Chris Kentis and Laura Lau made waves when their debut film, Open Water, ignited a world of buzz and sent them on the fast track to superstardom. Their sophomore effort, Silent House, isn't nearly as good. But behind the typical story lies a unique film worth seeing.
Featuring a minimal cast led by relative newcomer Elizabeth Olsen (yes, sister to Mary-Kate and Ashley), Silent House tells the story of Sarah, a young girl who returns home with her father and uncle to fix up the family's longtime summer house after it was vandalized during the off-season. As Sarah begins her journey, she begins to hear sounds from within the walls. Although she barely remembers the place, Sarah can't help but feel that it is haunted by its past; one that she isn't sure she wants to learn anything about.
Captured in one continuous camera shot (yes, all 86 minutes are comprised of a single action call) Silent House does a lot right. Olsen gives a fantastic performance, keeping the energy up and never revealing too much to the audience as she lives through a hellish nightmare that ends with a predictable, yet entirely acceptable ending.
I will say that the film is not entirely scary, and often plays it safe when it comes to its uniqueness. Granted the filmmakers are able to craft a unique experiences as the camera weaves in and out of rooms, never changing angles or directions, but there is something missing to make it universally effective. Take away the continuous shot mechanism and all you are left with is a standard horror film, which features an impressive performance by our protagonist. That doesn't make it a bad film, just one that isn't nearly as unique as would originally be expected.
