Anyone would expect the goriest horror film in existence to arise from a collaboration between a writer on The Boys, which has some of the gnarliest scenes on recent TV, and the director of The Hostel, a film that has been extensively described as having far too over-the-top torture. The last thing you would expect is a dark fantasy for children. Yet, in 2018, writer Eric Kripke and director Eli Roth teamed up to create the captivating mystery of The House With a Clock in Its Walls. It is based on a novel of the same name and almost acts as a gateway to horror-mystery in the vein of Goosebumps, as it balances dark elements with a Chosen One fantasy that any pre-teen will appreciate.
‘The House With a Clock in Its Walls’ Caters to Every Pre-Teen Fantasy
Like every pre-teen fantasy film, The House With a Clock in Its Walls revolves around a young boy, Lewis (Owen Vaccaro), who has recently lost his parents and is transferred to a new, unfamiliar school after moving in with his eccentric uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). He starts learning about his newfound powers as a warlock with the help of his uncle and their similarly gifted neighbor, Mrs Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett). The set-up is timeless, and Lewis is just quirky enough with his bowtie and a pair of goggles for anyone to be endeared by, especially as they start hunting for the elusive ticking clock hiding in the walls of Uncle Jonathan’s house.
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On the surface, the film is a visual delight with enough whimsical elements to keep your attention and interest all the way through. Uncle Johnathan’s mansion is cluttered with golden automatons, textured drapes, and an ever-changing stained window, all with a steampunk finish that reminds us of a cozier version of His Dark Materials. Similarly, themes of coming-of-age, overcoming bullies, and the dangers of breaking certain rules drive the movie forward, which would undoubtedly appeal to most pre-teens. But for adults, the film still feels just as magical with the nostalgia of watching young Lewis fervently shake his magic 8-ball.
However, in this chaotic fantasy world, there are dark threads that make the film the perfect gateway to potentially spookier films for children. Like Goosebumps, the visuals may be an eclectic feast for the eyes, but with Halloween staples like talking jack-o-lanterns and creepier elements like a forbidden cabinet, the movie subtly introduces light-hearted horror themes. Even just the shots of the dozens of clocks ticking away on the mansion’s walls elicit a sense of something not being quite right. When the spirit of Lewis’ mother appears to warn him not to trust anyone, the atmosphere shifts into something more paranoid and sinister, turning what was initially just a house of curiosities into what feels like a sentient, haunted house.
Jack Black Is a Scene-Stealer in Eric Kripke’s Dark Fantasy
Tying the light and dark sides of this movie together is Black’s brilliant, comedic performance that can be so manic, it borders on unnerving. Just like the house, Uncle Johnathan appears vibrant and kooky, as if he came right alongside the magical furniture, but slowly devolves into someone we are suspicious of, especially due to his obsession with the elusive clock. Black’s recognizable delivery pairs beautifully with the frenetic energy in the air, but in The House With a Clock in Its Walls, he pulls back enough that we don’t quite trust him and his intentions with Lewis’ budding powers. He is ever the scene-stealer that elicits enough chuckles to make the familiar beats feel novel.
The House With a Clock in Its Walls certainly is not what we expect from a collaboration between Kripke and Roth, but it is a wonderful and homey collection of all the pre-teen magic elements we love. With Black’s characteristic performance ensuring we laugh throughout the film’s runtime, it is easy to get lost in the whimsical beauty and darker edges of the set design while cozying up to the familiar beats of a classic Chosen One story.
