The House of the Devil (2009)

86% of critics liked it
(87 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(51,549 ratings)

A coed struggling to pay her rent ends up taking the wrong part-time job in writer-director Ti West's old-school 1980s-set horror flick, The House of the Devil. Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) is a sweet-natured and retiring young woman, unlike her rambunctious, loud, and self-assured best buddy, Megan… More A coed struggling to pay her rent ends up taking the wrong part-time job in writer-director Ti West's old-school 1980s-set horror flick, The House of the Devil. Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) is a sweet-natured and retiring young woman, unlike her rambunctious, loud, and self-assured best buddy, Megan (mumblecore stalwart Greta Gerwig). After moving into a new apartment, Samantha is desperate for a way to make a few more bucks. When Mr. Ulman (Tom Noonan) comes on campus looking for a babysitter, Samantha jumps at the opportunity. Once she convinces Megan to give her a ride to the creepy old Ulman house, Samantha learns that the job is not quite what was advertised. Ulman and his wife (Mary Woronov) don't even have a child. He tells Samantha that she just has to stay in the house with his elderly mother-in-law while he and the missus go out to celebrate the lunar eclipse. When she balks at the change of plans, he offers her more money. As the night goes on, it becomes clear that Samantha is a much bigger part of the Ulmans' plans for the evening than she would ever want to be. West established his genre credentials with low-budget cult favorites The Roost (which also starred Noonan) and Trigger Man. The House of the Devil also stars A.J. Bowen and Dee Wallace. The movie had its world premiere in the Midnight section of the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Ti West
Written By: Ti West
Genres: Horror

In Theaters: Oct 30, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Feb 2, 2010
Studio: Magnolia Pictures

Critic Reviews

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
In keeping with his models, West is concerned with not suspense exactly but the ritual withholding and ultimate lavishing of bloody chaos.
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
West, a rising young director of minor cult pleasures, comes clean here about his love for all things Bava (Mario) and Carpenter (John).
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle
There's a payoff in The House of the Devil, if you have the patience. Some of the scenes seem draggy, but the characters are complex, and their motivations are explained.
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
Even the familiar tropes of The House of the Devil are familiar in the right way, like an old, bloodstained sweater.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The film may provide an introduction for some audience members to the Hitchcockian definition of suspense: It's the anticipation, not the happening, that's the fun.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
Although the payoff is creepy, it takes a little too long to arrive -- and when it does, it's about as worn-out as the movie's title.
Todd Gilchrist, SciFi.com
A virtual refutation of all of the conventions of contemporary horror that manages to be terrifying precisely because it refuses to give you that gratification until you've almost given up wanting it.
Josh Larsen, LarsenOnFilm
The sudden climax is a gore-drenched bonanza of Satanic delirium that seems to be making up for the calm that came before, if not spoofing the very idea of cinematic payoff.
Anton Bitel, Little White Lies
West has all at once crafted a film that beautifully reproduces the look and texture of a straight-to-video horror from the '80s, and filled it with the sort of nail-biting tension that works in any decade.
Simon Miraudo, Quickflix
Now this is how you make a scary movie. The House of the Devil is a delicious throwback to the golden era of Hollywood horror -- one that is unapologetically earnest and overwhelmingly committed to the task at hand.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
It's full of meat and marrow. I'm going in again.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...there's simply never a point at which the almost distractingly uneventful narrative becomes as compelling as one might've hoped.
Nigel Andrews, Financial Times
The pay-off is a little far-fetched, but by then we have had our emotional workout.
Tom Seymour, Little White Lies
The power of this film lies in the approach to the inevitable final act, rather than the realisation of the act itself.
Jamie Russell, Radio Times
The finale descends into predictable mayhem, but it's the build-up that'll haunt you.
Rob Daniel, Sky Movies
A master of the slow-burn, West carefully creates an atmosphere of clammy dread through Noonan and Woronov's off-kilter performances and dialogue, and direction that encases Donahue in shadow or squeezes uncomfortably close-in.
Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail [UK]
Imagine a bad Ken Loach film invaded by monsters from a George A. Romero movie that's run out of cash, and you've already visualised a movie better than this one.
, Times [UK]
Although the last reel is a little disappointing, the twist ending is a scream.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Things quickly get silly and unscary.
David Jenkins, Time Out
The film's nostalgic design is subtle enough not to dampen the seriously sinister atmospherics.

