THIS IS OUR HOME will be screening at Cinequest March 9th, 10th, 13th, 15th

This is Our Home starts like any other typical post Hereditary horror film. There’s the cold photography, the melancholia, the sorrow, but do not be fooled. This film is a nasty little monster with a few new vile tricks up its sleeve. Premiering at Cinequest 2019, THIS IS OUR HOME stars real-life couple Jeff Ayars and Simone Policano as Cory (Ayars) and Reina (Policano), a couple who loses their child during pregnancy consequently struggling to reconnect. The pair venture off to Reina’s family’s country home and it is late one night, that a young boy, Zeke (Drew Beckas) arrives at their doorstep, claiming to be their son. The psychological ramifications are obvious and as the boy continues to presume upon them the role of parents both begin to dismantle in their own way.

The film, directed by Omri Dorani begins with a surprisingly eloquent montage that, without a word, conveys the highs and lows of anticipating parenthood and then losing one’s unborn child. If you have ever seen the film UP you understand the power of cinema and how it can render you into a senseless puddle of tears. While we don’t hit those extreme emotional notes the opening is wonderfully powerful and completely clear.

The couple decides to head off to Reina’s family home in the country for a weekend of reconnection and recovery. Any normal couple would do this of course but these two are a particularly quarrelsome pair. After a red herring encounter with the locals, the two arrive at the two-story home and settle in. Then the knock at the door happens in the middle of the night. It’s Zeke. an 8-year-old boy who claims to be their child. Initially, this oddity is dealt with practically and with reason. Then as Cory adheres to reason and becomes increasingly agitated with this new mystery, Reina’s maternal instincts kick in and emotions follow.

Shot over a period of 11 days, this very lean thriller has a tremendous sense of atmosphere and pacing. Dorani knows what he is going for and continues to aim for the bullseye, hitting it most of the time and grazing others. There is a palpable sense of loss conveyed between the two leads, not to mention absolutely natural chemistry that is admirably captured. I will note that a few scenes rely far too heavily on this chemistry and allow it to go on longer than it should, but for the most part, we get some great moments. Then there is Beckas who plays the child who arrives at their door. There are some “interesting” choices made in regards to his characterization, but when he goes into full creep mode we are holding on for dear life.

THIS IS OUR HOME is a very promising arrival to what I am hoping will be the start of several new players on the scene. Ayars and Policano are both capable performers both as a pair and individually. Dorani, with his cinematographer Thomas Taugher, has crafted a measured piece of psychological horror that will follow you home.

THIS IS OUR HOME will be screening at Cinequest March 9th, 10th, 13th, 15th