digressions into self-indulgence tiresome.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 4, 2022

Full Review

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James J.

Finally got around to watching whatever this was, and I would like my 2.5 hours back. Are we seriously supposed to entertain some grand philosophical parallel between murder and art? Be for real. This isn’t deep, it’s just Lars von Trier throwing every edgy, self-important thought he’s ever had into a blender, chugging it, regurgitating into a script, and calling it “profound”. It tries so hard to be introspective and nuanced, but can’t hold itself together for a single cohesive scene. It’s essentially one big bloated ego trip dressed up in pseudo intellectual ramblings. Shoutout to Matt Dillon for going all in and delivering a standout performance, but even he couldn’t rescue this, grandiose, pretentious, joyless mess.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

Full Review

Emily H.

This movie made me realize that you cannot trust every man you meet. This movie is so well written and it shows just how twisted someone’s mind could be. Amazing.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

Gregory S

I think that this is a pretty solid look into the mind of a serial killer. My main issue, is Dillon being cast for the main role. He is terribly miscast in this role. He distracts from what is a pretty great script and cinematography.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/25/25

Full Review

Chief B

This might be the best movie that portrays a serial killer and his twisted mind. I think this will get some recognition in the future

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/25/25

Full Review

Julian S

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT has the bones of something bold, but never fleshes them out.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

Full Review

Gabrielle H

I love this movie, I think it’s good. It has a ton of bad ratings mostly for its pacing and I can agree that the pacing isn’t that good, it needs to be shorter. I am IN LOVE with psychological films and this was allllll that. Being delved into the mind of a serial killer and his perverted view on art and gruesomeness was fantastic, not to mention Matt Dillon is a fabulous actor and played the role perfectly, almost reminding me of a Ted Bundy-like story. Beautifully filmed, beautifully written, beautifully gruesome.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

Full Review

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Lars von Trier

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The House That Jack Built: International Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest.

Director: Lars von Trier
Producer: Louise Vesth
Screenwriter: Lars von Trier
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Copenhagen Film Fund, Eurimages, Zentropa Entertainment, Film i Väst, Film und Medien Stiftung NRW
Rating: R (Language|Grisly Images|Nudity|Sadistic Behavior|Strong Disturbing Violence)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 31, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $253.5K
Runtime: 2h 31m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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