Three visionary tales. One unforgettable place.|Jan. 14, 2022|United States | United Kingdom|97 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Animation;Comedy;Drama;Horror
Description: Mabel, a young girl, lives with her father Raymond, mother Penny, and newborn sister Isobel in poverty, much to the dismay of Raymond’s wealthier relatives. One evening, after drinking and wandering into the forest, Raymond encounters a sedan chair carrying the enigmatic architect Mr. Van Schoonbeek, who invites Raymond inside. Upon returning home, Raymond tells Penny about the strange meeting before falling asleep. The following day, Mr. Thomas, an employee of Van Schoonbeek, visits the family and announces that the architect has agreed to build them a new house on the condition that they leave their current home. Raymond and Penny sign the agreement, and the family moves in as the construction is nearing completion.
The new house quickly proves to be unusual. Workers are seen making adjustments, but when Mabel approaches them, they only stare silently. Extravagant meals appear in the dining hall without any sign of who prepares or serves them. Electric lights seem to mesmerize Raymond and Penny. That night, as Mabel and Isobel go to bed, Raymond and Penny become captivated by a fireplace and a sewing machine in the house’s withdrawing room, losing themselves for hours without considering their daughters. Raymond grows frustrated when he cannot start a fire, while an unseen Van Schoonbeek laughs at his struggles.
The next morning, Mabel notices that the workers have constructed a new room outside her window and removed the stairs, forcing the family to use a ladder in the billiard room. She observes Thomas acting nervously before he explains that Van Schoonbeek is making further changes to the house. In the distance, workers are seen demolishing the family’s former home. Shortly after, Van Schoonbeek delivers new clothes to Raymond and Penny, crafted from couch cushions and curtains.
Cast director: Paloma Baeza
Cast actor: Matthew Goode, Helena Bonham Carter, Claudie Blakley, Paul Kaye, Miranda Richardson, Mia Goth, Will Sharpe, Susan Wokoma, Mark Heap, Stephanie Cole
Original name: The House