Thought-provoking exploration of family and identity.

Unpacking the Dichotomy of Horror in *The Home*

In the world of horror, some terrors are steeped in the supernatural: demons, ghosts, and other ethereal entities tap into age-old mythologies. Others are akin to stark reality, reflecting very human fears, such as psychological trauma and physical ailments. In Mattias Johansson Skoglund’s sophomore feature, *The Home*, we are gripped by both forms of horror, wrapped in a masterfully crafted narrative. Hot off its premiere at SXSW, the film has since haunted audiences at Haapsalu.

A Mother’s Descent into Darkness

At the heart of this unsettling tale is Monika (portrayed by Anki Lidén), a retiree who faces a life-altering fall and a subsequent stroke. Struggling with the shadows of dementia, she can no longer fend for herself. Enter Joel (played by Philip Oros), her younger son whose aspirations as a musician sank in the bustling cityscape of Stockholm. Tasked with moving Monika into a nursing home and preparing the family home for sale, Joel’s journey becomes fraught with emotional peril.

The Complicated Dynamic of Family

Yet, the nursing facility—a seemingly safe harbor—holds its own burdens. Monika’s past intertwines with a chilling presence: the spirit of her late husband, Bengt (played by Peter Jankert), who had left a legacy of abuse and trauma. As tensions rise, we see how both Monika and Joel are haunted by Bengt’s fury: Joel for his sexuality and indulgences, and Monika for enabling a cycle of torment.

Emotional Complexity Meets Supernatural Dread

The film’s screenplay, co-written by Skoglund and Mats Strandberg, navigates a labyrinth of emotions and intricate backstories. While it succeeds in portraying a raw, lived-in realism, the climax veers into an unexpected territory of action that feels somewhat discordant with the film’s otherwise subtle tone. Nonetheless, the execution remains graceful, supported by an evocative ambient score and commendable performances, particularly from Oros, whose versatility shines through.

Atmosphere of Unease

But the true brilliance of *The Home* lies in its ability to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of discomfort. Dementia is a cruel experience, magnified by the shared confinement with other patients battling their fears. The nursing home serves as a hellish backdrop, only mildly better than the figurative “open jail” of a small town, where dreams have faded but memories linger ominously.

Reflections on Pain and Loneliness

In this realm, characters are caught in cycles of torment, trapped by their own histories and unresolved pains. Joel grapples with the nagging feeling of being the “less loved” son, while Monika faces the silent ache of having a favorite whose indifference drives a deeper wedge between them. In the unsettling world of *The Home*, it becomes apparent that true horror is not only the hauntings of the past but the emotional scars that refuse to fade.

Reviewed on: 12 May 2025

For those seeking to explore the haunting depths of family, memory, and the supernatural, *The Home* is a chilling journey that serves as a potent reminder that the past often dictates our present.