Viewers have hailed it an ‘underrated masterpiece’ (Image: undefined)
As spooky season draws nearer, horror genre fans will be seeking out genuinely terrifying and unsettling offerings that warrant their attention.
Fortunately, a critically acclaimed film is broadcasting on television this evening that promises to keep viewers gripped, entertained and peeking nervously from behind their hands.
Boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 95%, the horror comedy Housebound will broadcast tonight, September 22, at 11.05pm on Film4.
The 2014 New Zealand horror comedy has been written, directed and edited by Gerard Johnstone, representing his feature film directorial debut. The film premiered globally at South by Southwest on March 10, 2014.
With Morgana O’Reilly starring as protagonist Kylie Bucknell, she’s accompanied by Rima Te Wiata, Glen-Paul Waru, Cameron Rhodes, Ross Harper, Ryan Lampp, Mick Innes, Bruce Hopkins, and Millen Baird, reports Wales Online.
The underrated horror comedy has a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: undefined)
The film’s official synopsis states: “A young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.”
Discussing what drove him to create the film, director Gerard Johnstone revealed to The Austin Chronicle: “I’ve always been fascinated with horror movies, but my background is in TV comedy so I hadn’t really thought about making a horror movie until I caught Ghosthunters on TV. That was the jumping off-point for the story, but along the way I became more influenced by classic ghost mysteries like The Changeling and The Legend of Hellhouse.”
Boasting an impressive approval rating of 95%, Housebound has won over both critics and audiences in equal measure.
One reviewer said: “Creating a funny, believable situation only to interrupt it with sudden spikes of fear is a tough trick to pull off, but Johnstone and team make it look spookily easy.”
Another critic noted: “What starts as a relatively conventional horror-comedy eventually pivots into something genuinely creepy, though without betraying its established blend of scares and laughs.”
The horror comedy ‘masterpiece’ is airing on Film4 tonight at 11.05pm (Image: undefined)
A third added: “A perfect marriage of horror and comedy, Housebound is an outstanding debut feature for writer/director Gerard Johnstone.”
Yet another critic described it as a ‘genuine delight’: “Funny and tense in equal measure, Housebound is a genuine delight. The production design of the house is a huge asset to the film’s success; director Johnstone knows exactly how to frame and shoot the action to maximize the frights and laughs.”
Viewers have been left equally captivated, with one fan writing: “Such an underrated masterpiece! Housebound is easily in my top 3 favourite movies of all time simply for its originality, humour, and unpredictability. I wish I could go back in time and watch it for the first time again.
“Going from thinking it was a ghost story, to a home invader story, to a ‘this crazy girl is seeing things’ story, then back again was an absolutely delicious unicorn that almost never happens with today’s predictable garbage. Pure cinematic gold.”
Another audience review of the New Zealand horror comedy says: “A hilarious mix of dark humour, mystery, and supernatural horror with unique and memorable characters. This is prime kiwi horror.”
One viewer said: “A very underrated movie. Once I saw it was a comedy I thought it was going to be like the scary movies but no it really casually seeked comedy into it, it also has a very unique plot.”
While another fan added: “Perfect example of how great storytelling, good pacing, talented actors, and well-delivered comedy can make the most basic and universal premise in horror (haunted house) a thrilling and refreshing watch.”
Housebound will air on television tonight, September 22, on Film4 at 11.05pm.
