Isolation, Identity, and Familial Complexities Explored

Read Time:3 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
My House
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): Nick Norman-Butler
Writer(s): Nick Norman-Butler
Cast: Kaisa Hammarlund, Mirren Mack, Francis Magee, Michelle Collins, Aki Omoshaybi
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.hmv.com, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: MY HOUSE is an intriguing film about family secrets and personal discovery. It's a carefully sculpted adventure of self-identity, courage, and the quest to unlock doors to hidden truths, all wrapped up in a young girl's life, dominated by her father's control. Directed by Nick Norman-Butler, whose journey from investigative journalism to documentary work has informed his unique storytelling style, MY HOUSE is a testament to his craft. It's a tale he's been aching to tell for 15 years, and his passion resonates through every scene.

Imagine yourself trapped in Carla's (Mirren Mack) home, secrets hiding behind every corner. Through well-framed shots via surveillance cameras and home footage, the viewer is invited to live through Carla’s life like a fly on the wall, becoming part of her journey. No matter how you feel walking away from the film, I promise you that you’ll pause and think about the film's visuals.

The heart of MY HOUSE starts to sizzle when an unanticipated guest shows up. This catalyst sets off a cascade of events that thrust Carla into a whirlwind investigation of what happened to her mother and the shadows within her home. Carla's insatiable curiosity drives the plot, keeping audiences engaged with unexpected twists and elements throughout, each indeed having more meaning to them than what they are.

The portrayal of Carla by Mirren Mack is undoubtedly stellar, but MY HOUSE sometimes stumbles. The film has a lot of unexplained moments that can’t just be washed away by creative writing; one that I noticed (as well as plenty of others) was the seemingly never-ending battery life of the phone which is one of the main focal points of the film. It creates moments of disbelief that may leave an odd reminder in the viewer's experience. MY HOUSE struggles with some pacing issues, feeling somewhat rushed at times, yet is without question a slow burn.

MY HOUSE is unapologetically indie, showcasing a commendable design. Some viewers might need help with Carla's character development in the film, I think that was more of a creative choice, but unless you’re able to think outside the box, it can be a bit perplexing at times. Still, the intrigue and well-executed performances will likely keep you engaged and appreciative.

The film ultimately is more than just a view through a window into isolation, identity, and familial complexities; it's a full-fledged exploration. It may stumble occasionally, but the prowess in directing, acting, and cinematography overcomes these little bumps. Norman-Butler's creative skill ensures a compelling and suspenseful ride, even if the slow beginning tests your patience. I always like to clarify my stance on films with a 2.5-star rating. That is the definition of a film I didn’t dislike but didn’t love. It was an experience that wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t bad either.

In summary, MY HOUSE is an invitation to contemplate themes like trust, freedom, and confinement. It's not just another character-driven drama; it's an engaging journey celebrating storytelling's essence.

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[photo courtesy of FINITE FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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