Movie Review: House at the End of the Street

By: Lynn Barker

After her Oscar-nominated performance in the rough indie film Winter’s Bone and before her launch to mega-stardom as Katniss, talented Jennifer Lawrence starred with hottie Max Thieriot as the new girl in town who moves in next to a “murder house”. You can check it out starting today.

A New Start

After a divorce Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) and her teen daughter Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) move to a small town to start over. They rent a fancy house that they couldn’t normally afford because…it’s right next to a house where the daughter killed her parents and disappeared years before.

Mom (Elisabeth Shue) with sad Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence)

Elissa Gets Hit On

Elissa, who was a singer in a band back home, quickly makes new friends and attracts local hottie/loser Tyler (Nolan Funk) who comes on too strong to her at a party. Pissed off, she walks home and friendly Ryan (Max Thieriot) gives her a ride despite her objections when it starts pouring rain. There is an instant attraction to this moody guy, the only surviving child of the murdered folks next door!

Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) and Ryan (Max) make friends

Forbidden Love

Despite her mom’s objections, Elissa starts seeing Ryan who is eventually forced to fight Tyler, breaking his ankle. Ryan tells Elissa that, as a child, he was on the swings with his sister when she had an accident that gave her brain damage. He blames himself for what she then did to their parents. Elissa sympathizes and they make out.

Elissa (Jennifer) sings a love song

Creepy Discoveries

Finally Elissa discovers more about Ryan and his family and is forced to face some harsh truths that put her life in danger.

Jennifer Lawrence as Elissa

Wrapping Up

Some of the trailers for this film make it seem to be a ghost story but it is really a psychological thriller. There are some pretty unexpected twists and turns that are both scary and action-packed. There are “jumps” galore for the audience as this or that pops out of nowhere. The film is packed with those typical horror movie clichés like if you were alone in a creepy house, uh, why go down to the basement when you hear a noise? Stuff like that. 

Jennifer armed against an attacker

Jennifer Lawrence, Max Thieriot and of course “mom” Elisabeth Shue do very creditable acting and despite some corny moments, this movie would make a good date night film. Both guys and girls can get into the scares and it’s cool seeing Jennifer play someone other than Katniss if you haven’t seen any of her other indie film work.  For an okay, popcorn-munching, movie-going scare... we’ll go three stars.

House at the End of the Street Movie:

House at the End of the Street Poster