Running Time: 94 Minutes
Starring: Fayna Sanchez, Vincent Stalba, Mason Conrad, Lee Boxleitner, Laura Dromerick, Steve Johanson, Joe Lynch
Following a career working on short films (including the brilliant Meat Friend) and contributing to anthologies, co-writer/director Izzy Lee makes her feature-length debut with House of Ashes. The story begins focused on the terrified face of Mia Sheldon (Fayna Sanchez), while a voiceover details how the protagonist was arrested for having a miscarriage. She was also considered a suspect in her husband's suspicious death, although that has since been ruled as a suicide.
Released under house arrest, the grieving widow is trapped within the house that she once shared with her husband. As she experiences strange phenomena that could be man-made or supernatural, it soon becomes clear that Mia has a new housemate in the form of a ghost, and finds herself in danger within the one location that she cannot leave.
Between her parents disowning her, a nosy vlogger who wishes to capitalize on this tragedy, and a police officer reveling in his power a bit too much, Mia is largely left feeling alone. Her time in the house brings up reminders of what she lost through this tragedy, and is just left to blame herself for her husband's passing. It all makes for a bleak life, as she is vilified for something that she could not have prevented.
The only person in her corner is Marc Winters (Vincent Stabla), an old friend and recent beau who is repeatedly warned to watch out for Mia. He seems attentive, although warning signs are evident as he grows rather pushy amidst over-the-top declarations akin to "be mine, forever" to a still grieving widow. As he slowly exerts his control, the red flags become even more apparent as he stakes his claim for what to call his own.
Central to this feature is an interesting basis rooted in a real-world horror, as the lead finds herself under arrest for miscarrying. It is a dystopian idea which feels unique enough to make Lee's feature debut stand out, and has the potential to carry a film rather well. This makes it unfortunate how this idea feels overwhelmed by other inclusions, at times feeling forgotten about in favour of a familiar idea about coercive control.
What is most jarring is how the execution feels off across the feature. There are times when it tries being unsettling, yet these moments rarely feel chilling. Despite being a serious-minded film, it takes goofy directions which feels out of place, and do not work because the approach is too po-faced. The most unfortunate thing is how stilted the performances can feel, leaving one struggling to believe in their characters or the severity of the unfolding situation. As it limps towards the finale, House of Ashes leaves any hopes to turn to ashes in one's mouth.
House of Ashes made its International Premiere at FrightFest Glasgow 2025
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