There’s an argument to be made that the trope “the real monster is trauma” has become overused in modern horror. Films like Hereditary, The Babadook, and, less effectively, Smile are just a few of the higher-profile examples. However, if you ask me, few films have deployed this concept quite as effectively as the 2020 film His House.

A Story Rooted in Pain and Survival

The film follows Bol and Rial, refugees from South Sudan, who are played by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku. Both actors deliver the kind of incredible performances you rarely see in a genre film like this. This acting is part of what elevates His House above the standard “haunted by trauma” fare. Mosaku, especially, shows a nuance that brings the character’s pain and resilience to life. Through their journey, you feel the weight of their past and the challenge of adapting to a new world.

Moreover, the movie effectively intertwines supernatural horror with the very real horrors of displacement and loss. As Bol and Rial struggle to build a new life in England, they are haunted both by mysterious forces in their assigned home and by the traumas they carry from South Sudan. The story masterfully uses these supernatural elements to explore what it means to confront, and maybe overcome, personal tragedy. While many horror movies rely on jump scares or gruesome monsters, His House digs much deeper, making every haunting scene reflective of a greater emotional struggle.

Why His House Stands Out in Modern Horror

Transitioning seamlessly between emotional drama and psychological terror, the film never loses sight of its characters’ humanity. The ghostly apparitions and disturbing visions are never just tools for shock value. Instead, they intensify the experience of trauma and guilt, making the horror personal and unforgettably real. Director Remi Weekes balances the supernatural and the intimate in a way that hooks the audience from the first scene to the last.

Ultimately, His House is more than just a haunted-house film. It’s a powerful story about survival, adaptation, and the cost of escape. Its chilling atmosphere and emotional depth make it a standout example of how horror can meaningfully reflect the pain of displacement and the hope for healing. For anyone interested in modern horror with substance, this film is a must-watch.

Tags: His House, horror modern, trauma në filma, refugjatë, Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku