#horror – #horrormovies – #horrorreviews – #LyviasHouse –
Director: Niko Volonakis
Writer: Patricia V. Davis
Stars: Tara Nichol Caldwell, Joshua Malekos, Danielle Octavien
Lyvia’s House (2023) is a psychological thriller directed by Niko Volonakis and written by Patricia V. Davis. The film follows Tara, a young journalist who moves to a rural area with her lover, only to uncover a series of mysterious events connected to the disappearance of an artist named Lyvia and murders that occurred two decades earlier.
The story begins with Tara, who relocates from a lavish urban environment to a bucolic setting, hoping for a fresh start. She becomes intrigued by the local legend of Lyvia, a reclusive Italian artist who vanished under mysterious circumstances. As Tara delves deeper into Lyvia’s past, she discovers unsettling connections to a series of brutal murders that took place in the area 20 years ago.
Tara’s investigation leads her to question her own sanity as she experiences strange visions and hears inexplicable sounds. The film masterfully blurs the line between reality and illusion, keeping the audience on edge. Tara’s journey is not just a quest for truth but also a battle against her own psychological demons.
The cinematography in Lyvia’s House is nothing short of breathtaking. The rural setting is captured in all its eerie beauty, with wide shots of gorgeous landscapes and close-ups that heighten the sense of claustrophobia and dread. Director Niko Volonakis uses light and shadow to great effect, creating a visually stunning yet haunting atmosphere.
The cast delivers powerful performances, with Tara Nichol Caldwell as the standout. Her portrayal of Tara is both vulnerable and determined, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. Lyvia Ricci, played by an enigmatic actress, adds a layer of mystique to the film. The supporting cast, including Joshua Malekos as Johnny Beers, also contribute significantly to the film’s overall impact.
Lyvia’s House explores themes of isolation, madness, and the search for truth. The film delves into the psychological impact of uncovering dark secrets and the toll it takes on one’s mental health. The house itself serves as a symbol of the past’s inescapable grip on the present, with its decaying walls and hidden rooms representing buried memories and unresolved trauma.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually. Some viewers might find the slow burn approach challenging, but it ultimately pays off with a series of shocking revelations and a twist ending that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Rating: 7/10