The Shunned House 2003 Horror Movie Review

Why do I have to stumble upon great films

based on the work of H.P. Lovecraft almost

by accident when they deserve a high place

in the pantheon of horror cinema?

“Dagon” and now this one, “The Shunned House”.


This is one all-out freak-out of a haunted

(haunting?) house story.


It is loosely based on several of the stories

of H.P. Lovecraft, and therefore not actually

one at all, but it successfully achieves the

Lovecraftian sensibility. Well done!


It took me a while to return to my own

dimension after viewing it for the first time,

and, oh yes, I will watch it again, and again.


I loved the look and the sound.

Excellent soundtrack, both music and effects.


The cinematography appeared odd at first,

because it stared with a sort of ultra-realism

that I am not accustomed to,

but as the film progressed,

that sense of realism coupled with the other

goings-on heightened the weirdness factor for me.


The set, the rotten old house, is right on,

and the use of lighting and colors is excellent.


The film becomes a relentless assault on reality,

shifting between plot lines, time and dimensions.

Plenty of gross and bloody stuff too.


What, is outside the window

or under the basement?

We never really find out,

but we know that it is so horrible

that we’d rather not know.


Who, where, and when is the witch

and her sadistic partner

and what are they up to?

We never really find out,

but we know that it is so horrible

that we’d rather not know.


If you are a fan of horror films,

this is one that you ought to see.