Suburbia’s Eerie Tale: Haunting and Intriguing
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MOVIE REVIEW
The Raker House
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): John Covert
Writer(s): John Covert
Cast: Alex Javo, Whitney Lavaux, Niko'a Salas, Matthew Ellsworth
Where To Watch: available now on www.watch.troma.com
RAVING REVIEW: Journey willingly into indie cinema with me; THE RAKER HOUSE defies convention, greeting audiences with an unexpected mix of chilling allure and offbeat charm. While I would typically avoid its unorthodox treatment, the film lures its audiences into its distinctive visuals and impressively unique narrative. It’s streaming on TromaNow, and I think that’s exactly what I needed to know to enjoy it. The film provides a peek into the oddities that create the viewer's psyche for the cinematic trip. Even after watching this, I still don’t understand why I enjoyed it, and I don’t mean that negatively at all. It’s just guilty of some of the cardinal sins that I don’t like in horror. It goes weird to be weird sometimes, and you “see the scary” more than I would like.
THE RAKER HOUSE brims with a genuine commitment to its bizarre concept, a dedication that seeps through the screen throughout its run. Opting for monochrome cinematography was a gamble, but it paid off, ensuring viewers would concentrate on the narrative and acting performances. This true-blooded indie venture harnesses the skills of independent actors, working within the constraints of an indie budget, to present a narrative that's rare and smart at the same time yet connects with audiences in an intriguing, if a bit peculiar, fashion. The film injects a basic storyline with a healthy dose of whimsy, resulting in a captivating viewing experience.
Set in eerie suburbia, THE RAKER HOUSE chronicles the unsettling saga of a man trapped in the throes of memory loss who begins to suspect his wife – a professional undertaker – of being the cause of his disorientation. Despite its indie roots and budget restrictions, the film showcases many remarkable elements. It crafts a haunting, vertiginous atmosphere that grips viewers and doesn't let go until the end credits roll. The film's deliberate pacing and periods of silence punctuated with intriguing dialogue fashions an experience that goes beyond the depth of the narrative we are given on screen. Even though the plotline might not be the most complex, it doesn't take away from the film's overall enjoyment.
Now don’t expect CITIZEN KANE when you hit play, but with some bold editing choices – breaking away from standard cinematic practices helps create a memorable experience, augmenting the pleasure of the viewing experience.
While THE RAKER HOUSE delivers a thoroughly enjoyable watch, there's room for improvement. A deeper exploration of the narrative and refined use of character development could boost the quality of storytelling. THE RAKER HOUSE is a potent reminder that unexpected sources often deliver the most enjoyable experiences. It underscores the importance of managing expectations, being open-minded, and embracing cinematic experiences that break the mold.
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[photo courtesy of TROMA ENTERTAINMENT]
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Hello, Chris. I appreciate this review of my $2,000 baby and think you handled her nicely. I shared it along with this post, “This is my favorite review of my movie that I’ve read. Though it’s not all positive, someone really took the time to try to understand what I was going for and critically analyzed it like a professional film critic.” Keep up the good work and stay passionate for and mesmerized by the power of cinema.
John, this was without question my pleasure! I appreciated the opportunity to cover it. I always try to keep my eyes open to new films, even ones that I don’t think I’m going to enjoy. Honestly, had it not been for those few minor things (which are totally a personal preference) it would’ve been one of my favorite films of the year. Even with those things added, I still genuinely enjoyed it and found so much to appreciate about it all!
Thank you again, Chris! Stay thirsty for cinema.