Don't Go In The House

Don't Go In The House, directed by Joseph Ellison and released in the year 1979, is a psychological horror film that explores the dark contours of human psyche and the inherent fear that resides in each of us. The movie stars Dan Grimaldi, Charles Bonet, and Bill Ricci, who collectively create a palpable air of suspense, terror and intrigue.

The movie tells the chilling tale through its troubled protagonist named Donny Kohler, played masterfully by Dan Grimaldi. Residing in a gloomy and decrepit mansion, Donny evolves into a compelling character who emanates a disturbing hidden reality beneath the surface of seemingly normal, daily life. He works in an incinerator where he has a shocking experience that triggers the resurfacing of his deeply repressed traumatic memories from childhood.

As a character, Donny's world is dominated by the towering figure of his tormentor mother who was an abusive and erratic woman. Raised in a sternly disciplined environment, with a mother who harbored horrifying beliefs about purity and evil, the line between punishment and torture was severely blurred for young Donny. And after his mother's death, the invisible chains of past traumas keeps him tied to the past, despite now living alone in the same haunting house.

The storyline often oscillates between the present and the dark past, revealing snippets of Donny's traumatic childhood, painting a vivid picture of his disturbed psychology. After his macabre experience at work, Donny begins to perform horrifying acts in a desperate attempt to confront his past. Paranoia and hallucinations serve as warning signs of his deep-seated hatred become recurring elements in the movie's narrative, steering it towards an uncanny and eerie horror-scape.

Co-starring Charles Bonet and Bill Ricci, who play his co-workers at the incinerator plant, their performances play a crucial role in the narrative. Bonet's character, Ben, establishes a stark contrast against Donny's, creating an integral subplot in the movie; whereas, Ricci portrays Bobby, another worker who ends up being involved in Donny's disturbing world. The interplay between these characters, and how Donny interacts with them through his twisted perception, furthers the sinister narrative and escalates the tension, reinforcing the disturbing mood of the movie.

Don't Go In The House spins a haunting tale of psychological decay that swiftly plunges into absolute horror. It is an exploration of how our past shapes us, how trauma becomes a looming figure in our lives, and the terrifying descent of a man on the brink of sanity. The power of the film lies both in its narrative and the eerie atmosphere created through its setting and characters.

Visually, the film is a moody piece of horror cinema with a strong leaning towards exploitation territory. The cinematographical efforts presented breathe life into the bleak surroundings of the old mansion and the incinerator worksite, establishing the atmosphere that amplifies the psychological terror. With the subtle use of special effects and imaginative cinematography, the movie successfully engenders a lingering sense of discomfort and fear, keeping the viewers on the cusp of fear till the very end.

The movie also incorporates unsettling themes like corporal punishment, matricide and pyrophobia, which, though potentially sensitive to some viewers, reinforces the tense and grim ambiance of the movie.

The eerie and disconcerting musical score enhances the chilling tone of the film and aids in serving the fear-stricken atmosphere on a platter to the viewer. The low budget nature of the film doesn't diminish the impact or the heavy psychological toll it illustrates through its dark narrative. With its strong character development and narrative construction, the movie stays true to its genre and delivers an uncompromising portrayal of psychological horror.

In essence, Don't Go in the House stands as a chilling testament to the harrowing impact of psychological abuse and trauma. It takes us deep into the mind of a man warped by disturbing childhood experiences, making it a unique and unsettling cinematic experience. The film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts in search of a psychologically fraught storyline punctuated with suspense and terror. An unsettling dive into the fragility of our mental states and the demons of our past, Don't Go In the House ensures its audience remains transfixed in a state of dread and battling an uncomfortable sense of fear throughout its chilling run.