Movie review: The House That Jack Built

 Jack is a highly intelligent serial killer believing his murders over the past twelve years to be an expression of art. The House That Jack Built follows those twelve years of his life as his skills develop and the law closes in causing him to take ever greater risks for his art.

Matt Dillon (Jack), Bruno Ganz (Verge), Uma Thurman (Lady 1), Siobhan Hogan (Lady 2), Sofie Grabol (Lady 3), Riley Keough (Simple), Jeremy Davies (Al), Jack McKenzie (Sonny), Emil Tholstrup (Young Jack).

The House That Jack Built begins by introducing us to Jack and quickly thereafter, his fondness for killing in the name of art. Told in the form of an unusual interview, the film then follows 12 years of Jack's life as his serial-killer skills improve. At the same time the police are slowly closing in forcing Jack to take ever greater risks. The story culminates in a flurry of action as Jack works to complete his final work of art before being caught.

Acting from Dillon was very good throughout with solid delivery and immersion in his character. Ganz, Thurman, Keough, Davies, and the remainder of the supporting cast did nicely in much smaller roles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are solid with good use of natural scenery and attention to detail. Action scenes and effects were very impacting to say the least and fit the film perfectly. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Overall The House That Jack Built is an engaging and entertaining film. It is also somewhat disturbing from several aspects. Those who enjoy psychologically disturbing horror should enjoy this one.

With some nudity, graphic violence and gore, animal cruelty, foul language, disturbing images and adult situations, save this for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 5.12.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Crime, Drama, Serial Killers, Psychological Thrillers

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