Review of "The Last House": A Thriller That Misses the Mark

Summer is often accompanied by a new streaming horror film. I discovered "The Last House" a few days before its release and, even before watching it, suspected it was a typical concept—one that could either work or fall flat. With skilled direction and a solid script, it had the potential to be engaging and suspenseful, but it could just as easily have gone in the opposite direction. So, what happens when an experienced action director teams up with two truly talented actors and confines them to a house? Below is my personal take.

First, a synopsis of the plot: "In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, an ordinary family—a husband, wife, and their two children—find themselves trapped in their home. Something is holding them there. They must band together to survive both dwindling resources and the mysterious threat that has them captive."

Why I Agreed to Watch It

The film is directed by Louis Leterrier, an interesting choice given his previous work. He's helmed films like "Fast X," "Grimsby," "The Transporter," "Now You See Me," and "The Incredible Hulk," not to mention the Netflix series "Lupin" starring Omar Sy. His filmography is packed with action and suspense. The prospect of him transitioning to a nearly two-hour film primarily set in a confined space was one of the elements that piqued my interest in "The Last House."

The screenplay is by Matthew Robinson, known for writing the entertaining "Love and Monsters," the somewhat lackluster "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," and who is reportedly a co-writer for the upcoming "Edge of Tomorrow 2" and "Rogue Squadron."

The lead roles are played by Wagner Moura and Greta Lee. Moura has become one of my favorite actors. I first saw him in "Tropa De Elite," but it was his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in "Narcos" that truly brought him widespread recognition. He's also appeared in "Elysium," "Civil War," and "The Secret Agent," among others. Regardless of the genre or role, Moura brings an imposing presence, emotional depth, and on-screen charisma that I deeply appreciate.

Lee is a seasoned performer in her own right, with credits including "The Meyerowitz Stories," "House of Dynamite," and "Tron: Ares." Her career has seen a significant rise in recent years, and much like Moura, Greta possesses incredible charisma and presence. She is absolutely brilliant as Stella Bak, the calm and composed character in the Apple series "The Morning Show." As I write this, I realize I haven't even watched the latest season yet.

The acting is undoubtedly one of the film's strengths, even if these two veterans don't quite shine as brightly as they usually do. But that's not the point. They do the best they can with the material provided. I won't reveal too much, as "The Last House" is a film best enjoyed with minimal prior knowledge, but the plot does build rather effectively. Naturally, you want to know what's keeping them imprisoned and why, but is that enough? The entire premise of being unable to escape the house hovers between intriguing and ridiculous. The mystery itself isn't captivating enough, and the few horror elements are weak.

When You've Been Locked Up for 1,131 Days and Jehovah's Witnesses Knock on the Door.

The film runs for almost two hours, which is far too long for such a thin script and limited settings. We get a brief glimpse of the immediate surroundings, which adds a small touch, but the problem is that the film almost completely lacks tension. You lose interest, even though the family dynamic offers a slight boost, and in terms of suspense, very little actually happens. The film doesn't improve when it attempts some sort of explanation and introduces the threat in earnest. It's too vague and evasive, and while it might set the stage for a sequel, the question is: who would be eager for that?

Unfortunately, an experienced action director and two usually excellent actors cannot salvage a mediocre idea, a shaky script, and a runtime that should have been at least fifteen minutes shorter. "The Last House" will likely top the Netflix charts for a week or two, and then fade into obscurity.