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His House Movie Review: Is This Horror Film Worth the Time?
Based on: A story by Felicity Evans and Toby Venables
Director: Remi Weeks
Release Date: January 27, 2020
Main Cast: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith
**Warning! Some spoilers are included in this post.**
If you're a fan of Black indie-horror films, His House on Netflix could be the perfect choice for you. His House kicks off with a South Sudanese man (Bol - portrayed by actor Sope Dirisu), woman (Rial - portrayed by actress Wunmi Mosaku), and child boarding the back of a flatbed truck, escaping a community overwhelmed by civil unrest and rebellion.
The scene transitions, revealing the South Sudanese people on boats that are soon compromised, with many passengers ejected into the water. Why did this happen, and who was responsible?
His House Movie: A Terrifying Dive into Real-World Experiences
Interwoven into the mystery and suspense plot are occasional instances of racial and socioeconomic challenges faced by Blacks in European-dominated regions. From being dehumanized to enduring systemic oppression, Weeks raises awareness of this harsh reality.
Appreciation goes to the writers, Felicia Evans and Tony Venables, for incorporating these elements into the His House movie.
Bol and Rial are “assigned” to an apartment, and it becomes evident that their presence is not well-received by a few neighbors. Bol seizes the opportunity positively, while Rial holds reservations about their new situation, encapsulated in acknowledgment of their surroundings and a connection to her spiritual beliefs. Their lives soon unravel as they struggle to hold onto reality.
Weeks contrasts the mentality of some young African youths embracing cultural assimilation with Africans who remain connected to their origins. In one scene, a male trio of African teens tell Rial to
“Go back to f------ Africa,” highlighting the reality that many Blacks of African descent have forgotten their roots and forsaken their heritage.
Mosaku's portrayal is emotionally captivating. Her eyes hold both emotion and mystery. Rial is the wife suffering from the psychological torment of loss and pain while dealing with the strain of a marriage that may well be destroyed.
Dirisu in the role of Bol showcases his ability to toggle and project an intensity of defeat and threatening aggression. One minute I found myself empathizing with him, and the next, I think he’s a scumbag. You’ll understand what I mean when you watch the movie. Nonetheless, I’d like to see both of these actors in more roles in the future.
His House is currently streaming on Netflix. Make sure to check it out when you have the time.
We’ll talk again real soon,
B.W.P.
