DON’T GO IN THE HOUSE

A moderate attempt at psychological horror that just misses the mark in terms of it’s excellence. The focus of the story is Donny Kohler, a man who we know isn’t all there from the start after he witnesses a co-worker accidentally set ablaze. Instead of helping the guy he just watches with a cold stare as if in a trance. When he returns home that night he finds his overbearing, abusive mother dead. After the initial shock wears off he does what anyone would do in this situation. He blasts some disco, jumps on a chair and smokes a cigarette. The purpose of these moments is to showcase the freedom he feels once the constraints of his demanding mother are lifted. But not all is well for Donny. The death of his mother awakens a hatred within him that has been suppressed for years. Socially awkward and lacking communication skills he goes out looking for women he tricks into coming over to his house. Once there, they are stripped, hung up by their wrists, doused with gasoline and burned alive with a flamethrower. The success of Don’t Go In The House lies heavily on the shoulders of Dan Grimaldi who plays Donny. He’s virtually in every scene and the movie doesn’t focus deeply on any other characters. They’re just there for Donny to play off of. I found Dan Grimaldi’s performance a bit schizophrenic. Sometimes playing it straight, other times over the top and at times underplaying the role I think helped convey how unstable this character is.. Whether that was intentional or not is another matter. Although the character is responsible for some grotesque acts, you kind of have some sympathy for him. I also liked how his MO was established with him offering help, usually in the form of transportation, to women in need of such assistance and then bringing them to his house. The house itself, which a large portion of the film takes place in, is the perfect choice. Some of the house is clean and immaculate while the rest is dilapidated and run down. Of course, being a horror movie, we are given a few thrilling moments. One in the form of a dream, another in a disco, and the creepy ending. Also, the image of a woman being roasted is disturbing, but that should go without saying. While other films of this nature have been better developed, Don’t Go In The House is still an interesting take of a man whose mind is deteriorating as he struggles to make his way in society.

Special Features: Audio Commentary with Dan Grimaldi/ Interview With Dan Grimaldi/ Hidden Behind The Matte - Selected Revealing Scenes Un-matted/ Shriek Show Trailers