The
House | 2022 | 1h 37m
Genre: Stop-Motion Adult Animation, Anthology | Country: United
Kingdom
Directors: Paloma Baeza, Emma De Swaef, Niki Lindroth von Bahr
Writers: Enda Walsh, Emma De Swaef, Marc James Roels
Cast: Mia Goth, Matthew Goode, Claudie Blakley
IMDb: 6.0
My Rating: 9/10
Three
stories, three different eras, and one mysterious house. Through its surreal
stop-motion animation, The House explores how people project their
dreams, fears, and desires onto the places they call home.
Warning:
Contains depictions of alcohol use and smoking.Synopsis
The
House is divided into three chapters: "And Heard Within,"
"A Lie Is Spun, Then Lost Is Truth That Can't Be Won," and "Listen
Again and Seek the Sun." Although each chapter features different
characters and settings, they are all connected by the same house.
The
first story follows a struggling family—a father, mother, and their two young
daughters—who are constantly looked down upon by their wealthy relatives. Their
lives seem to change when the father meets a mysterious architect who offers
them a magnificent new house free of charge. However, after moving in,
unsettling events begin to unfold.
The
second story centers on a mouse who pours all of his savings into renovating a
house in hopes of selling it for a profit. Unfortunately, the project quickly
turns into a nightmare as a relentless insect infestation damages the property,
while a series of eccentric prospective buyers make the sale even more
complicated.
The
final chapter follows Rosa, a cat determined to preserve her apartment building
despite a devastating flood that has driven most of her tenants away. Refusing
to abandon the place she cherishes, Rosa continues renting to the few remaining
occupants—even though they never pay their rent and the future seems
increasingly uncertain.
Although
the stories appear unrelated, each explores a different relationship between
people and the homes they inhabit.
Review
One
of The House's greatest strengths is the way it connects three
completely different stories through a single location. Each chapter takes
place in a different era with its own cast of characters, yet the house remains
the emotional center of every narrative. Watching the stories unfold almost
feels like witnessing the life cycle of the building itself—from its creation
to its eventual transformation. This structure gives the anthology a satisfying
sense of continuity despite the changing timelines.
Visually,
the film is equally impressive. Although all three chapters are created using
stop-motion animation, each possesses a distinct artistic identity. The first
chapter embraces rich colors and handcrafted textures that proudly showcase the
beauty of stop-motion. The second feels more contemporary, with environments
that appear slightly more realistic while maintaining the medium's unique
charm. The third chapter adopts softer, more subdued color palettes that create
a calm, reflective atmosphere, making the stop-motion techniques feel almost
invisible.
The
first story is particularly engaging. Its mysterious atmosphere is strengthened
by carefully chosen music and sound design, creating an unsettling sense of
curiosity throughout. However, one detail feels slightly inconsistent. Isobel
is portrayed as a baby who is still unable to walk, yet later she survives
falling down a staircase and even climbs out of a window without assistance.
These moments feel difficult to reconcile with how her abilities are
established earlier in the story.
The
second chapter stands out through its clever storytelling, appealing color
palette, and memorable musical sequences. The narrative develops naturally,
making it difficult to predict where it is heading before revealing an
unexpected twist.
The
third chapter features the strongest character development. Rosa is written as
a sympathetic protagonist whose determination carries the emotional weight of
the story. The pacing flows smoothly, allowing viewers to appreciate her quiet
resilience. Even so, some elements remain intentionally ambiguous, particularly
the origin of the flood that has devastated the world around her. Likewise, the
ending may initially feel confusing, yet it leaves behind a symbolic message
that encourages reflection rather than offering clear answers.
Viewed
as a whole, The House is far more than an anthology of unusual stories.
Each chapter functions as a metaphor for different aspects of human nature—our
ambitions, our attachment to material possessions, and our struggle to find a
place where we truly belong. Beneath its surreal presentation lies a thoughtful
exploration of what "home" really means.
Memorable Scene
Each
chapter offers memorable moments, but the second story leaves the strongest
impression. After obsessively pursuing wealth and success, the mice ultimately
return to their natural forms.
The
transformation becomes a powerful metaphor. In chasing status and material
success, they gradually lose sight of who they truly are. Only after everything
falls apart do they rediscover their authentic selves.
Memorable Dialogue
"To fix this house, to make a home with good memories for myself."
Ending
Happy
Ending
Recommendation
Must
Watch
(Aluna
Uwie)
Had
been published in Alunauwie.com
"This article was originally written in Indonesian and has been adapted
into English for international readers."
 Review: A Surreal Stop-Motion Anthology About Home, Identity, and Human Desire){kind=link}
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