“The House” : Halloween Haunted House Anthology

More Halloween anthologies are available than ever before, with creative individuals influencing each plot toward truly horrific notions. These episodes also incorporate some frightening realism and horror-satire comedy, as well as the genuine tenants of great horror films that go on to generate cult followings. Season 1 of The House adds a level of complication and richness to the concept of an old haunted house like this.

What if a house bought and occupied by unsuspecting homeowners and even criminals was built from an evil-spirited tree’s wood? What if it had a hunger and demanded regular sacrifices from these individuals? This is “the house’s” fundamental backstory, with each episode delivering a Halloween tale that uncovers the horrible events, histories, and significant people in this house’s life.

It’s a fascinating idea to anthologize and seemingly enrich one single object’s presence and effects, as done with “the house,” creating amusing stand-alone storylines that also develop into one thing when put together. At various instances, “the home” was a “unexplained phenomenon,” a break-in target, a “tree of wisdom,” and seeds on a hostile foreign world. 

There is also an alleged interconnectedness to be revealed toward the season’s end, weaving the tales and tying a knot that satisfies. Only one episode, the first, seems to stand by itself up to this point. It’s the story of a projectionist with mystical powers he willingly wields over unsuspecting moviegoers in danger of becoming part of their own horror film. When the connections are revealed, they come silently but leave a lasting impression.