There’s a case to be made that the phrase “the real monster is trauma” has become somewhat of a cliché in today’s horror genre. Movies like Hereditary, The Babadook, and, to a lesser degree, Smile, showcase this idea prominently. However, few films have executed it as effectively as the 2020 release His House. The story centers around Bol and Rial, refugees from South Sudan, portrayed by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku. Both actors give exceptional performances that are hard to find in the horror genre, elevating His House beyond the typical narrative of being "haunted by trauma." Mosaku, in particular, brings a depth and screen presence that should, in a fair world, propel her to stardom.
While you might not seek out a horror film for dramatic performances—that’s just an added bonus—you definitely want the scares, and His House certainly delivers. Bol and Rial find themselves in a dilapidated house on the outskirts of London. The walls have holes, the wallpaper is peeling, and the electricity is unreliable. Despite this bleakness, it’s a roof over their heads and a chance to flee the civil war and genocide that tore apart their homeland.
Writer and director Remi Weekes quickly ramps up the tension. While there are jump scares, the real horror stems from a suffocating sense of unease. There’s something lurking within the walls, but there’s also a palpable dread that fills the air—not just in the house, but throughout the neighborhood. The new residents they encounter are anything but friendly. Every interaction with their neighbors is filled with an unsettling hostility.
Even those like their caseworker Mark (played by Matt Smith), who are meant to help Bol and Rial, can hardly disguise their disdain. As Bol strives to adapt, he grapples with the pressures of fitting into British culture coupled with the overwhelming guilt of those he left behind—those who didn’t survive the perilous journey drive him to the brink of madness. As the narrative unfolds, flashbacks reveal the harrowing lengths that Bol and Rial went to in order to escape the violence of South Sudan and the specters that now haunt them.
His House stands out as one of the rare films that masterfully combines the supernatural with real-world horrors and poignant drama. If you enjoy your scares paired with an emotional punch, you can stream His House on Netflix.
