I am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House (2016) Movie Review
Written By: FR
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Oz Perkins (as Osgood Perkins)
Writer: Oz Perkins (as Osgood Perkins)
Producers: Rob Paris, Robert Menzies
Date Released: October 28, 2016
Cast:
Ruth Wilson as Lily Saylor
Paula Prentiss as Iris Blum
Erin Boyes as young Iris
Bob Balaban as Mr. Waxcap
Lucy Boynton as Polly Parsons
Brad Milne as Groom
Daniel Chichagov as Darling
James Perkins as John
Beatrix Perkins as Wendy
Rating = 2.5/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
This is the story of a young nurse named Lily (Ruth Wilson) who accepts the task of taking care of an elderly author, Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss) who resides in a supposed haunted house and suffers from dementia. When Lily notices that Iris is repeatedly calling her by the name of Polly, Lily decides to investigate who this person was. Lily eventually finds out that Polly is the name of one of Iris’ characters in her novel and may have some relation to the house.
Gore Factor
The film focuses more on suspense and tension rather than bloodshed and gore. In one scene, a woman is seen being killed by a man with a hammer in the house. However, even this scene had very little blood or gore. Other scenes incorporate implied scenarios such as when a woman is killed and hidden in the walls. However, this scene too is never visually shown.
The Grave Review
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) integrates slow progression throughout a majority of the movie. For a ghost story, there is little substance to fill the ninety minute feature film. The film heavily depends on stark locations and menacing atmospheres within the story which may create a sense of apathy to some viewers. The plot, overall, is straightforward but plays out well. However, there are a few silent scenes that depict what occurred in the past, but never provide a backstory or explanation for those events.
The filmmakers created methodical, slow, lingering shots that made up for the entire film. However, each single shot felt deliberate and prolonged to the point of being dreary at times. As such, the transitions were well-done but the slow pace felt painful.
Ruth Wilson’s performance as Lily was commendable. Most of the scenes centered entirely on her as she is seen in solitude for most of the film. Such efforts should be appreciated as these scenes felt more like monologues rather than interactive dialogues. The film does incorporate other characters but they are only seen in a couple of scenes.
The horror is very minimal but there is a strong ominous sense of terror a the film depicts various forms of ghostly beings. The film relies on dark atmospheres and draws out the story line in an overly excessive way creating ambiguity. As a result, more questions are revealed than answers and results in a disappointing and bland film.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives I am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House (2016) two and a half graves out of five graves.
Do you agree with our review? Comment below.
This movie was a great psychological thriller! To me it depicted how a person can go through the trauma of being stuck in a toxic cycle of not being able to let go of the past. Loving and losing someone and not knowing why or how you can ever get over it. Sometimes you don’t get answers…. you don’t get closure…. but if you do not move on you will rot.