Easily, one of the most boring films of 2022. Directed by David Bruckner, The Night House is a mystery, thriller which follows a recent widow Beth (Rebecca Hall) as she uncovers dark secrets about her husband. Thriller is the wrong word as little to none is present. Predictable jump scares make it less enjoyable along with the abstract form of storytelling. Surprised this project got the green light with a lack of cohesive plot, direction, and theme.

The Night House introduces the idea of a supernatural force at work, then abandons the concept near the second act to focus on indiscretions of her late husband, Owen (Evan Jonigkeit). A thorough line consistent throughout the movie, is its depressing tone. Beth rightfully mourns the loss of her lover, but there is nothing interesting about the character besides that. No background is given on who she is, how she met her husband or personal goals, leaving viewers estranged from the protagonist.

There’s 10 minutes of action in The Night House towards the final act. Doesn’t make any sense what is happening or why. The situation Beth finds herself in is adjacent to the classic trope of, “it’s all in your head.” Therefore, rendering the previous hour irrelevant as well as annoying. Beth is confined to a lake house where something tragic took place. In her solitude, she is haunted by something. Yes, the explanation is as vague as it sounds.

Identity crisis is the best way to describe The Night House. From mystery drama to horror, it shapeshifts and never settles on a proper form. With a near two-hour run time, at least one scene or character should standout. However, this is not the case at all. Not sure who the target audience is for this type of film, but The Night House should be scheduled for demolition. It earns a 4 out of 10.

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