Things Get Really Dark In Netflix's Stop-Motion Film 'The House'

The House, a mini-series with three short films, is available to stream on Netflix. The filmmakers shot the film in stop-motion, which involves manually moving each frame to capture the movement of objects and people. The result resembles a storybook or diorama; it’s an aesthetic that looks hand-drawn but with contemporary details.

But what makes The House stand out is its art direction.

Netflix’s year-round push into original programming continues with “The House”. Each House is unique, and each captures the attention of its tenants and viewers alike. But, in true horror fashion, each home’s secrets lay just beneath the surface.

The film’s three short stories are directed by some of the most exciting animators working today; those include Chris Sullivan (“The Gruffalo”) and Oscar-nominated animator Michaël Dudok de Wit (2000’s “Father and Daughter”). Each tale is set in a distinctive period of home design history, from the 1800s to the 1970s.

“The House” is best described as a psychological thriller.

The first tale, in particular, reminded viewers of the film “The Others,” which was similarly set in a creepy mansion but with a chilling twist at the end. If you can get into the storytelling flow, “The House” is an entertaining series that makes clever use of its animation format. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it has an excellent voice cast, especially when Matthew Goode as Raymond.

The story ends with a dark twist that will leave viewers unsettled but not necessarily surprised. The short film is beautifully shot, with precise attention paid to details. The message here is clear: even if you can afford to buy all things new, you can never run away from your past. So, are you up for this new mystery thriller?