His House

His House, directed by Remi Weekes and released in 2020, is a captivating and unsettling supernatural horror film. The movie follows two South Sudanese refugees, Bul (Sope Dirisu) and Amar (Wunmi Mosaku), who, along with their young daughter, Rial (Matti Diop), manage to escape the brutality of their war-torn homeland. After an arduous and perilous journey to the UK, they finally reach their destination: a small, quaint English town. Initially, the film introduces Bul as a strong and determined individual who risks his life to protect those he loves. As he struggles to adjust to his new surroundings, it becomes apparent that the weight of responsibility for the family's well-being lies heavily on his shoulders. Amar, on the other hand, appears more vulnerable, and her fragile state often leaves Bul feeling helpless and concerned. The couple's relationship is built on love and loyalty, but their experiences as refugees also introduce underlying tensions and conflicts. Upon arrival in the UK, the family is offered a modest but suitable home by a local council, and it is here that the narrative takes a dark and ominous turn. As Bul and Amar begin to settle into their new surroundings, strange and inexplicable events start to occur. Objects move on their own, and inexplicable noises echo through the house, making it difficult for the family to maintain a sense of normalcy. The camera's use of dim lighting and eerie, atmospheric sound design effectively creates a sense of foreboding and anxiety. As the family struggles to cope with their new reality, social services officials, led by social worker Hannah Fitzgerald (Steffan Rhodri) and a council officer, are quick to offer their assistance. The local authorities' intentions may seem genuine, but their intrusive questions and actions further complicate Bul and Amar's already dire situation. These bureaucratic interactions raise questions about the refugees' rights and the difficulties they face navigating a foreign system. Bul's job as a mechanic becomes another source of tension, as he is often at odds with his demanding and sometimes cruel boss, who takes advantage of his desperation. Bul's financial struggles make him more dependent on Amar's dwindling mental stability. As Amar's condition worsens, Bul faces a terrible decision: care for her, or risk financial instability and the possibility of being deported back to South Sudan. The family's supernatural experiences intensify, culminating in Bul and Amar witnessing a malevolent presence, which can only be described as a malevolent spirit. The spirit is malevolent and violent and seems to delight in causing chaos. This entity is tied to the family's ancestral past, a haunting reminder of their experiences in South Sudan. As the presence continues to terrorize them, the family's mental states deteriorate. Bul, in a desperate attempt to save Amar and their daughter, makes a perilous journey to confront the evil force head-on. The film's second half builds towards a heart-wrenching and intense climax, as Bul confronts his own fears and weaknesses, forcing him to accept the reality of his situation. In the end, Bul is confronted with an impossible decision. His love for Amar, and his desire to protect her and their daughter, is put to the test by the malevolent presence and the system that refuses to acknowledge their suffering. The film's conclusion raises several questions, leaving viewers with a haunting and unsettling impression of what the future may hold for the South Sudanese family. Ultimately, His House is a gripping and disturbing tale of loss, survival, and the unseen horrors that await those who have been forced to confront unimaginable trauma and displacement in a foreign world.