Review of the house
The House is Netflix's debut new release for the year. This stop-motion miniseries tells three stories in one sprawling home. Each short is directed by a different director. However, they share an uncanny sense dread and spookiness.
Nexus Studios' The House anthology is the latest in a long line. It's the latest in a series of projects that have come from the UK-based studio (which also produced Billie Eilish’s Happier than Ever animated special). The three sections of one-hour each are divided into separate chapters that focus on different aspects.
Chapter one is set in 1900s. It tells the story of a poor family who moves into a house that seems to bring evil luck and bad luck to its inhabitants. This slow-burn story has a Wes Anderson feel. The stop-motion aesthetic is also reminiscent of Ray Harryhausen films like Salad Fingers, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Salad Fingers.
The House is not just a dark comedy. It's an arthouse-style miniseries which forces you to think. And it does so in a way that's often unexpected, and always rewarding.
It's a dark, creepy, humorous, disturbing, and hopeful piece of cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The captivating story beats and modern stop animation make it well worth the effort.
The House has the best stop-motion animation you will see, aside form the shock value and gallows humor. Each chapter is meticulously designed, from the flocked figurines in the second story to felt characters in the first.
The look of The House is a nice throwback to the 1980s Epoch Sylvanian Families series, and it's a welcome sight for fans of stop-motion animation. The first chapter features felt characters that create a sense of dread. While the second chapter has lifelike characters that are sure to delight stop-motion film fans, it also adds a touch of comfort.
The House has its strengths, but it is not perfect. It's not able to overcome minor weaknesses in its stories. These often substitute the surrealist for more logical elements. Additionally, the ending is unsatisfying and uneven due to the use of sarcastic humor at just the right moment. It's still worth a look for those who love dark comedy and stop-motion animation, particularly those who like Tim Burton, David Firth, and Wes Anderson.