The Open House

In 2018, Netflix served up a hearty helping of suspense with their original film, "The Open House", directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote. This engaging and tension-packed thriller primarily features young actor Dylan Minnette, known for his work in the hit series "13 Reasons Why", along with capable performances from Piercey Dalton and Patricia Bethune.

"The Open House" dives deep into the fears lurking in the corners of the picturesque, yet desolate environments of rural America. The darkness shrouding the film's unsettling narrative is accentuated by the stark contrast between the idyllic Colorado mountains and the haunting shadows cast by the gloomy mansion which plays such a crucial part in the story.

The film opens with the tragic death of the protagonist's father, forcing the now penniless and grieving Naomi (Piercey Dalton) and her teenage son Logan (Dylan Minnette) to find refuge in a house owned by a relative, located at a remote mountain town. It's a grand mansion, currently up for sale, and as the title suggests, is often subjected to open house viewings for prospective buyers.

Getting used to their new surroundings, the mother-son pair face more than their fair share of challenges as they attempt to start a new chapter in their lives. The trauma of their sudden misfortune combined with the eerie setting of their temporary home creates a perfect backdrop for a suspenseful plot. Daytime 'open house' viewings seemingly spill over into the night as some strange things begin to unfold, hinting that they may not be alone in the house.

As tension builds, we get to witness Minnette's character Logan grappling with his grief whilst increasingly fearing his new environment. His vulnerable and moving portrayal of a teenager trying to adjust in a new setting while mourning the loss of his father, in parallel with the burgeoning threat unfolding around him, is truly commendable and engaging to watch.

Dalton, as Logan's mother Naomi, portrays an equally complex character. She's trying to deal with her grief, make ends meet, and properly raise her son in a challenging environment. As the odd occurrences in the house escalate, she too becomes a reluctant participant in the suspenseful and terror-filled events.

Bethune's character, Martha, a nosy and eccentric neighbor, adds an additional layer of complexity and mystery to the narrative. Her oddball behavior and constant intrusion into Naomi and Logan’s lives add a unique flavor to the suspense.

As the story progresses, the characters find themselves questioning the difference between their own paranoid theories and the genuinely disturbing incidents that plague their lives. This tension is further exacerbated by their alienation and isolation geographically and socially, as well as their personal predicaments.

"The Open House" is a well-crafted suspense thriller, efficiently using its resources to create a deeply engaging narrative. The film visually excels, using the scenic, but isolating, mountain landscapes and the creepy largeness of the vacant house, to add an additional sense of dread and unease to its already chilling premise. The cast, though small, brings a memorable contribution to the movie’s tense atmosphere.

The directors have done an admirable job of inducing a growing sense of fear and paranoia as the narrative unfolds, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The storyline may appear simple at first glance but the nuanced performances, the beautiful yet eerily shot settings, and the taut atmosphere turn the film into an unsettling and thrilling ride.

"The Open House" keeps the viewers guessing and throws curveballs just when one starts to think they've figured things out, a perfect concoction for every suspense-thriller lover. This movie is recommended if you're in for a night of suspense, surprise, and the exploration of fears in unexpected places. Packed with chilling moments and a rich narrative, "The Open House" is an immersive experience in the realm of suspense and mystery.