Read all 26 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

moon r

Tension builds from the very first shot and that is what marks this homage to retro horror as special, as nothing has even happened yet. Chilling. With tips-of-the-hat along the way to many of the great horror films, fans will enjoy simply guessing/remembering what shots came from… More
Tension builds from the very first shot and that is what marks this homage to retro horror as special, as nothing has even happened yet. Chilling. With tips-of-the-hat along the way to many of the great horror films, fans will enjoy simply guessing/remembering what shots came from what movies, too many to list here. I thought it was made in the early 80's ... imagine my surprise.
Randy T

A throwback to those 70's/80's horror films I knew and loved. Very retro, very creepy, very nicely done.
Reid V

A real treat for genre purists. Rarely do horror fans get treated to a real slow burn. Horror now a days is so chalk full of frenetic editing and poorly paced thrills. This film is an exercise in atmosphere and for those who can stomach the unnervingly languid pace, an event worth… More
A real treat for genre purists. Rarely do horror fans get treated to a real slow burn. Horror now a days is so chalk full of frenetic editing and poorly paced thrills. This film is an exercise in atmosphere and for those who can stomach the unnervingly languid pace, an event worth savoring.
Tsubaki S

Not a bad effort, but it has it's ups and downs. Good atmosphere, avoids many of the traps of the genre, but it doesn't have enough ideas to fill the lenght. With some polishing Mr West might pull out a real horror classic in the future, he has the right eye and the right… More
Not a bad effort, but it has it's ups and downs. Good atmosphere, avoids many of the traps of the genre, but it doesn't have enough ideas to fill the lenght. With some polishing Mr West might pull out a real horror classic in the future, he has the right eye and the right sensibility for the material, he just needs a better script.
Melvin W

Samantha: Hi, I'm calling in regards to the babysitter flier posted outside my dorm room. "Talk on the phone. Finish your homework. Watch T.V. Die!" I have no problem saying that this is in my top 10 favorite horror films of all-time. Ti West does a nice little… More
Samantha: Hi, I'm calling in regards to the babysitter flier posted outside my dorm room. "Talk on the phone. Finish your homework. Watch T.V. Die!" I have no problem saying that this is in my top 10 favorite horror films of all-time. Ti West does a nice little throwback/homage to 70's, 80's horror. The picture is grainy, the credits are exactly like an cheap horror film and the soundtrack is spotless. I love how he included Greg Kihn's Breakup Song in the soundtrack that has the line, "They don't write em like that anymore." It is sort of West's way of saying that horror movies just aren't what they used to be. The story is straightforward. A college student wants to get a place of her own, and she needs to come up with the money for the place. She sees a flier for a babysitter and decides to take the guy up on it. That's about as far as I'll go into plot for two reasons. A) There really isn't that much more to tell. B) I don't want to accidentally give anything away. This film is extremely slow and if you don't like slow burn horror, then don't watch this. If you do, this is heaven. For me, this is the closest to perfection a horror film has been since The Shining. The first 30 minutes is all getting to know Samantha and her situation. I grew to like her quick. Then she gets to the house and still, nothing much happens. I love the scenes where she wanders the house. West plays off what we expect from a standard horror film very well. Then finally we get to an amazing last sequence that rivals any horror sequence I have ever seen. I must mention how the scene starts out because I found it to be the coolest thing ever. You won't get much out of this description if you haven't seen it, but here it is anyway. The screen is black and then a red moon flashes onto the screen three times, slowly to an almost heartbeat like drumming. Then black again, a lighter flicks on three times to the same heartbeat. Then black again, Samantha in her "situation" pops up three times to the same heartbeat. Then the camera goes crazy to some of the most bizarre and surreal music I have ever heard. The first time I watched this scene I sat motionless, in awe of just how well done it was. Then I finished the movie, went back to the start of the ending, and watched it again. Everybody has that movie that feels like it was almost made just for them. These type of movies don't have big stars in them and they don't have big budgets. They feel personal somehow. This is that movie for me. It is absolutely perfect in my opinion. I honestly believe this to be the best horror film since that has come out in the last 25 plus years. I love it that much.
Robert C

