Best Horror Movies On Netflix: Review Of ‘I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House’

Some of the best horror movies are on Netflix, and now their latest original joins that list: I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House. Netflix has released original movies in genres of comedy, drama, and action, but I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House…is their first horror flick. Lily is a young nurse that is hired to help an elderly woman, Iris. Iris is an author of ghost stories, but her creepy house also has a tale to tell.

This slow-burn ghost story is likely not to please those looking for constant startles or jump-scares, but for those that appreciate a well-told narrative that’s eerie, then look no further. Given the fact that the runtime is just under 90 minutes, the slow-burn style works well for this story of the macabre. Audiences shouldn’t go into this expecting a pure horror movie, but rather, a compelling drama that blends in elements of horror throughout the picture.

At times, this movie feels more like a play. The entire film takes place in one location, a house that was built during the 1800s. And there are only four main actors and actresses: Paula Prentiss (The Stepford Wives), Bob Balaban (Mascots), Lucy Boynton (The Blackcoat’s Daughter), and the main character (Lily) is portrayed by Ruth Wilson (Saving Mr. Banks). A unique ingredient to this movie is that there are moments when the characters break the fourth wall, by staring directly into the camera with a narrative directed towards the audience.

The cinematography of this Netflix film is pure art. From the way simple objects are shot to the use of light and shadows, and even in the manner that the ghosts move, the visuals are absolutely stunning. The movie jumps back-and-forth between two periods of time, but it does this so brilliantly that the overall creepy tone of the movie never shifts.

Many horror movies overuse special effects. This often entices the opposite reaction from audiences that the filmmakers were intending. This Netflix film successfully avoids that pitfall. Like horror movies of yesteryear, the minimal use of special effects adds to the creepiness. And when they are used, it is very effective. The minimal use of background music also adds to the horror.

Ruth Wilson gives an excellent performance that projects transformation of emotion, transcending the screen to the audience. When she is scared, most likely the viewers will be as well. An experienced actress, Paula Prentiss realizes less can be more. Her performance is downright creepy.

There is a scene where an Anthony Perkins’ movie is playing on a television. This is fitting since his son (Osgood Perkins) directed the film. The Village Voice expounds on his directing of Netflix’s I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House.

“It’s no coincidence Perkins’s father is Anthony Perkins, of Psycho fame (and so many other less commercially successful but art-house worshiped movies), because there are easily shades of his father’s subtly chilling yet undeniably endearing performances in this film. [It] is the very best of gothic horror, that which needles at your insecure core and whispers in your ear what you already suspected: You will never be all right.”

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Though this movie has a couple of scenes that are unsettling, it doesn’t produce any moments that are completely terrifying. But at no point will the audience feel safe. The unique story, paired with the artistic presentation, makes I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House one of the best horror movies on Netflix.

[Featured Image by Netflix]