The House of the Devil (Blu-ray) Blu-ray, 2009

Pretty college sophomore Sam is desperate to earn some cash for a deposit on an apartment so accepts a babysitting job with the sinister Ulmans. When she discovers that no baby exists in the household, Sam discovers the Ulmans have lured her to their diabolical mansion deep in the woods for their own devices. Left alone in the house, something stirs in the rooms high above Sam. Outside, as a lunar eclipse begins, it becomes clear that she will end the night in a bloody fight for her life with whatever horror is locked in the house with her.

An interestingly retro horror movie set in the 80s, better in its sure-footed build-up than at its climax. Helmed by Ti West, The House of the Devil features Jocelin D... more >

An interestingly retro horror movie set in the 80s, better in its sure-footed build-up than at its climax. Helmed by Ti West, The House of the Devil features Jocelin Donahue as a vulnerable, impoverished college student trying to rustle up a deposit on a new flat. She takes a one-off babysitting job for a mysterious employer. What follows is slow-burn terror that owes not little to Ira Levin's Rosemary's Baby, but is none the worse for that. It's refreshing to see a genre move concentrate on atmosphere before delivering the requisite grue. < less

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