Is Not The House Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 2021 release of Not The House stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into "Kay's compulsive property viewing becomes a problem when a supernatural estate agent forces her to start a new life in an empty house" A short film written in response to Mann-Booker Prize winner Marieke Lucas Rijneveld's original short story of the same title. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: ""Kay's compulsive property viewing becomes a problem when a supernatural estate agent forces her to start a new life in an empty house" A short film written in response to Mann-Booker Prize winner Marieke Lucas Rijneveld's original short story of the same title. Both pieces commissioned by writing platform Alexander alxr.com/ The process behind this film was an unusual, but very stimulating one. I was asked to make a film to exist as a companion piece for Marieke's new story, but rather than simply adapting it for screen I was invited to interpret & reimagine it in whatever way I wished. This freedom allowed for a really interesting creative process and has lead to an outcome where we have two brand new, wholly distinct stories that are nonetheless unmistakably close cousins- sharing a huge amount of creative and thematic DNA. After you watch the film I encourage you to read Marieke's story- it's great, and you might enjoy exploring the crossover of the two things."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Olivia Emden provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Oscar Hudson is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 8 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Not The House truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Not The House explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Oscar Hudson respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Not The House is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Olivia Emden or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Not The House is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.