The House of the Devil

The House of the Devil

Year: 2009

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Ti West

ThrillerHorror

In the midst of a haunting lunar eclipse, a college student's innocent babysitting gig turns sinister when she finds herself trapped in a foreboding Victorian mansion with no sign of the expected child. As darkness descends, Sam must confront the unsettling atmosphere and a cast of suspicious characters, including a lurking stranger, to survive the night alive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The House of the Devil yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The House of the Devil (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The House of the Devil (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1983

The film is set in 1983, a time marked by a fascination with horror and supernatural themes in cinema. This era, known for its iconic slasher films, also reflects a cultural backdrop rich with experimentation and the exploration of fear, which resonates in the movie's tense atmosphere.

Location

Secluded House, Cemetery

The movie primarily takes place in a secluded house where Samantha takes a babysitting job. This eerie house is filled with unsettling secrets and sinister decorations, including satanic symbols. A nearby cemetery also features prominently, serving as the location where Megan meets her tragic fate.

🏡 House ⚰️ Cemetery

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Main Characters – The House of the Devil (2009)
Meet the key characters of The House of the Devil (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue)

Samantha Hughes is a resourceful yet naive young woman seeking independence from her chaotic living situation. Her financial desperation leads her to accept a babysitting job despite the ominous signs around her. As the night unfolds, she transforms from a hopeful dreamer to a fierce survivor, showcasing her resilience and fighting spirit.

👩‍🎤 Lead 🔍 Naive 💪 Resilient

Mrs. Ulman (Mary Woronov)

Mrs. Ulman is an unsettling character who adds to the atmosphere of dread in the film. She embodies a mix of eerie charm and malevolence, with her peculiar remarks that hint at darker undercurrents. Her role is pivotal as she represents the horrifying reality that Samantha must confront.

👵 Villain 🎭 Eerie 🏚️ Malevolent

Mr. Ulman (Tom Noonan)

Mr. Ulman is a sinister figure who lures Samantha into a trap under the guise of a normal babysitting job. His unsettling demeanor and cryptic conversations build an aura of dread surrounding him. He serves as both a deceptive host and a fierce adversary, further intensifying the film's horror elements.

👨‍💼 Villain 🕵️‍♂️ Deceptive 🏠 Sinister

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Major Themes – The House of the Devil (2009)
Explore the central themes of The House of the Devil (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌒 Fear

Fear is a central theme in 'The House of the Devil', driving the characters to make desperate choices. The terror of the unknown manifests as Samantha faces both physical and psychological threats within the eerie confines of the house. The film builds upon traditional horror motifs, emphasizing the fear of isolation and vulnerability.

🔪 Survival

Survival is a poignant theme as Samantha navigates a life-threatening situation. Her initial naivety transforms into fierce determination as she fights against the sinister forces aligned against her. The theme is highlighted by her struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds, ultimately culminating in a tragic and desperate choice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Similar Movies to The House of the Devil
Discover movies like The House of the Devil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.