A superbly made homage to 80's horror films. It's one of those films where 5 minutes in I had to double check the release date as it looks and feels completely of the era. It really is an admirable achievement that director Ti West was able to capture so completely all… More
A superbly made homage to 80's horror films. It's one of those films where 5 minutes in I had to double check the release date as it looks and feels completely of the era. It really is an admirable achievement that director Ti West was able to capture so completely all of the GREAT aspects of 80's horror films while deftly triming away the gratuitous nudity and sex that (while at times ammusing) very often pulls you "out" of the film. It's hard not to compare it to Rosemary's Baby (my pal Quinto put it best: "Rosemary's Babysitter") as it has that same slow build to a final horror filled climax (not to mention a satanic cult). But while this film is quite good...it is not (overall) the same caliber of film. It might be "too slow" for today's "sensory overload" addicts, but I found that it was written and acted in such a way that the pacing (ultimately) works perfectly to help develope the characters and the tension. I think (most) fans of horror films, will be pleasantly surprised by this film.
Emily A

Fascinating. This movie looks exactly like it was made in 1973, and that illusion is flawless. It recreates the whole Rosemary's Baby vibe, but unfortunately it also recreates all the bad things about that movie culture as well: the story really drags, the narrative really lacks… More
Fascinating. This movie looks exactly like it was made in 1973, and that illusion is flawless. It recreates the whole Rosemary's Baby vibe, but unfortunately it also recreates all the bad things about that movie culture as well: the story really drags, the narrative really lacks focus and I didn't find any of the characters particularly engaging. I think HotD tries to create an atmosphere of slow-burn dread, but there is too much "slow" and not enough "burn". I wish this movie had a little more energy. In fact, it does display one burst of action that clashes with the rest of the glacial pace here that it creates a really really jarring scare. Therein resides the value of this movie. That one moment is so good that it's almost worth sitting through the rest of this movie. It's not bad, but just make sure that you take some Ritalin before you turn this movie on.
Adam M

It's supposed to be a tribute to American horror movies of the late-70s-early-80s, but an above-average American horror movie in 1982 was not this good and not nearly as devoted to atmosphere and stretching the length of shots out until suspense hangs so heavy in the frame that… More
It's supposed to be a tribute to American horror movies of the late-70s-early-80s, but an above-average American horror movie in 1982 was not this good and not nearly as devoted to atmosphere and stretching the length of shots out until suspense hangs so heavy in the frame that we want it to end but we're not sure if we can deal with it exploding into violence. For that style, West seems to be taking lessons from Roth and Tarantino and perhaps some of the European horror in the 70s that influenced them. He borrows that the general approach but fully owns the realism and understatement in the dialogue, which give the movie a docudrama quality. Greta Gerwig and Dee Wallace have a talent for selling the dialogue like it coincidentally shows artistic precision. With everything underexposed like in Godfather Part 2, a lot of House of the Devil feels like an arty docudrama about a campfire story.
Lewis C

"Don't worry. You're going to be just fine. Both of you." We horror fans are a diverse bunch. What appeals to one of us in a horror movie will inspire disapproval from another and boredom from a third. House of the Devil is a good horror movie, but you'll… More
"Don't worry. You're going to be just fine. Both of you." We horror fans are a diverse bunch. What appeals to one of us in a horror movie will inspire disapproval from another and boredom from a third. House of the Devil is a good horror movie, but you'll probably need a few (non-spoilery) details to decide if it's for you. First of all, it's almost totally reliant on tension and atmosphere, from beginning to end. Almost all of the action and mayhem is concentrated in the last 20 minutes of the movie. Most of the hour before that is spent alone with our main character Samantha (Jocelin Donahue). There's not a lot of story exposition, you discover what's going on as Samantha does. Desperate for money, she agrees to an urgent request for a babysitter, despite her own reservations and those of her friend. It's clear from the moment she arrives at the house that something odd and perhaps sinister is going on, but what? Some people will be bored to tears by House of the Devil. It requires patience from the viewer, and a willingness to lose yourself in the suspense. There's no humor to distract you, and you have to pay attention to put together the clues of what's happening, just like Samantha does. The story, when fully revealed, isn't something that we haven't seen before, but it felt somewhat fresh because of the lean, minimalistic way in which it was presented. Gore-hounds may not be satisfied, and neither will those people who prefer high kill counts, lots of jump scares, and constant gratification. There's a lot to like here, including the excellent early 80's setting, the solid performance of Donahue, and the way the sheer creepiness of the movie will settle into your bones, if you let it. In the mood for a horror movie with a somewhat different approach? Give House of the Devil a try.
Tim S

