Unsettling Visions Make for a Creepy Release

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MOVIE REVIEW
House of Screaming Glass
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): David R. Williams
Writer(s): Costanza Bongiorni, Tom Jolliffe, David R. Williams
Cast: Lani Call
Where To Watch: arrives on VOD and DVD on May 21, 2024, from DeskPop Entertainment

RAVING REVIEW: Dare you enter the HOUSE OF SCREAMING GLASS? If so, brace yourself for a film combining supernatural elements' spookiness with the intricate psychology of a family's dark past. This indie film, directed by David R. Williams, takes you on a harrowing journey into a world where witchcraft and cursed legacies are the norm. With one of the most straightforward yet intimately powerful openings, the film offers viewers quite a unique experience.

Welcome to the eerie domain of HOUSE OF SCREAMING GLASS, where minimalist filmmaking meets surprising levels of suspense. This narrative revolves around Elizabeth Cadosia, played by Lani Call, whose life spirals into the supernatural after inheriting a mysterious schoolhouse from her late mother. What awaits inside are secrets that bind her to a haunting family legacy.

Set against the backdrop of this old “house” that might as well be a character itself, Elizabeth's story unfolds. The building's legacy is steeped in occult practices, revealed to her through relics and a haunting book of spells that challenge her reality. This experience leads Elizabeth down a path filled with dark rituals and spectral encounters, pushing her into a profound transformation and turning the page on a world she never expected.

Williams crafts a chilling atmosphere using a minimalist set that amplifies the isolation and dread surrounding Elizabeth. The suspense builds gradually, pulling viewers deeper into the haunting experience alongside her. Call's performance is riveting as she portrays Elizabeth's descent from a grief-stricken daughter to a woman trapped by her ancestors' occult legacy. Both aspects truly shine, as the film was an “ultra-low budget experiment in minimalist horror,” and Call was the lone cast member, amplifying her importance in the role.

Yet, HOUSE OF SCREAMING GLASS occasionally strays into oddities that might puzzle viewers. Certain scenes delve into the bizarre, diverting from the core ghost story and into realms that might not resonate with all. These creative leaps, though ambitious, sometimes disrupt the narrative flow and could pull audiences away from the central haunting theme. Although to be entirely fair, if this is the type of film you like, then this will be a fantastic experience for you!

Despite its moments of strangeness (I’ll never look at hair gel? the same way again,) the film stands as a striking example of what can be achieved on a minimal budget. The practical effects are particularly notable, crafting a believably eerie world without the need for lavish CGI. The film's commitment to atmosphere over explicit scares offers a refreshing divergence from typical horror fare.

Ultimately, HOUSE OF SCREAMING GLASS is a welcomed addition to the indie horror landscape. It combines elements of psychological terror with the supernatural to explore themes of inheritance and identity. While it may not fully satisfy those seeking a straightforward ghost story, it offers plenty for those intrigued by a deeper, more cerebral haunting.

In essence, HOUSE OF SCREAMING GLASS invites viewers into its uniquely disturbing world, offering a mix of suspense, psychological depth, and supernatural elements. Call’s incredible portrayal of Elizabeth’s transformation is worth the experience, anchoring the film's exploration of dark family connections. For those drawn to a narrative that intertwines dread with a rich backstory, this film is an engaging watch, sure to linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of DESKPOP ENTERTAINMENT]

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