His House could’ve been an amazing horror movie. And in many respects, it kind of was. We don’t think we’ve been that startled or intrigued as we were in the first half of this movie. The way that things unfolded when it came to the force haunting Bol and Rial in their own home was well put together and thought provoking. And we spent some time after this movie, researching and educating ourselves on their facial scars and the reality of what is happening to refugees in England. That’s where the good ends when it comes to His House. And we regret nothing when we say that.
The second half of the movie made you forget what had happened in the beginning. It made you forget where they came from, the journey that got them to this place, and why you liked His House in the first place. It suddenly transformed from a horror movie into this abusive and manipulative relationship where the man was claiming (in a crazed state, nonetheless) that this was his house when the spirits came knocking, while the woman watched on in horror, waiting for her opportunity to blow that popsicle stand.
And that’s where they lost us. We didn’t care what Bol, played by Sope Dirisu, had gone through. He was an abusive man who committed a terrible crime and got away with it. Where was his redemption arc? Where was him acknowledging the harm that he had caused his “daughter” Nyagak? Nowhere. That’s where it was at! And we’re supposed to cheer for him when brave and honest Rial saves him from the witch creature that tore its way through the floor tiles? We don’t think so.
We also didn’t and still can not understand why Rial decided to stay with her husband. What redeeming qualities did he have that were so worthy? If anything, Nyagak deserves that second chance at life, not Bol. He did nothing but destroy everything in his path because he wanted to survive no matter the cost. Nyagak was an innocent. And Rial should’ve taken what the witch creature offered and bring back the one person who did nothing wrong in this movie.
His House also had a major issue when it comes to Wunmi Mosaku. They underutilized her and it’s shame. This actress is a vision to watch on screen and we were hoping the story would give us more than a sad bought of guilt where Rial forgot and forgave her husband for stealing a child that was not theirs. Unfortunately, Rial didn’t blossom into the character that we hoped and we’re always going to wonder if this movie would’ve been better if they focused more on the powerhouse that is Mosaku.
And finally, the Matt Smith issue. He was wildly underutilized as well. For goodness sake, this is The Doctor you’re talking about here. He only fit in His House for a small side role with no real substance besides playing into the hands of those in the government who want to chuck refugees back home at the drop of a dime? Boring with a side of eye-roll soup. And I get that this wasn’t his story, his journey. But I still wanted more. His House would’ve benefited from being given a mini series run instead of a quick, with little to no explanation, reason as to why things happen the way they do in this movie.
So, save yourself the time and skip His House. It’s not what the trailers promised or what we expected at all.
His House is now available on Netflix.
