Something about handmade horror really appeals to me. The ominous synth soundtracks, the slow-building tension, and grainy visuals all have a much higher disconcerting quality than bright modern leap scares. Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of scary movies revert to the aura of the 1980s, but not all of them pull it off.

Completely does The House of the Devil. It seems like you’ve probably stumbled across an old VHS audio right away from the first picture. Ti West entirely commits to the time, not just borrowing from it. The movie grain, the environment, the moving, and everything else is there, and it works. For the sake of nostalgia, it’s not just design. It’s a slow-burning independent despair that has a dread that stays with you long after the certificates have finished.

You can watch it for free on Tubi&nbsp, one of the best places to find strange, great horror right then. This one is a must-watch if you like suspense-driven terrifies with that old-school vibe.

Samantha ( Jocelin Donahue ), a college student in need of money, accepts a babysitting job in an ominous old mansion. When she arrives at the location, she quickly realizes that she is dealing with a little distinct cost than a young person. As she is left alone for the evening, she orders a pie and starts a TV movie, where the horror gradually builds and the market settles in for a horrifying experience. The House of the Devil has been ratcheted up ten times, bringing it in line with traditional movies like Halloween and When a Stranger Calls.

The House of the Devil’s outrageously precise and detailed retro cosmetic is immediately apparent in the beginning credits. It doesn’t just occur in the 1980s; it feels like it was produced there. The film’s thick consistency, vintage-appropriate costumes, and locks are all absolutely perfect. The Fixx’s One Factor Leads To Another and The Greg Kihn Band’s The Crack Up Song are included on a customized music. The film feels like it was born from that time rather than just dressing up in 80s motifs.

The movie was shot on 16mm video, giving it a distinctive throwback feel. It uses a variety of other techniques to generate classics from the era, including cinematography directly from the 1980s filmmakers. Everything is period appropriate down to the credits, and I appreciated the care that was paid to making sure everything corresponded, even the early scenes of the movie’s pizza restaurant.

When Sam discovers evidence that the home that hired her for the childcare job isn’t the same as the one in the photos, she realizes something is wrong. She attempts a 911 call after realizing she might have been deceived, but she has already consumed a piece of contaminated pie. She passes away only as she begins to understand why she has been hired to “babysit” her.

The film’s plot is full of grisly moments ( just ask Sam’s best friend Megan, who is portrayed by Barbie director Greta Gerwig ), as well as unbelievably gruesome practical effects that make you feel chill and weary to the core. An example of 80s filmmaking that would have made people ill to their stomach is the hideous” Mother,” who Sam sees is connected to her original work.

The House of the Devil maintains a biting, threatening sense of dread throughout its execution without spoiling the finale. I enjoyed using loneliness, the unknown, and treachery themes on my first viewing, which I just grew to love more with each rewatch because it isn’t afraid to make them feel more intoxicated. Despite the tragic nature of the story, I have a strong belief that this film wouldn’t have been possible without its commitment to the period that served as its inspiration. &nbsp,

The House of the Devil is one of the best movies you could add to your list of Halloween favorites if you’re looking for a horror film that doesn’t depend on affordable jump scares or the exaggerated story” sex is bad” where a group of teenagers are randomly picked off. It vividly brings the illogical, depressing worlds of 1980s dread to life in credible, decadent ways that will make you squirm in your seat. The gagworthy crescendo is also unpacked, and I bet you will too.