HOUSE OF SPOILS: An Unsatisfying Folk Horror Feast

A passionate young chef leaves her prestigious job in NYC to open a fine dining restaurant at an old estate. But while building the menu, she’s haunted by visions of the past owner while pressure mounts from her investing partner. Starring Ariana DeBose, House of Spoils is a feast of minor frights that feels a bit derivative at times. It somewhat satiates on the mystical foodie front but leaves you hungry for more.

Co-written and co-directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, House of Spoils fits the trend of fine dining horrors as entertainment; whether as a dramedy with The Bear or thrills in The Menu. The film sets itself apart by tapping into a supernatural realm, mixing a bit of folk horror into the recipe.

There are some enticing elements with cultivation and living off the land, dipping into something witchy. Still, I think it muddles the message by attempting to present it as a haunted house with cheap scares. This includes CG effects that would be much more impressive if practical. You also have an overarching theme of a chef trying to succeed without buckling under pressure or paranormal interference.

I think at times the narrative thread between everything feels a little unclear. It feels promising that things could come together in the end, and the third act starts to regain your attention. But in the end, it still feels plagued by those same issues.

The film also lacks engaging performances. I felt the supporting cast did well. Arian Moayed captured the insufferable investing bro perfectly and Barbie Ferreira stood out as an inexperienced sous-chef. But as the lead, DeBose was rather disappointing. Though a gifted actor, her performance felt too rigid and stuck in stage theatrics. I simply craved something that felt more authentic and dynamic.

Overall I just felt House of Spoils lacked some substance and purpose. There was real potential with its horror-horticulture concept that didn’t feel fully fleshed out, though it’s within reach. I was still intrigued by its story but in the end, I left feeling unsatisfied.