Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller could have been the streamer’s best movie of the year — but the watered-down finale sinks it
Netflix's new sci-fi thriller, "The Last House," starts strong but soon drowns in a soggy second half that saps the early momentum.
Tom's Guide gives "The Last House" three out of five stars, deeming it a "frustrating example of a movie of two halves." The sci-fi thriller starts off strong with a lockdown premise full of potential, but the high-concept finale fails to match the early promise. Set in rainy Seattle, the film follows a family of four, Jason (Wagner Moura) and Ann (Greta Lee) and their two children, as they are trapped in their home due to a mysterious natural force.
The movie draws parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, resonating with viewers who experienced quarantines just a few years prior. The initial hour of "The Last House" is effective and affecting, capturing the family's response to lockdown with humor, resourcefulness, and levity. However, the movie's pace slows as it reaches its finale, which is jarring and clichéd.
The tonal shift from a close-quarters thriller to a sci-fi monster movie is disjointed, and the environmental message feels heavy-handed. Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, both talented performers, struggle to save the film, ultimately leaving viewers wishing they could escape the movie's predicament.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
