Spooky season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by watching a bone-chilling horror movie. If you were thinking of scrolling through Netflix’s extensive library in search of the perfect flick to send shivers down your spine, let us shorten the search for you.
The critically acclaimed horror gem His House currently boasts a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.
Released in 2020, His House is a supernatural horror film that explores the haunting experiences of a Sudanese refugee couple as they struggle to adapt to their new life in England.
Directed by Remi Weekes, this movie takes a cerebral approach to the horror genre, blending cultural themes with spine-tingling scares.
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The premise of His House revolves around Bol and Rial, played brilliantly by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku, who have escaped war-torn South Sudan to seek asylum in the UK. Upon their arrival, they are assigned a shabby council house, which, as the title suggests, becomes the epicentre of their nightmarish experiences. As they attempt to build a new life, they quickly realise that the malevolent forces haunting their new home might be more sinister than they initially thought.
When Esquire asked Weekes why he chose to tell the story from the perspective of the Sudanese refugees, he pointed out, “I wanted to tell a contemporary story of people moving to the UK at this moment in time, and being from a mixed background myself I wanted to have some kind of mirroring of the kinds of conversations I’ve had growing up in the UK. South Sudan seemed like a really important thing that’s happening right now.”
Established in 2011, South Sudan plunged into a brutal civil war. It descended into utter turmoil in 2013, resulting in a humanitarian crisis of warfare, economic downturn, disease, and famine, which led to mass migrations.
An exploration of trauma and guilt in His House
What sets His House apart from traditional horror films is its exploration of themes like trauma, guilt, and cultural displacement. While the supernatural elements provide a constant sense of dread, the movie’s true horror lies in the emotional turmoil of its characters.
Bol and Rial are haunted not only by malevolent spirits but also by the guilt of leaving their homeland and their past trauma. Their journey becomes a metaphorical battle as they confront their demons while simultaneously facing the horrors of their new surroundings. This psychological aspect adds layers of depth to the story, elevating His House beyond the typical horror fare.
You can watch the trailer of His House right here:
