According to writer Shirley Jackson, some houses are symbols of evil. This concept was part of his book. The Haunting of Hill House, his first novel and a classic of American literary horror. A perception that spread to the work of other writers and became one of the topics of greatest interest in genre literature. Especially when cinema began adapting some of its most intriguing stories and turning them into hits on the big screen. The result was large family estates transformed into objects of horror or hidden behind their elegant façades, manifestations of evil.
This phenomenon has only grown. Over the past forty years, films about haunted buildings and places have become one of the public’s favorites. In particular, by abandoning the usual image of an unknown creature or entity, focusing on walls, ceilings and dark rooms. Time and time again, horror films explore the possibilities of large buildings, By becoming part of the knowledge of evil objects and artifacts, reach a new level.
As a result, the major streaming platforms’ catalogs include some of the best mansion and haunted house films. We leave you with five that you can watch right now in the marathon. From reimagining a beloved Disneyland attraction to the horror that comes with a renovation. A collection that captures the fear, nostalgia and even humor that this subgenre has to offer.
The Haunted Mansion (Disney+)
This may seem like the least likely choice for a list of terrifying films, but the film is actually much more than it seems. Film version of the attraction magic kingdom, not only takes the story it tells to the next level. Also add context about pain, mourning and redemption that make the film a strange and moving version of the theme.
Mimicking the original New Orleans Square section of Disneyland frame by frame, the visuals of Justin Simien’s film are an homage. But more than that, it’s an independent story with a great cast. Not only does it recreate some of the most hilarious and terrifying moments from the original.
At the same time, he uses them as part of a story in which each character has to find a reason to continue living. Much more, to forgive—and to be forgiven—in the midst of a plot that uses the supernatural to tell a story about the pain of mourning and loss. Of course, the film is recommended only for fans. But if you want to laugh and have a few shocks at the same time, this is your option.
Dark House (Disney+)
David Bruckner, director Ritual in 2017 and is surprised by his ability to uncover dark secrets in unusual places. This becomes more evident in this 2020 film. The plot follows Beth (Rebecca Hall) as she copes with the sudden death of her husband. As she tries to rebuild her life at her lake house, she begins to encounter unexplained phenomena and uncover disturbing secrets about the deceased.
Even though it is technically a horror film, the script also uses the properties of the main character and his environment to analyze the fear. Beth He embarks on a journey of self-discovery and confronting his own fears. The visuals play with the reality and perception of the character, creating a constant sense of intrigue and tension.
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But in the end Dark House, this is a story about death. About what is lost as a result of a violent event and its consequences, as well as the psychological consequences it leaves behind. All this in the middle of a structure that symbolizes both the pain of what was lost and the fear of the future. A balance that the film maintains until the shocking end.
Paranormal Activity: Close Friends (Movistar+)
Saga is one of the most noticeable when used found footage as a way to analyze fear. But it’s the seventh installment that also dares to mix folk horror with the original premise. The film, directed by William Eubank, released in 2021, is essentially a reboot of the franchise and has an independent story.
The story follows Margo (Emily Bader) as she travels to an Amish community and meets her biological family. He soon discovers that there is more to the city than an isolated religious group. At the same time, they participate in paranormal rituals. As Margo delves deeper into her discoveries, she becomes embroiled in a series of terrifying events. Especially when she discovers that she is connected to each of them.
Ribbon keeps style found footage from the previous ones. Therefore, he uses video cameras and surveillance cameras to capture supernatural events. The premise then focuses on gradually building tension as the characters face darkness. In the end, it is clear that history wants to give the opportunity for new stories connected to the central trunk. This would make the production a second chronology of the main saga.
I Am the Sweet Creature Who Lives in This House (Netflix)
The psychological and supernatural horror film directed by Oz Perkins, released in 2016, is a rarity in the platform’s catalogue. Moreover, this is a visual and narrative experiment that surprises with new places on the screen. The plot tells the story Lili Taylor (Ruth Wilson), a nurse who moves into an old mansion to care for an elderly horror writer.
The plot unfolds in a slow and atmospheric setting, therefore focusing on loneliness and fear of the unknown. Lily begins to experience strange phenomena that worsen her mental health. Something that forces him to face his mortality and at the same time the sinister presence around him.
Oz Perkins (son of the legendary Anthony Perkins) manages to create a unique emotional tension that defies the usual shocks. Why does the director use elements of classical storytelling? terror, which create an alarming atmosphere.
Curse on the Third Floor (Prime)
Travis Stevens turned this short film, released in 2019, into an exploration of modern evil. The plot is as follows Don Koch (CM Punk), who is trying to renovate an old country house before his pregnant wife moves in with him. However, with the start of repairs Don discovers that the place has a dark past and is filled with evil supernatural forces.
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The film takes place in a depressing environment where the building itself seems ominous. As Don confronts his past and the hidden secrets around it, the film uses elements of body horror to create a disturbing experience. It’s a strange hybrid that makes the film a unique example of the haunted house genre.
Source: Hiper Textual
