Home Made

Home Made is a British horror film from 2008, directed and written by Jason Impey, who also stars in the movie. During its time, this independent film gained attention in the horror film circles for its gritty realism and grim portrayal of its sinister subject matter.

Home Made is set in the confined space of a suburban British home, where the main characters dwell, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. Each room of this supposedly safe and familiar environment is slowly turned into a scene of unimaginable horror as the plot unfolds, drastically changing the perception of home from haven to a dwelling of terror in the viewers' eyes.

Jason Impey stars as the central character in Home Made, showcasing his range not only as a horror director but also as a compelling actor capable of portraying a deeply unsettling and disturbed character. The depth and nuances to his performance give the audience an insight into the tormented psyche of a character capable of horrific acts.

Matthew Verity and Sarah Gardner join Impey in major roles, delivering convincing performances that help to paint a vivid and horrifying picture of the events that unfold. Adam Pledger effectively rounds off the small, intimate cast, and each actor plays a crucial role in creating an oppressive ambience and a deeply psychological narrative.

One of the strengths of the movie that stands out is its storytelling mode. Home Made uses a 'found footage' style method of storytelling which seems almost voyeuristic and intensely personal, making the fear more real and visceral. The erratic handheld camera work gives an authentic feel to the film, mimicking the look of homemade videos, which intensifies the horror of the unfolding events.

The dense narrative not only relies on gore and explicit scenes to create a sense of horror. Instead, it provides a nuanced psychological insight into the making and mind of a killer. The suspenseful plot generates a gripping story of domestic horror where the most frightening elements are the unknown motives and depths of human depravity.

Home Made is a film that challenges conventional cinematic norms in terms of budget, storytelling, and location. The limited-budget production does not hinder the film's quality. Instead, it has used these limitations creatively and successfully to its advantage, creating a raw, unfiltered horror experience that leaves the audience shell-shocked.

The film displays a mastery of creating suspense with minimal resources. The home's confinement and the handheld camera create terror in the mundane. The mundane household setting's transformation into a site of terrifying horror becomes symbolic and parallels the transformation of the characters, from ordinary humans to agents of fear.

The score and sound design of the movie do a commendable job in setting the tone for what unfolds on screen. Silence is often used effectively to develop tension while the abrupt departure from silence to loud noises adds an element of surprise.

In terms of visuals, Home Made confidently presents a stark contrast between the familiarity of everyday life and the horrors that lurk beneath the surface, creating juxtapositions that further enhance the film's unsettling tone. The location is ordinary, yet what happens within that location is anything but ordinary. It successfully turns a traditional and familiar setting into an eerie sight of horror.

Controversial, unsettling, and provocative, Home Made is a film that leaves no audience member undisturbed. This film's challenging narrative elements make it a unique and intriguing addition to the horror genre. Even though its content may not appeal to everyone, its grim and genuine execution is impossible to ignore.

Home Made is not a film for the faint-hearted. It is a movie that delves into the darkest recesses of the human mind, playing upon primal fears and the utter loss of any semblance of safety. It provides horror lovers with a raw, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression, highlighting Jason Impey’s dexterity both behind and in front of the camera.