His House

A transcendent and imperative film for today’s World. A must-see for anyone and everyone. Deeply touching and a gateway for a new kind of horror.

This film was a surprise to me. I had never heard of it at all before its debut on Netflix. Thanks to Netflix’s recommendation list, I decided to give it a watch one Sunday afternoon and boy was I surprised.

Many of you, non-horror fans, might feel hesitant in pressing play on this one, but let me warn you now this is not your typical horror venture. The elements of a horror film are present but are used in an inventive manner in which culture, guilt, and adaptation are as widely present and central to its story.

Plot Summary

His House follows the story of Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) as they settle as new refugees in England. Fleeing from war-torn South Sudan, with their daughter Nyagak, they cross the Mediterranean Sea and face life-changing horrors that follow them to their new home.

Characters

Both Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku deliver remarkably outstanding performances.

Wunmi Mosaku’s performance was impeccable and transcendent in every sense of the word. She delivers her most impeccable performance which is both grounded and powerful. Her character’s back story of surviving by belonging nowhere speaks to the truth and real-life horror which every refugee is too familiar with.

Sope Dirisu’s performance is equally powerful and unforgettable. Both of these actors deserve more work.

Director and Writer

British writer and director, Remi Weeks, delivers an outstanding debut film. He explores the real-life horrors of a refugee’s journey to freedom along with supernatural and psychological twists which derive from its leads cultural background. The camera play, lighting, and production design all contribute to the success of the film.

The film inhabits much of the haunted house horror elements but with a deeper psychological exploration of the trauma of fleeing one’s home and feeling guiltily undeserving of such.

His House explores the difficulties that millions of refugees around the world face in leaving their home behind, adapting to a country that does not want them, and the survivor’s guilt that comes with the knowledge of those left behind.

Conclusion

There’s not much I can say without spoiling the movie. However, I must say that I have never seen a film such as this which accurately explores the struggles that are associated with the refugee community. Do yourself a favour a watch it.