“The Empty House” is dark, suspenseful, and beautiful looking horror short that explores the horrid nature and consequences of complicity.
In the town of Blairsville sits an empty house. Julie, a young designer, has just arrived for a big-money job before her baby is born, but not all is right with the couple who called her here.
Filled with moody aesthetics and uneasy tension, The Empty House is a Rondo Hatton award-nominated film that is a must-watch for those who enjoy a visually powerful film with an equally charged message.
The film follows a pregnant young decorator who attends the house of a client. She is frazzled due to her lateness, yet despite the tension between her and her employers, she decides to stay the night. At the mercy of her clients’ mysterious and strange behavior, she will soon face the full front of their deep-rooted secret.
Since there are few moral heroes in this narrative, we must find them in regards to the storytelling.
The cinematography was a personal favorite, with a rather modern Dracula-like vibe — intense shadows and blank rooms leaving plenty of space for the ongoing tension and suspense throughout the film.
The sound design also contributed to this aesthetic, further fueling the intensity of certain scenes. The actors and director also do an impeccable job of establishing the obvious and dangerous power dynamics within such a short period of time.
The mystery behind the couple who employs our main character is well-built and well-paced. The gem of the film resigns in the message within the narrative which revolves the deadly complicity of those surrounding the main character, and how dangerous and toxic authority can prevail due to such complicity.
Overall, “The Empty House” drives a powerful story with a message that is equally timeless and important. The grim but suspenseful storyline brings such a message to life, along with the dark and creepy aesthetics and tight, riveting sound design.
The Empty House is now available to watch for free on Amazon Prime.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 Butterflies): 4
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