The House with 100 Eyes (Movie Review)

A confronting and disturbing as House of 1000 Corpses (2003), The Devil’s Rejects (2005), and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), comes new release via Artsploitation Films on DVD June 16th titled The House with 100 Eyes. Written and directed by Jim Roof (Murderabilia 2009), who co-directed with Jay Lee (LogHeads 2014, Gutter Slut 2014), Roof also stars as the titular star, Ed. From the outset, it is clear that The House with 100 Eyes is not for the faint of heart. Told by Found Footage, and alluding to the fact it is a true story, The House with 100 Eyes tells the story of a unassuming married couple, Susan (Shannon Malone: Zombie Strippers!  2008, Alyce Kills 2011) and Ed. The events take place in modern day by Found Footage. Susan and Ed appear to be like any other married couple in suburban America, and could even live next door, that is until they start talking.

Still from The House with 100 Eyes

At the beginning of the movie, Susan and Ed are filming themselves and telling the camera that they plan to make a movie. This is no ordinary movie, in fact it is in the worst and most taboo kind; a snuff film. They intend to go further than any snuff film has before by filming the entire process. Instead of one victim, they are amping things up by including three victims, or as they refer to them, cast members. Susan and Ed discuss killing people and filming just as they would if they were discussing something as inane as planting a tree. On the outside, they look like normal people, but just under the surface lies cold, sadistic sociopaths.

Each day, they troll the streets, looking for victims, AKA cast members, and they encounter a few hiccups along the way, but eventually meet Jamie (Larissa Lynch: Invitation to Darkness 2009, 1000 Ways to Die 2011), Crystal (Liz Burghdorf: Miss Dirt 2008, Friends 4ever 2011), and Clutch (Andrew Hopper: Exact Change Only 2012, Live to Tell 2012). Ed lures them into the van with the promise of money for showing up. Desperate for cash, the three agree to go back to Ed and Susan’s home. Once back at the house, after a few drinks, Susan and Ed waste no time introducing their cast to their homemade torture chamber/set. Jumping into the action, they begin torturing and tormenting each one of them with relish. The trio undergo a number of horrific experiences with seemingly no hope of help or survival. Chances are, no one will even know they are missing. Their tenacity and will to survive push them to at least try. Scene by bloody scene, Susan and Ed vent their pain, anger, and frustration at mankind onto their victims, the camera filming it all for prosperity, and hopefully cold, hard cash.

Still from The House with 100 Eyes

However, Susan and Ed may have gotten more than they bargained for with their reluctant house guests. As their plan unravels before their eyes, they begin to turn on each other and the cracks in their relationship appear. Under the guise of a middle American family are two of the most depraved killers to ever team up. One can only hope that this is truly a work of fiction, for if it is not, it is a terrifying thought. Roof really puts himself out there, playing Ed with a disturbing intensity, but does not do so at the expense of the plot. Each character has depth and issues which are explored succinctly and effectively. Roof pushes the envelope in terms of Slasher/Gore films, delivering not just an action-packed, tension filled movie, but also a sound, albeit twisted, storyline.

Still from House with 100 Eyes

The House with 100 Eyes is not for everyone, and some scenes may offend viewers, however, it all has its place. With graphic violence, blood and gore, it has fast-paced action and a disturbingly sadistic plot, sure to shake even the sturdiest of nerves. Hoping to open peoples eyes to the depravity that is out there, The House with 100 Eyes has certainly succeeded in that regard. Well-acted by a small cast, with the events mostly taking place at night time, the special effects are terrifyingly brutal, yet realistic, that complement a scary, creepy atmosphere created by the cinematography. Watch it if you dare, CrypticRock.com scores The House with 100 Eyes 4 out of 5 stars.

Artsploitation Films