Izzy Lee makes her feature debut with House of Ashes. A film that dives deep into themes of grief, societal judgment, and the supernatural. This intense narrative premiered at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. It hooks its teeth in from the start with its unsettling visuals. The atmosphere is intense.
A Grief-Fueled Nightmare
Mia Sheldon (Fayna Sanchez) is still reeling from the devastating loss of her husband, Adam. He was found dead under suspicious circumstances at their veterinary clinic. Acquitted of his death, Mia faces a new kind of hell. She must endure a one-year house arrest sentence due to a draconian law that punishes miscarriage. The weight of public scrutiny looms heavily over her as she first begins dealing with her loss and then the bizarre circumstances of her life.
Enter Marc (Vincent Stalba), an old friend who initially appears to be a source of support. His caregiving seems sweet at first, but as the story progresses, his true intentions become chillingly clear. What begins as a nurturing presence soon reveals a sinister undertone, leaving Mia—and the audience—questioning his motives.
Atmosphere: A Darkly Sinister World
House of Ashes opens with haunting voiceovers and crackling radio announcements that set a foreboding tone. The film’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, effectively mirroring Mia’s internal struggle. The societal commentary on miscarriage and public shaming is underscored by the pervasive tension of the narrative.
While Mia experiences strange phenomena that blur the line between human and supernatural threats, the real horror lies in the societal implications of her situation. She becomes a target of social media harassment, particularly from a woman called Lexy who is behind the online media channel ShockToks. Various reporters are also trying to find their way into her small universe which amplifies her feelings of isolation. The film raises critical questions about women’s autonomy and the often harsh judgments they face.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Horror Fans
House of Ashes is not just a horror film; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of grief, societal pressures, and the complexity of human relationships. Izzy Lee has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on edge while tackling significant themes. If you’re looking for a horror film that offers both chills and deep reflection, House of Ashes is a must-see.
House of Ashes Review Rating
House of Ashes is rated
3.75 Memorable indie horror movies out of 5
For other movies like House of Ashes that have themes of pregnancy or miscarriage watch Still/Born | The Clinic | Apprev. | Frost | Surrogate or Mother Tongue next.
Cast:
- Fayna Sanchez as Mia Sheldon
- Vincent Stalba as Marc
- Lee Boxleitner
- Mason Conrad
- Laura Dromerick
- Cameos by Joe Lynch and Mick Garris
- For more on this film see our friends over at Movies and Mania and watch the House of Ashes film trailer.
- Produced by Nihil Noctem Films and distributed by V Channels Media.
House of Ashes
Director: Izzy Lee
Date Created: 2024-10-19 18:28
3.75
