The House was released in Norway in 2016 and is a must-watch for those who enjoy snow-filled movie settings. Set in the breathtaking Scandinavian wilderness, this excellent horror movie is guaranteed to chill your bones.
The story follows two German soldiers who become lost and seek shelter from the harsh elements. Accompanying them is Rune, a Norwegian prisoner with a wounded leg. What surprised me pleasantly was that Rune, who speaks English, can communicate with the lieutenant, even when the subtitles are replaced by English narration. Prepare yourself for an intense and atmospheric cinematic experience in “The House”.
Starting with some positives, The House was made for around €60,000 ($67k US) but has a large big-budget feel. There are a few scenes where a figure emerges from the shadows that could have looked much cheaper had the cinematography not been handled with care. The lighting was another highlight. Where many a movie has come unstuck by going stupidly dark, The House has just the right amount of shading to give it a fantastic ominous atmosphere. Also, not being too dark, you can still see what’s happening! There are some very clever techniques used to create some well-known horror tropes. I won’t spoil any by naming them, because this film can creep you out.
Movies Set in the Snow – Huset aka The House Movie
The characters are all likable in The House movie. Yes, that’s right, bonus points because they are essentially Nazis too. However, there is enough depth for each role to get you invested in what’s going on. I will say, that you do have to pay attention to the screen. Not only if you don’t speak German but also because there are a lot of little details that happen to fuel the story’s fire, both visually and in the narration.
Jurgen, the lieutenant, and Andres, the soldier have an easy banter until things slide into a bit of a mess for them. Things get super urgent but maintain an almost smirk-inducing feeling. While getting to know each other, I loved the way they talked about the films they liked. They got to know each other without pinning the run-time under a massive slog. Instead of leaving you to groan at their decision-making, some of their conversations felt self-aware, like they were calling out what you as the viewer might be thinking. It was a cool addition to a story set pre-1945 and gave it a modern feel.
All the elements fit neatly into a rather enjoyable film that isn’t all that hard to figure out. Furthermore, some typical horror trope crimes such as a moment when they decide to split up were given an almost comical edge. With both being soldiers, I was amused at Jurgen’s stance to divide and conquer. He justified this plan with military credence. Later, when it defies all logic to disbelieve what’s happening inside the house he is just as level-headed by saying;
“We must work out what the house wants.”
Quote from The House movie also known as Huset
Jurgen was my favorite character in this film.
Director’s Inspiration for The House movie
I read somewhere that the director wanted to mix up his two favorite things when making The House 2016. One of those was to make a film with an exorcism. While I’m all in favor of that type of move, I think here the flashbacks were my biggest gripe. They were done well and did a little to explain the background surrounding the spirits within its walls but overall were far less interesting than watching the three men discover what was happening to them. Besides that, the exorcism didn’t quite tie into the presence that was appearing within its walls.
While it’s easy to see where the story might take you, if you are unfamiliar with these types of psychological films, you’ll get a real kick out of it. I’ve seen a few similar takes using this premise and I was still able to enjoy it.
If you’re a fan of soldiers in the snow with lots of creepy visuals and a good story then I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for Nazi gore melting in the soft white landscape then The House is not that type of movie.
The House (Huset) is rated
3.75 monsters in the closet out of 5
Reinert Kiil Also Directed Christmas Blood
If you’re looking for some Christmas Horror Reinert Kiil also directed Christmas Blood, which is part of the Mother of Movies Christmas horror list found here.
Is the movie The House a horror movie?
The House 2016 is labeled as a thriller movie on the IMBD.com website. It does contain plenty of other less prominent genres in its scope such as a war setting, horror themes by way of zombie-like characters, and supernatural mystery.
How to Watch Movies and Shows That Aren’t Showing in Your Country
A little tip for any of you that watch movies on your phone… I was doing that and it sucked. Then I discovered that there is this nifty little gizmo, called an HDMI adapter. I plug that into an HDMI cable and voila! Now I can watch the films I get emailed on my giant telly, the one with the soundbar. Alternatively, use a VPN and double your catalogs on streaming platforms.
Watch the trailer for The House – Movies Set in Snow
Where to Watch The House (Huset)
In the UK The House is called “The Winter Siege.” The title is not available in many regions however can be ordered as physical media via platforms like Amazon or rented from iTunes.
The House streaming on:
