The Beach House Review

The Lovecraftian horror film The Beach House from writer/director Jeffrey A. Brown delivers a memorable third act and scattered moments of creepy and malformed visuals. Lamentably, the climatic collection of sequences that produce the films' most delectable elements of ecological and gross-out horror are dampened by the films' slow pace and lack of subtlety. The Beach House proves that it can eventually navigate through its narrative indecisions and low-budget but fails to cultivate an equally enjoyable first half in doing so, resulting in a tedious film that only starts to rise to its potential far too late.

The Beach House follows young couple Emily and Randall, who find their off-season trip to Randall's family beach house interrupted by Mitch and Jane Turner. The two couples' relationship starts awkward but begins to grow as they enjoy the quiet time together. However, things start to take an apocalyptic shift as unusual environmental happenings begin to warp their tranquil weekend. As bizarre events begin to manifest, Emily, a biologist, struggles to make sense of the contagion that threatens the world.

Brown proves to be hesitant in introducing much of the film's more imaginative aspects until much later on. Although this allows him ample time to flesh out his characters and their motivations, much of this foundational exposition becomes lacklustre or too minuscule in the overall narrative. The lack of intrigue and originality amongst the film's characters can make the story move glacially. Noteworthy performances from Liana Liberato and Jake Weber help relieve the movie from some of its more generic or predictable moments but cannot elevate Brown's screenplay past competency.

Much of the engaging and noteworthy moments of The Beach House stem from its excellent practical and digital special effects that create graphic and grotesque visuals that can be challenging to stomach. It's clear how much thought went into the atmosphere and tone that The Beach House produces. However, the equally apparent shortage of consistent narrative intrigue and likeable characters causes a palpable conflict that will divide some opinions.

The inspirations of HP Lovecraft and David Cronenburg in The Beach House are evident. But Brown's execution of these influences results in a palatable film that lacks the originality needed to standout. While The Beach House eventually rewards those who are forbearing enough to forgive its slow start, it lacks the consistency required to be an enduring and dependable horror film.

The imaginative horror elements and well-executed effects that fill the final third of The Beach House help mitigate the issues caused by the film's slow start.

Produced By: Shudder
Runtime: 88 minutes
Rating: R