As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for talent and a heart for the culinary world, I must say that Ariana DeBose’s performance in “House of Spoils” is nothing short of scrumptious! This multi-talented artist has once again proven her mettle, this time wielding a chef’s knife instead of a microphone. The plot may be as predictable as a well-beaten recipe, but DeBose’s magnetic presence and the supporting turns from your favorite HBO stars make it a fresh dish for hungry eyes.
Ariana DeBose charmed audiences in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and Disney’s “Wish” several years ago, winning an Oscar for her performances and showcasing her vocal talents. Now, she’s back in a new role, but instead of singing, she’s shouting. Ariana DeBose is captivating in the movie “House of Spoils”, which debuts on Prime Video this week. In this action-packed film, she deftly navigates a high-end New York City kitchen, making risky decisions such as quitting her job and starting a farm-to-table restaurant upstate, leaving her respected boss behind to embark on a new life.
The kicker? Well, did we mention it’s Blumhouse footing the bill here? Sure, the plot beats all get a bit predictable by the end, but the red-hot DeBose is reliably magnetic and aided by a couple juicy supporting turns from the stars of your favorite HBO shows. Written and directed by Bridget Savage Cole & Danielle Krudy, House of Spoils will inspire at least a few chefs and horror fans out there who might be in the market for something fresh for their hungry eyes.
The Horror of Starting Your Own Business
In an interesting move by the writers-directors, they never disclose the name of the main character in their film, simply referring to him as Chef. This could potentially remind viewers of the Emmy-winning TV series “The Bear,” given its similar one-syllable profession. Directors Cole and Krudy have confirmed that the concept for “House of Spoils” was conceived before the FX show and the critically acclaimed film “The Menu” were even released. This chilling, unique cinematic experience in the realm of culinary arts successfully combines unsettling, witchy horror elements with contemporary themes about millennials and the relentless hustle culture of capitalism.
Following an impressive demonstration of her culinary skills at a high-end NYC eatery, she gracefully chooses to depart from her executive chef superior, Marcello (Marton Csokas, gaining attention for his recent role in NEON’s movie “Cuckoo”), and bravely embarks on opening her own restaurant nestled in the picturesque but secluded region of upstate New York within the Empire State.
Anyone well-acquainted with New York City recognizes that it transforms dramatically as you travel north from Manhattan. Fortunately, Chef has a business associate in Andres, played by Arian Moayed on the show Succession, who’s keen to join forces and help navigate the venture, embracing the farm-to-table philosophy. Moayed has made a name for himself in a specific acting field, and his dry humor contrasting with DeBose’s powerful character gives House of Spoils a compelling balance that contemporary viewers are likely to enjoy.
Ariana DeBose and Barbie Ferreira Butt Heads in a Creepy Kitchen
Although Chef claims she can handle everything on her own in the kitchen – a claim that proves true as you’ll soon discover – she eventually finds herself needing additional help to prepare her extravagant meals. This aid comes in the form of skilled assistant Lucia, played by Barbie Ferreira from Euphoria. Initially, they clash heads, with Chef attempting to push Lucia to her limits and demonstrate that the new restaurant is no competition for her – but once Lucia demonstrates her abilities, it seems a perfect partnership may have been destined from the start.
In contrast to what the movie’s marketing implied, the story unfolds with Chef encountering a haunted location for their new restaurant, which her business partner has strategically selected. This establishment seems to harbor dark secrets that some investors aren’t disclosing to Chef. As she delves into the mysteries of this place, she must also manage the imminent deadlines for the restaurant opening and a menu that tastes wonderful at times. However, with the mounting pressure from her job, the eerie atmosphere, and staff members who are hesitant to speak up, Chef might be reaching her breaking point.
Another Woman on the Edge
In another impressive performance, DeBose shines once more, albeit with a narrative that seems reminiscent of common themes in psychological horror – a protagonist slipping away from her grasp on reality. However, this plotline appears rather worn-out, as the series “House of Spoils” premieres on Prime Video the day following “Hold Your Breath” on Hulu, where Sarah Paulson portrays a character who may be losing her sanity or manipulating malevolent forces.
Perfect timing for Halloween enthusiasts, the upcoming horror movie titled “House of Spoils” offers a compact chilling experience and could potentially amass a devoted fanbase, particularly among those who enjoy contemporary culinary content (such as The Bear, The Menu, Burnt, Boiling Point, etc.). This intriguing production from Blumhouse is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 3, 2024. You can access it through the provided link below.
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2024-10-03 22:01