A girl, only known as “Her” (Desi Stephens) wanders aimlessly around her empty house. Her father is away, and she takes this time to do what’s best for her. Relaxation, rendezvous, etc. define her and her time alone. Solitude has its pros and cons, and with the House to Herself she will have the chance to look inward--but that, too, has a price.
Films about isolation always possess a deeper meaning about looking inward and being able to understand one’s self. House to Herself is no different, as viewers see Stephens’ “her” trying to figure out what to do with herself while her father is away and the house is empty. Simple tasks such as brushing her teeth or making the bed speak volumes toward who and what “her” is, and viewers are able to evaluate themselves as well. Who doesn’t like a film that makes you think, that allows you to analyze the world around you and better understand life? I, for one, love this about House to Herself. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “intelligence is attractive.” House to Herself is an intelligent film, and writer-director Matthew Kyle Levine and director Shea Glasheen understand how to reach their viewers on an intellectual level.
There is something genius about how simple this film is. There are no tricks, no massive shifts in the narrative, and the entirety of the film (even with some left-of-center plot points) remains rather even-keeled. House to Herself examines the human psyche through its simplicity, and viewers are taken on a journey of self-realization and understanding. Stephens plays an integral role in the audience being able to take something away from the film, as she is tasked with being an everyman of sorts--and she finds immense success. She, like the plot of the film, is simple, unassuming, and down to earth. Her ability to act this way throughout House to Herself resonates with viewers and allows them to find beauty not just in her aesthetic but in her performance and ability to reach viewers as well. Calm, cool, and collected accurately describe Stephens and her ability to check all of the boxes necessary to find success.
The emotion present throughout House to Herself shines brightly as a result of the acting and the cinematography. A combination of light and dark and close-up and long shots lead to a better understanding of “her.” The series of camera angles and close-ups are able to capture the expression on Stephens’ face and pull viewers deeper into the emotional journey of House to Herself. House to Herself is honest and real, and through the spectacular cinematography, the honesty of what Levine and Glasheen develop reaches each and every one of its viewers. Nothing is lost in translation and nothing is overlooked.
The eerie silence that exists throughout much of the film pulls viewers to the edges of their seats, as they anticipate something wild. They never get that wild something they thought might come--and that’s a good thing. Like the anxiety that daily life causes, House to Herself provides viewers with a true representation of the world in which we live. The sincerity present and Stephens’ ability to hit every note beautifully allow House to Herself to shine brightly. House to Herself is unique--which is a feat in itself--but more importantly, it reaches everyone willing to give it a chance.
Directed by Shea Glasheen & Matthew Kyle Levine.
Written by Matthew Kyle Levine.
Starring Desi Stephens & Ben Tiberio.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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