The House of the Devil

The House of the Devil

Year: 2009

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Ti West

ThrillerHorror

During a lunar eclipse, a young college student accepts a babysitting job that quickly takes a dark turn. Arriving at the secluded Victorian house, she discovers the child she's supposed to watch is nowhere to be found. As night falls, she finds herself isolated with a group of unsettling strangers, and must confront the eerie atmosphere and growing suspicion to uncover the sinister truth and survive the night.

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

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Slow Burn Retro Horror Movies like The House of the Devil

Atmospheric horror that builds unbearable tension through patient pacing and vintage style.If you liked the patient, dread-filled build-up and vintage aesthetic of The House of the Devil, you'll find more movies with a similar slow burn horror style here. These films use deliberate pacing and an oppressive atmosphere to create a deeply unsettling experience.

slow burnatmosphericdread-filledretrosuspensefulominousclaustrophobic

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist entering an unfamiliar and increasingly threatening environment. The narrative unfolds slowly, focusing on subtle signs of wrongness and a growing feeling of isolation before culminating in a violent or psychologically shattering climax.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to a slow-burning pace, a focus on atmospheric dread over cheap thrills, and a distinct retro or period feel that enhances the sense of unease. The viewing experience is defined by a suffocating build-up of tension.

Movies about Isolation and Occult Deception like The House of the Devil

Stories of characters lured into isolated settings for sinister, ritualistic purposes.Fans of The House of the Devil who enjoyed the theme of a deceptive babysitting job turning into a satanic trap will find similar stories here. These movies explore the terror of being isolated and manipulated by a hidden cult or sinister group.

isolateddeceptionsatanic cultoccultclaustrophobicsurvival horrorsinister

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a bait-and-switch: a protagonist accepts a seemingly normal job or invitation that leads them to an isolated setting. They gradually uncover the deception, realizing they are not a guest or employee but a intended victim or component in a premeditated occult ceremony.

Why These Movies?

These films are linked by their core plot mechanism of deception leading to ritualistic terror, the theme of a vulnerable individual confronting a organized cult, and the intense feeling of claustrophobic isolation where escape seems impossible.

Unlock the Full Story of The House of the Devil

Don't stop at just watching — explore The House of the Devil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The House of the Devil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The House of the Devil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The House of the Devil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The House of the Devil Summary

The House of the Devil Timeline

Track the full timeline of The House of the Devil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The House of the Devil Timeline

The House of the Devil Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The House of the Devil that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The House of the Devil Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The House of the Devil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The House of the Devil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The House of the Devil

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.