The Domestic (I) (2022) User Reviews

Great Horror Film!

[linedrunk · 9/10 · 1 November 2022]

South Africa puts out some really good horror films and this just adds to that list.

This was a fantastic film!!!! Loved it!!!! It was very well done, had a great story and the actors were wonderful. I'm so glad this was shown at Screamfest this year. It was in my top 3 films from Screamfest 2022. I'm not sure why the low rating on here, so ignore the low rating and check this film out. The film kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. I can't wait to see what else will come from this writer/director.

Please go check this out on Amazon, or another streaming platform, you won't regret it.

I actually enjoyed this...

[ryleilove · 7/10 · 9 August 2023]

Wow! I have to say I did enjoy this movie. I love international movies (I'm in the US) and I especially enjoy the ones from the African region.

The storyline is right down my ally as I heavily believe in the spiritual world and spiritual forces that either help or hinder (depending on your perspective). I thought the acting was really good and honestly better than expected because I have watched some where the acting was not so good.

My only three downfalls of this movie:

1. The over acting of the mom. While I get her acting was a great depiction of reality, it still felt just a tad bit forced, however, she still did great and it wasn't enough for me to roll my eyes and be annoyed. It was certainly better than 5 out of the 5 last movies I watched.

2. The sound editing. I hate when I watch movies that have different volumes. One minute I have to turn the volume all the way up to hear and then bam!, I'm smacked with a heavy loud bass.

3. Number three is why this movie got a 7 vs an 8 or 9 from me.... Blessings death or what I assumed to be her death, was NOT satisfying. While I can tell it was intentionally thought out and written, it just missed the mark. Here we have this woman, who did all these horrible things and not more than what seemed like 10 minutes ago killed your mom, and we get this lack luster death. She didn't scream, cry, beg or anything which was probably intended to be that way as she is this all powerful witch, however, it would have been nice to see some kind of barrier break. Additionally, it also would have been satisfying to see mom return as an ancestor and be the one to take her out. However, I get the transition doesn't work that fast but still would have been nice. Even if we got a three months later type of scene, where Blessing has been imprisoned by hubby and wife and moms spirit returns that way. A scenario like that would have also given the authentic build up of a satisfying death with some kind of regret from Blessing.

This I believe has been my longest review ever (maybe), but all in all, I enjoyed this movie, and I have to agree with the earlier reviews, that I look forward to more from this writer/director/and even cast. Idk if those reviews are fake or not but mine surely isn't.

Budget Horror

[mchan-29405 · 10/10 · 13 February 2023]

Considering this is a budget horror flick, the production is top notch. The acting and the script keeps the audience interested, although I would not have picked the actress playing the antagonist, as she was too quiet and failed to exude that feeling you get from a menacing villain. The subtle soundtrack serves to generate a feeling of chill and foreboding. The film reminded me of the 70's "The Witching Hour" from Hammer House of Horrors. I am glad I ignored the low rating and gave this film a chance.

The ending was a little underwhelming but this is due to the budgetary constraint. However, it did feel rushed and it could have given us flashbacks of how the villain came to be.

An underrated gem!

[drkubrick · 9/10 · 30 July 2023]

I saw this film at the Austin Film Festival last fall and it was by far my favorite movie of the festival. I'd buy the soundtrack if I knew where to find it. Highly recommended. Some impressive performances and tremendously atmospheric. The special effects were completely practical and understated, which actually helped sell the supernatural elements with their non-CGI realism. I had no idea where the film was heading, and another big plus was the implicit but never overplayed colonial socio-political influence, which lended a bit of sympathy to the villainess. Beautifully executed from a cinematic perspective as well. Some references seem to be made in reviews to the film's low budget, but I felt these limitations were overcome by the filmmakers' technical virtuosity. So sad to see this film essentially flounder, while mainstream American pablum gets plastered across various platforms.

Outstanding. Bravo.

[carolinelangdesigner · 10/10 · 24 October 2022]

I don't know why people are rating this movie so low on here. It is an amazing look into the old ways of South Africa. Hollywood glitz is not needed to showcase it. This does it perfectly with its slow ominouse burn and dark oppressive light in the house. It's very accurate and chilling. The performances are incredible. You do need subtitles for some of it though, or a lot is missed.

There is also a highlight on how South Africa has changed now. It's no more just about race, it is about the poor and wealthy being divided. Something the whole world is facing now. A real threat to us all.

Truely loved this movie. Will look out for more from this writer/director.