Housebound

Housebound is an unconventional horror-comedy film from New Zealand, released in 2014, directed by Gerard Johnstone and featuring Morgana O'Reilly, Rima Te Wiata, and Glen-Paul Waru in the lead roles.

The plot pivots around the protagonist character, Kylie Bucknell, played by the captivating Morgana O'Reilly. Kylie is a rebellious young woman with a knack for getting into trouble. When she is caught for theft and attempted ATM robbery, a judge orders her to return to her childhood home, which is now a halfway house under the watchful gaze of the state, effectively placing her under house arrest. Away from the city's conveniences, Kylie is back in the world of small-town gossips and old neighborhood squabbles, forced to live under the same roof as her overbearing mother, Miriam, portrayed by the entertaining Rima Te Wiata.

Anxious to get through her sentence and get out of her childhood house, Kylie attempts to navigate the humdrum of prison life within her own home. Her quirky mother Miriam, not mellowed with age, is still obsessively religious and continually talks about the house being "haunted."

As if a return to the juvenile rowdiness wasn't bad enough, Kylie's skeptic outlook is challenged when strange occurrences begin to manifest themselves. From inexplicable noises, moving objects, to uncanny encounters, these events are not only eerie but also increasingly menacing. The troubled protagonist has no choice but to take her mother's haunting claim seriously, and this realization ushers in a twist in the narrative, taking the audience on a thrilling ride of unexpected turns.

Parole officer Amos, endearing yet unconventional, is brought to life through Glen-Paul Waru's portrayal. He is a believer in the supernatural and assists Kylie in her terrifying quest to uncover the truth about their house. Their journey to unearth the reality behind the eerie occurrences shrouds them in a cloak of suspense and mystery that unravels throughout the film, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

However, the movie's real strength lies in its ability to shift tonality. It trends on an incredibly fine line of drama and dark humor, somehow managing to build terror and incite laughter simultaneously, an attribute that sets it apart from traditional horror movies. Johnstone uses horror tropes judiciously, as he consorts with comedy to create a distinct and memorable style, making Housebound genuinely engaging.

The beauty of Housebound also lies in its tightly woven narrative. Every character, every line, and every scene seems to serve a purpose, ensuring the storyline moves fluidly, and the viewers are never allowed to lose interest. The film also does an incredible job with its special effects and sounds, adding another layer to its superlative production value.

Intensely brought to life by a strong cast and directed with finesse by Gerard Johnstone, Housebound effectively melds horror with comedy, providing an entertaining spin on both genres. Morgana O'Reilly in the lead role delivers an immensely believable performance as the cynical, troubled young woman, while Rima Te Wiata as her obsessive mother breathes life and comic relief into the character. Glen-Paul Waru as the goofy but dedicated Amos adds another dimension to the story, rounding off a charming set of principal characters.

Overall, Housebound is an odd but delightful blend of horror and comedy, elevated by its well-crafted storytelling, strong performances, and confident direction. It convincingly tests the waters of both genres and expertly combines them into a single package, resulting in a movie that is as entertaining as it is unique. It's a must-watch for fans of horror, comedy, or anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller that promises not just chills but laughs too.