House of Spoils Review: Could Be Better
The lead-up to Halloween has indeed turned into a competitive arena for streaming platforms, each vying to offer unique horror experiences. This year, titles like Salem’s Lot, Caddo Lake, and V/H/S: Beyond cater to various horror tastes, but House of Spoils stands out with its culinary horror angle.
Directed by Blumhouse, it explores the anxiety surrounding restaurant openings, a fresh take on the genre that combines the high-stakes world of culinary arts with supernatural elements. Featuring Ariana DeBose as a chef grappling with her vision while dealing with unsettling occurrences at her new restaurant, the film cleverly balances the pressures of the food industry with horror.
The film's tension stem more from the challenges of menu design and the stress of running a restaurant than from traditional horror scares, making it an interesting choice for those who enjoy both food and fright. With a hidden garden and mysterious ingredients adding an eerie twist, House of Spoils targets a niche audience who appreciate both the culinary arts and horror in a more metaphorical sense. It’s an intriguing blend that reflects the evolving landscape of horror storytelling.
House of Spoils is Prime's addition to the horror genre, blending workplace drama with a sprinkle of supernatural elements. Compare it to an old horror anthology series giving it a nostalgic feel, which might appeal to fans of that style. It’s interesting that the film opts for a more quirky, goofy tone rather than leaning heavily into traditional scares, potentially broadening its appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven stories.
Ariana DeBose’s portrayal as a focused chef seems to anchor the film, showcasing her ability to balance vulnerability with determination. It's great to hear that she brings depth to her character, especially after her breakout role in West Side Story. The decision to keep her more theatrical tendencies in check allows her performance to resonate more authentically with the audience, making her struggles and ambitions relatable.
While it may not deliver the intense scares some might expect, the film’s focus on the challenges of running a restaurant—paired with its offbeat horror elements—could make it an engaging watch for those looking for something different this Halloween season.
House of Spoils certainly sets itself up to offer a rich blend of culinary artistry and personal drama, particularly through DeBose's character's evolution in the kitchen. The scenes showcasing her resourcefulness in crafting impressive meals from unexpected ingredients must be both engaging and relatable, tapping into that universal thrill of creativity under pressure.
The dynamic between DeBose and Barbie Ferreira's character is particularly intriguing, highlighting the complexities of female collaboration in a male-dominated industry. It’s a shame, though, that the film doesn’t delve deeper into their relationship, as that could have added significant depth to the narrative.
As for the horror elements, they might feel tacked on rather than integral to the story. The use of jump scares and the backstory involving witches serve as a backdrop but detracts from the main themes of empowerment and camaraderie. The film attempts to tackle issues of misogyny but doesn’t fully realize that ambition, which leaves viewers wanting more substance.
The final act's shift towards a more fantastical, LA New Age vibe could be polarizing; while some might appreciate the ambitious twist, others may feel it strays too far from the grounded premise established earlier. Overall, House of Spoils has a lot of potential but might leave some audiences grappling with its tonal shifts and thematic execution.
What did you think? Leave a comment and remember to vote in our poll.
Did you enjoy the film?
Yes
No
Comentários