THE LAST HOUSE

SKIP IT. The movie features positive family dynamics and presents an interesting post-apocalyptic premise. However, the strong humanist worldview, elements of environmentalism, and dark themes create a difficult watch. The grim realities of post-apocalyptic survival, death, and hunger evoke heavy emotional responses and lead to horrific decisions. Characters die unnecessarily. People hunt animals for food while death looms everywhere.

They face difficult choices between bad and worse options. Children grow up in survival mode as parents navigate a new, daunting reality. The family sticks together and fights. The father’s strength and ingenuity keep them alive, but his hubris and desire for control distance him from humanity. Despite a positive redemption arc, observers find it hard to witness the cracks amidst numerous horrors. The ending leaves room for a possible sequel.

The film’s quality premise and detailed effects entertain and create a sense of dread. Supernatural elements lack clear explanations, and the final battle plan leaves something to be desired. The story features monsters, scary elements, violence, especially towards animals, some drug use, and dark themes means adults need to know what they're signing up for. It's a grueling experience that will easily alienate children, teenagers, and squeamish audiences alike.

A storm descends on Seattle, Washington. As the rain begins, a family finds they can't leave their house because of supernatural forces. They initially decide to make the best of it, sticking together and working out how to survive. But they discover more is lurking in the rain. As the neighbors around them begin to fall and food stores become scarce, they must get creative. Survival comes at a cost to their humanity, and they dream of something beyond the walls of their house. They will have to make difficult choices and stick together for any chance of survival. As a word of caution, many viewers are turning off the movie in disgust due to extreme animal cruelty and gore.

The premise captivates anyone who has experienced a pandemic lockdown in real life. The survival aspects surprise with their realism and resourcefulness; however, the supernatural elements lack believability and contain numerous logistical plot holes. The cinematography and effects impress. The aging set and surroundings create a realistic sense of time in a post-apocalyptic world, which often receives neglect in other movies and shows of this genre.

Greta Lee’s acting remains emotionless. The family infighting escalates in odd ways. However, viewers can comprehend such erratic behaviors given their situation. The film features pacing issues, with long stretches of monotony followed by hard-to-follow action toward the end. Overall, the movie delivers a gripping post-apocalyptic experience, provided viewers can suspend disbelief regarding the supernatural effects.

While there is a pro-family element to the movie, it's also rooted in a strong humanist worldview, peppered with environmentalist elements. A father is driven to borderline madness for survival in an unreal supernatural setting to keep his family alive.

While the family is resilient, he insists his ingenuity is the sole reason they're still alive. This is not the whole truth. He has lost his sense of humanity in the brutal process of survival. But when survival is no longer enough, and his family starts falling apart, he must begin thinking beyond his own control.

An otherworldly terror gives way to environmental elements. This is not man’s world alone, and man’s time is now at an end. There is a reference to global warming on the radio, citing an unseasonably warm Christmas.

Despite the positive family dynamics, well-done graphics, and an entertaining presentation that depicts a realistic and somewhat believable approach to survival in a post-apocalyptic scenario, we recommend skipping this one as it's a bleak exercise in pure horror. This film is not for children, teenagers, or those who are easily disturbed. The heavy dread and graphic violence require a highly seasoned horror fan with a strong stomach, and even they should rethink watching this one.