REVIEW - A HOUSE ON THE BAYOU (2021)

A House on the Bayou is not all it seems. Starting off with some ordinary acting from Angela Sarafyan (Westworld, Extremely Wicked Shockingly Evil and Vile) and Paul Schneider (Parks and Recreation, NOS4A2) we are told the very familiar story of a married man cheating on his wife and their desperate attempt to fix the relationship by going on a family holiday. Can you guess where they go to reconcile?

I must admit I flicked this film on while doing chores around the house, thinking it would be a very simple plot that I could walk in and out of. Little did I know I would become invested in the life-changing events that play out at the House on the Bayou.

Jess (Sarafyn), John (Schneider) and their fourteen-year-old daughter Anna (played by Lia McHugh from Eternals and The Lodge) are joined by the local hicks in what you assume is going to be the typical home invasion/hostage situation - much like The Strangers or You're Next, but there are bigger forces at play.

With the appearance of Isaac and Grandpappy on the Chamber's doorstep, you really do start to believe that the devil is watching. Isaac, while seemingly innocent, soon shows his true colours - lighting candles with his fingers and summoning coyotes out of thin air.

A House on the Bayou tricks you every time you think you have it figured out. In no way is this a five-star movie, but it is interesting enough to be worth a watch for the horror aficionado. It follows the same old tropes we are used to in every horror film but rearranges them just enough to keep you on your toes. An easy, no-brainer horror to keep you company.

A House on the Bayou is streaming now on Paramount+.