House (1985) Review: Classic 80s Horror with Surreal Thrills & Dark Comedy

Title:
House (1985)

Writer(s):
Fred Dekker

Director:
Steve Miner

Main Cast: Actor (Character):
William Katt (Roger Cobb), George Wendt (Harold Gorton), Richard Moll (Big Ben), Kay Lenz (Terry), Jenny Wright (Hannah Cobb)

Synopsis

Roger Cobb, a novelist grieving the loss of his wife, moves into his Aunt Elizabeth’s old, secluded house to recover and find inspiration for his next book. However, he quickly discovers the house is far from ordinary. Strange occurrences, supernatural entities, and bizarre creatures start appearing, challenging his sanity and forcing him to confront the dark secrets of his own past. The line between reality and nightmare blurs as Roger must survive the house’s increasingly terrifying and surreal horrors.

What Works

House is a unique blend of horror and dark comedy, mixing surreal visuals with traditional haunted house scares. Director Steve Miner crafts an imaginative and unsettling atmosphere, using practical effects and inventive set pieces to create memorable moments of both terror and absurdity.

William Katt delivers a grounded performance as Roger Cobb, balancing the character’s grief with reactions to increasingly bizarre situations. The film’s tonal shifts—from humour to horror—are handled with a playful yet eerie touch, making the experience unpredictable and entertaining.

The supporting cast, including George Wendt and Richard Moll, provide memorable and often humorous interactions that complement the supernatural chaos. The film’s inventive monster designs and practical effects have aged well, giving House a distinctive 1980s horror charm.

What Doesn’t Work

The film’s tonal shifts may feel jarring to some viewers, as the mix of comedy and horror isn’t always seamless. Certain sequences rely heavily on 1980s practical effects, which may appear dated to modern audiences accustomed to CGI.

Pacing can also be uneven; some scenes drag slightly while others rush through key plot developments. Additionally, the narrative’s surreal aspects may confuse viewers expecting a traditional haunted house story.

Final Thoughts: Does It Hold Up?

Yes, House remains a cult classic that rewards fans of quirky, imaginative horror. Its blend of humour, inventive visuals, and eerie atmosphere makes it a standout 1980s horror film, especially for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling and practical effects.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of 1980s horror and cult classics.
• Viewers who enjoy dark humour mixed with supernatural horror.
• Those who appreciate practical effects and inventive creature designs.
• Fans of surreal, unpredictable storytelling in horror films.

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Audiences expecting a straightforward haunted house narrative.
• Viewers sensitive to tonal shifts between comedy and horror.
• Those preferring modern, CGI-heavy visual effects.

Final Verdict

House (1985) is a quirky, imaginative horror-comedy that combines surreal visuals, practical effects, and memorable performances to create a cult classic experience for fans of unconventional 1980s horror.