First House on the Hill

First House on the Hill, a 2017 indie horror film directed by Matteo Saradini, features an ensemble cast that includes notable stars such as Eugenia Kuzmina, Helene Udry, and Chloe Farnworth. This intense psychological thriller is meant to unsettle, confound, and keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning what will happen next. The film blends together a fresh perception of the horror genre with a solidly constructed narrative, in an attempt to do multiple things at once - it scares, it mystifies, and it leaves an indelible impression on your mind.

Kuzmina, Udy, and Farnworth - three dynamic actresses - pull together their distinctively captivating performances, communicating the horror, mystery, and suspense via their screen presence and acting prowess, in a film that rests primarily on the shoulders of its characters as much as its plot.

The movie revolves around four American buddies who, with a lust for life and an appetite for hedonistic adventures, decide to head out to Los Angeles, creating their American Dream. They are ready to spend fun-filled days under the Californian sun, not knowing what awaits them. Their determined quest for enjoyment leads them to rent a picturesque house situated at the top of a hill, seemingly the perfect location for their thrill-seeking adventure.

Upon their arrival, the friends are welcomed by the caretaker, a somewhat odd and aloof woman. What seems like the first sign of strangeness doesn't deter them from their plans, as they proceed ahead, unaware of the unimaginable horror that lies beneath this facade.

As the day passes and the veil of the night brings dark secrets to light, the fun-loving friends start experiencing strange happenings around the house. Unsettling revelations, chilling occurrences, and peculiar behaviors start occurring, even though the days continue as normal.

As the narrative progresses, the film begins a gradual crescendo of suspense, dipping its toes into the darker themes of paranoia and fear. It successfully creates a disturbing atmosphere that lurks within the house, stirring a chilling undertone that persists throughout the runtime. As the layers peel off, the movie progresses from being a mystery to becoming an outright horror, leaving the viewer anxious and eager to anticipate every forthcoming scene.

The unique narrative style of Matteo Saradini shines through this feature film. Saradini masterfully utilizes suspense to create an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. Even though the events are set in the usual context of a horror movie - a group of friends in an isolated house on a hill - it is the execution that sets this film apart.

First House on the Hill is crafted with careful precision; it successfully intertwines the familiarity of a horror film with intense psychological twists and turns. The cinematographer's use of light and shadows, the eerie soundtrack complementing the narrative, and the haunting imagery all combine to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere that keeps the viewers engaged to the very end.

This is not just a film that seeks to frighten; it also seeks to explore the characters' psychological depths and their complex, ever-changing dynamics. The talented cast delivers power-packed performances that accentuate the sense of horror. Eugenia Kuzmina, Helene Udy, and Chloe Farnworth, each bring a distinctive flavour to the character they play, enhancing the overall narrative.

While the film does make good use of conventional horror tropes, it's the psychological element that takes center stage. All in all, First House on the Hill is a gripping rollercoaster of a horror movie. It's a must-watch for those who thrive on suspense and psychological thrillers, offering a new interpretation of the traditional horror genre through its character-driven narrative, effective use of psychology, and a strong cast performance.