House of Spoils
On October 3, 2024, House of Spoils premiered on Prime Video, offering viewers a blend of culinary arts and supernatural horror. Directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, the film stars Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose as a nameless chef embarking on a challenging journey to open her own restaurant. While the film attempts to explore the horrors of the restaurant industry, it ultimately leaves audiences with mixed feelings.
The story begins with Chef, portrayed by DeBose, who leaves her prestigious position at a high-end Manhattan restaurant after seven grueling years. She partners with a slick restaurateur named Andreas, played by Arian Moayed. Together, they aim to create a destination restaurant in a picturesque but eerie rural estate. However, the idyllic setting quickly reveals itself to be far from perfect. The kitchen is plagued by pests and mold, leading viewers to wonder if these issues are merely bad luck or if they stem from a curse linked to the estate’s previous owner, rumored to be a witch.
House of Spoils opens with a striking visual scene: women encircling a fire, mashing bloody meat into a paste. This imagery sets the tone for the film’s exploration of the dark side of cooking. As the Chef struggles with her new venture, she faces kitchen chaos, insecurities, and fears. The film effectively captures the pressures of working in the culinary world, showcasing how ambition can lead to self-doubt.
DeBose delivers a commendable performance as Chef. She embodies a range of emotions—fear, determination, and desperation—as her character navigates the challenges of opening her restaurant. However, despite her strong acting skills, the script often feels predictable and lacks depth. Critics have noted that while DeBose shines in her role, the film itself does not provide enough substance to support her performance.
The film’s themes touch on toxic masculinity within the culinary industry. The chef’s mentor represents traditional male bravado, which she initially tries to emulate. Yet as she delves deeper into her new venture and embraces gardening—an activity characterized as “wild” and “feminine”—she discovers a different side of herself. This shift is an intriguing narrative aspect but is not explored as thoroughly as possible.
While House of Spoils incorporates horror elements through jump scares and eerie apparitions, many critics argue that its true horror lies within the culinary realm. The unsettling visuals of insects crawling on food and mould overtaking ingredients evoke feelings of disgust more than fear. These images serve as metaphors for the Chef’s deteriorating mental state as she grapples with external pressures and internal demons.
The film addresses significant issues such as sexism and consumer culture in the restaurant industry. However, it often falls short of delivering impactful commentary. The narrative becomes muddled by its supernatural elements, which sometimes feel like distractions rather than enhancements to the story.
As Chef discovers a hidden garden filled with unique ingredients, she embarks on an adventure that allows her to transform discarded plants into gourmet creations. This aspect of the film showcases creativity and innovation in cooking and raises questions about sustainability and resourcefulness in the culinary world.
Despite its flaws, House of Spoils does have moments that resonate with viewers. The dynamic between the Chef and her sous-chef Lucia (played by Barbie Ferreira) adds depth to the story. Their contrasting perspectives on cooking and ambition create tension that keeps audiences engaged.
However, critics have noted that the film’s finale leaves much to be desired. The conclusion veers into absurdity, straying from what one might expect from a psychological thriller. Instead of providing closure or resolution, it leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied.
House of Spoils presents an intriguing premise but struggles to deliver on its potential. While it offers glimpses into the challenges faced by women in the culinary industry and explores themes of ambition and self-discovery, it ultimately fails to provide a cohesive narrative or genuine scares.
As audiences tune in for this unique culinary drama and horror blend, they may crave more depth and excitement than House of Spoils offers. The film serves as an interesting exploration of its themes but may leave viewers hungry for a more fulfilling experience in both storytelling and horror elements.
