Netflix has quietly released "The Last House," a new sci-fi thriller directed by Louis Leterrier that channels the distinctive style of Steven Spielberg. The film excels at blending ordinary family life with extraordinary, often perilous circumstances, a hallmark of Spielberg's filmmaking. This approach makes even the most commonplace situations feel significant as characters confront fantastical challenges.
The narrative centers on the Delgado family, who, in the weeks before Christmas, find their home sealed by an unknown force that prevents any exit, particularly when it rains. Their predicament escalates as they discover their entire neighborhood faces the same inexplicable confinement. The initial panic is momentarily eased when a neighbor ventures out for help, only to disappear. This dramatic setup unfolds rapidly, with the introduction of the family and the reveal of their entrapment occurring within the first 20 minutes of the film, eschewing a slow-burn approach for immediate shock.
Parents Jason (Wagner Moura) and Ann Delgado (Greta Lee) are joined by their children, Graham and Ruth. Moura and Lee share strong chemistry, quickly establishing their characters' deep affection for each other and their children. Jason, an unemployed engineer, is driven to provide for his family, while Ann is a fiercely protective and inspirational figure. Their existing struggles before the entrapment become crucial to their response to it. Ann's determination to shield her children from psychological distress and Jason's renewed drive to prove his capability as a provider are highlighted. A poignant scene shows them using overdue mortgage payments as kindling for a fire, symbolizing a silver lining amidst their dire situation.
The film's core strength lies in its depiction of the Delgado family as a cohesive unit, resonating with Spielberg's focus on familial bonds. While the mystery behind their confinement remains a background element, the audience is likely to become deeply invested in the family's plight. Their interactions, from sibling squabbles to their love for their dog, are portrayed with authenticity, reinforcing the idea that they would go to great lengths for one another.
Leterrier effectively builds the family's joy and intimacy before shattering it, making their breakdown in the face of losing modern conveniences—food, electricity, water, and communication—devastating. The house itself begins to deteriorate, mirroring the family's internal struggle. Marks on the wall denote the passage of days and years, floorboards are repurposed for survival, and cracks appear as the structure succumbs to the damp environment.
Ultimately, "The Last House" poses complex questions about survival and human resilience, reminiscent of Spielberg's thematic depth. The Delgados' fight against their horrifying new reality is extraordinary, but it is their effort to retain their identities while facing drastic change that makes the film a compelling and Spielberg-esque experience. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix.