The Houses October Built – Film Review

The Houses October Built, directed by Bobby Roe, offers a unique blend of found footage horror and documentary-style filmmaking. Released in 2014, this film takes viewers on a spine-chilling journey into the world of extreme haunted attractions, where the line between fear and reality becomes increasingly blurred. While the film manages to create a genuinely creepy atmosphere and captures the essence of the Halloween season, it falls short in certain aspects, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

At its core, The Houses October Built stands out for its innovative approach to storytelling. The film revolves around a group of friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to explore the most extreme and immersive haunted houses in America. The premise alone is enough to pique the interest of horror enthusiasts, as it promises an insider’s look into the mysterious and often disturbing world of haunted attractions. The documentary-style interviews with haunted house enthusiasts and owners add depth to the narrative, immersing the audience in the subculture of fear.

One of the film’s strongest points is its ability to create a genuinely eerie atmosphere. The haunted attractions featured in the movie are elaborately designed, showcasing the creativity and dedication of their creators. The tension builds steadily as the protagonists delve deeper into the world of extreme haunts, and the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next terrifying encounter. The use of found footage adds authenticity to the scares, making the viewer feel like a participant in the characters’ horrifying experiences.

Moreover, the film effectively explores the psychological aspects of fear. It delves into the concept of consent within haunted attractions, questioning the ethical boundaries of scaring individuals to the point of genuine terror. This exploration adds depth to the storyline, inviting viewers to contemplate the ethical implications of their own fascination with fear and horror.

However, The Houses October Built is not without its flaws. One of the significant drawbacks is the uneven pacing throughout the film. While some segments are filled with tension and suspense, others drag on, causing the audience’s engagement to waver. The film’s attempts to intertwine documentary-style interviews with the main narrative occasionally feel forced, disrupting the flow of the story. These interruptions prevent the film from achieving a seamless blend of storytelling techniques, leaving the viewer feeling disconnected from the overall experience.

Additionally, the characters lack depth and development, making it challenging for the audience to empathize with their plight. While the film aims to capture the group dynamic among friends, the interactions often come across as superficial and unconvincing. As a result, when the characters find themselves in perilous situations, the emotional impact is significantly diminished, hindering the viewer’s ability to invest fully in their fate.

In terms of scares, The Houses October Built relies heavily on jump scares and shock value. While these moments are effective in eliciting immediate reactions, they lack the lasting impact of psychological horror. The reliance on conventional scare tactics prevents the film from exploring deeper layers of fear, resulting in a somewhat shallow and predictable viewing experience.

The Houses October Built offers a unique perspective on the world of extreme haunted attractions, providing viewers with an unsettling glimpse into the darker side of the Halloween season. The film successfully creates a chilling atmosphere and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of fear and consent within the realm of horror entertainment. However, its uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on conventional scares prevent it from reaching the heights of horror excellence. While it may not be a groundbreaking addition to the genre, The Houses October Built is worth a watch for those seeking a spooky adventure with a few bumps along the way.