I could go on an on about the way this film was made, the 16mm film that was used to shoot it, the pans, zooms and other camera moves...I could, but it would be much easier if you just see it for yourself. I think the film is quite brilliant and a return to form for a modern-day… More
I could go on an on about the way this film was made, the 16mm film that was used to shoot it, the pans, zooms and other camera moves...I could, but it would be much easier if you just see it for yourself. I think the film is quite brilliant and a return to form for a modern-day horror film that was made in the "old" style. Those who felt is was boring and lead nowhere missed the point entirely and are better off sticking to their modern-day, over-the-top and frenetic schlock & shock fests that are pumped out a dime a dozen these days.
Morgan S

I was expecting a so bad its good, 80s gory horror flick. But instead I got a so bad it was bad, poorly made boring, waste of a hour and 1/2. Dont waste your time and dont believe the hype that this movie is just like all your favorite 80s slasher movie because it is not and its the… More
I was expecting a so bad its good, 80s gory horror flick. But instead I got a so bad it was bad, poorly made boring, waste of a hour and 1/2. Dont waste your time and dont believe the hype that this movie is just like all your favorite 80s slasher movie because it is not and its the most BORING and uneventful horror movies I've ever seen. Boo you teasing whore of a movie XD lol
Jeff "

Hearing good things about The House Of The Devil on horror websites, I decide to check out the film for myself. The critics point of view of this film was that it was a return to form to classic horror films of the 1980's. Director Ti West knows how to build effective suspense,… More
Hearing good things about The House Of The Devil on horror websites, I decide to check out the film for myself. The critics point of view of this film was that it was a return to form to classic horror films of the 1980's. Director Ti West knows how to build effective suspense, and The House Of The Devil is a terrific horror film. The whole film reeks of homage to the cheap Horror films of the 8o's and theres a constant B movie film feel to the movie that adds an awesome atmosphere to the overall picture. The actor that Ti West picked to play in this cool little piece of 80's horror homage are terrific. Everyone involved are well chosen and are, for the most part horror icons. The film dwells on the subject of satanic cults and Sam, a babysitter is hired by a weird family to babysit a family member. The reality is more terrifying, and they plan to use her in a Satanic Ritual. This film is quite original and is one of the best original horror films since The Devil's Rejects. The House Of The Devil is an homage of traditional of the 80's as it has the feel, and look of the 80's. Director Ti West went as far to film the film in 35 MM just to go the extra mile and get a retro look for his film. House Of The Devil steadily builds it's tension and the payoff is awesome, it has quite a terrific climax, which I won't reveal because I personally feel that this is the type of film that needs to be seen to be believed. An original story thats frightening and complimented with actors from horror films of the 80's Tom Noonan (Manhunter) and Dee Wallace (Cujo) make this film a true winner. A must watch!
Stuart B

Good horror movie with lots of suspense. Played out well and its 80's setting is very realistic. It genuinely feels like a lost 80's horror movie. Good acting and very creepy.
Stephen M

Knowingly titled with a covetous eye on the shelf space between Houses ...by the Cemetery and ...on the Edge of the Park in your horror library; opening credits in a vintage font that could have been lifted from any John… More
Knowingly titled with a covetous eye on the shelf space between Houses ...by the Cemetery and ...on the Edge of the Park in your horror library; opening credits in a vintage font that could have been lifted from any John Carpenter movie of the period; a supporting cast that includes Dee Wallace (The Howling, Cujo), Mary Woronov (Night of the Comet) and Tom Noonan (The Monster Squad). The House of the Devil recreates the look and feel of the low budget Eighties horror movie so meticulously, one wonders afterwards whether or not the risibility of the climax was also intentional. Oh well, if it ultimately fails to deliver the goods, this is still a nicely paced and well acted piece of horror nostalgia.
_kelly .

I applaud the effort that went into recreating the vibe and setting of 80s slashers, but hell those movies were never scary and rarely decent. This is near to decent, but still has a very WTF? ending that gives no answers, real or feigned. The primary problem with this movie is that… More
I applaud the effort that went into recreating the vibe and setting of 80s slashers, but hell those movies were never scary and rarely decent. This is near to decent, but still has a very WTF? ending that gives no answers, real or feigned. The primary problem with this movie is that it takes forever to introduce any element of horror and build suspense. Until then, it's just a girl wandering about a strange house acting irrationally afraid (she didn't see and doesn't know about the one earlier incident of violence). When "scary time" kicks in, there's enough fake blood to fill a pool and it's a nonstop barrage of false suspense to compensate for the utter lack of it in the rest of the film. This was toted as one of the best films of the year by some horror buffs, and I feel like if the best that can be done is a (completely non-terrifying) tribute to a genre that never had any real purpose (even entertainment!) to begin with, then the horror film industry is a far dire condition than I previously thought. To say it again: I applaud the effort that went into production design and the cinematography which early in the film is able to achieve an aura of creepiness and the decent acting work, but that is where any shred of praise ends.
MisterYoda ?

The 1980's were a golden age for horror movies, and many filmmakers today try to recapture that magic in their own films. Director Ti West's film "The House of the Devil" is yet another example, and for the most part succeeds in his efforts. Making a period horror… More
The 1980's were a golden age for horror movies, and many filmmakers today try to recapture that magic in their own films. Director Ti West's film "The House of the Devil" is yet another example, and for the most part succeeds in his efforts. Making a period horror film for under a million dollars is in itself a great accomplishment. This movie is not without its flaws though. The movie centers on Samantha, played quite well by Jocelin Donahue. She is a college sophomore looking to move into her own apartment and get away from the dorms and her inconsiderate roommate. Her best friend is Megan, complete with 80's hair and attitude. Samantha replies to an ad for a babysitter and sets up to meet the man on the phone, but he stands her up. Being that there are no cell phones we get to see long lost items like pay phones and rotary phones, ahh that brings me back. The man calls Samantha the next day to apologize and to offer her more money. Megan drives her over to the house and they meet a tall older man with a cane. He comes clean that its not you average babysitting job and ups her pay. She accepts $400 for a few hours of work. As you might have guessed the movie is called "The House of the Devil" for a reason. Instead of babysitting a child, Samantha's job is to watch over "mother" who is in a second floor room. A great deal of the movie involves Samantha roaming the house and checking things out. Like most babysitters she's bored has some time to waste. She calls Megan a few times but she has yet to return home. We see that Megan's fate is one of films best and surprising horror scenes. This film has angered a lot of casual horror fans in the fact that there is not a lot that really happens. It's a very slow burn type of story and very atmospheric. This makes the last fifteen minutes of the film that more intense. That family has something horrific in store for Samantha when they return. My biggest gripe with the film is the completely illogical final minutes. Maybe that has something to do with the 80's time period but its just like, really? All in all this film is made for a very specific audience and not many people will ever see it, but for director Ti West this is another stepping stone in what looks to be a growing career. He has most recently finished making Cabin Fever 2 and will be filming "The Innkeepers" soon. For horror fans he is definitely a talent to keep your eye on.
Conner R

The first time I saw this, I thought it was great and one of the best recent horror films. Now I've been able to decide that it is one of the best horror movies ever made. It just has everything that makes the genre great. It's not just a nostalgia piece for Ti West, this is… More
The first time I saw this, I thought it was great and one of the best recent horror films. Now I've been able to decide that it is one of the best horror movies ever made. It just has everything that makes the genre great. It's not just a nostalgia piece for Ti West, this is how horror movies need to be seen. The film deterioration and cinematography make the already great premise even better. The long takes are just so perfect to look at and lose yourself in. The acting also ties in very well to the very realistic yet fantasy like backdrop. These college girls actually talk and feel like college girls. They don't have monologues prepared and sassy banter that can last for twenty minutes straight. The whole creepy factor lies in the family, who are just way to volatile and bizarre. However, their scary factor lives in the real world, making t even more effective. I think this brings up a very good point about babysitters that was never really touched on in the 80s or ever really. Sure Halloween made people realize that suburbia isn't as safe as it pretends to be, but this makes it scary to trust anyone. I just can't give Ti West more praise for doing what he's done here. Clearly he knows the genre inside and out. Every aspect of film making is flawless. I'm usually partial to the horror genre to begin with, but this encompasses everything I want to see.
Brian D

A great throw back to the early 80's style horror movies that might of played on late night tv or double feature at your local cinema. Its a slow burning movie that really only gets going towards the last 20-30 mins , but you do get a great climax to boot. There's not to… More
A great throw back to the early 80's style horror movies that might of played on late night tv or double feature at your local cinema. Its a slow burning movie that really only gets going towards the last 20-30 mins , but you do get a great climax to boot. There's not to many players in this but all involved do a great job. Tom Noonan and Mary Woronov are so creepy in there roles that it is a delight to watch. Recommanded to all that love a slow building horror movie that high on style and nostalgia.
Aaron N

Samantha: Hi, I'm calling in regards to the babysitter flier... Here is a horror film that is dependent on the audiences appreciation for classic type horror from the 70s/80s. This whole film is an exercise in restraint, deliberate pacing, and subtlety in establishing its creepy… More
Samantha: Hi, I'm calling in regards to the babysitter flier... Here is a horror film that is dependent on the audiences appreciation for classic type horror from the 70s/80s. This whole film is an exercise in restraint, deliberate pacing, and subtlety in establishing its creepy atmosphere. Certainly helping all of this is the films production values, which literally make the film look as if it came from the times it is emulating. Set in the 1980s, Jocelin Donahue stars as Samantha, a cash strapped college sophomore, looking to make some cash in order to move into a new apartment. Samantha happens to see a flier for a babysitter job, calls the number, and is given a ride by her best friend Megan, played by Greta Gerwig, to the house where the sitter is needed. After meeting with the house owner, played by Tom Noonan, it is revealed that there is not a child to look after, but instead, the man's mother. Samantha excepts the job, but may have to work harder than she thought...to stay alive. Dun dun duh. The film takes a familiar formula involving the babysitter in trouble and completely gives it a fresh spin. Not necessarily in terms of its story, but the way the film basically acknowledges that it knows what it is without ever having to wink at the camera. By this I refer to how expertly crafted the film is in establishing all the action that takes place in the house. The way this film creeps along, mostly following one character, building upon the suspense throughout, is wonderfully handled. I can easily expect many people used to this generation's type of horror film to not accept or enjoy how this film is presented, but for anyone that can appreciate this style, they will be in for a treat. Again, the use of 16mm cameras, a fitting soundtrack, and even down to the basic dress of the characters, all literally give this film the look of something that came out 20 years ago. Its not an over-the-top homage like Grindhouse was, the film just literally seems like you could have dug it up out of your VHS collection. Good retro styled horror flick. Megan: I feel a little weird dropping you off here, in the middle of wherever we are...
Lorenzo v

"Talk on the phone. Finish your homework. Watch T.V. DIE!" In the 1980s, college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret; they plan to use… More
"Talk on the phone. Finish your homework. Watch T.V. DIE!" In the 1980s, college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret; they plan to use her in a satanic ritual. <center>REVIEW</center> Chillingly affective homage/valentine to cheapie indie horror films of the'80s, filmmaker Ti West evokes echoes of Carpenter, Raimi and Corman in this spooky haunted house tale about a pressed-for-money co-ed (plucky Everywoman Donahue who comes across as a gorgeous amalgam of Jessica Harper, Karen Allen & Brooke Adams) who answers an ad on campus for a babysitting gig that turns out to be more than what it actually is soliciting. West's shrewd, topsy-turvy, skewed camera angles (wonderfully concocted by cinematographer Eliot Rockett), sharp editing skills and a truly nerve-shredding scored by Jeff Grace keeps the scary atmosphere at full-throttle even by its predictable final act of bloody good genre jolts. A true find and flair for the game of showing less-is-more-journeyman film-making and also what you don't see is far-more unsettling than what is shown.