House of Ashes – Movie Review (3/5)

HOUSE OF ASHES is a new Supernatural Horror Movie that has a lot going for it, but also misses a few key marks. A real shame, as this movie has potential for much more than it ultimately delivers. Read our full House of Ashes movie review here!

HOUSE OF ASHES is a new horror movie coming out on Digital in time for Halloween. If you want to watch something new and different, this is a good choice. Just know that it doesn’t quite manage to deliver on some of the strong elements it introduces early on.

This movie debuted at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in 2024. Following this, it has been screened at genre film festivals worldwide. Now it’s time for a wider release, and I do think it will hit a nerve with many genre fans. Especially if you want to support indie film.

Continue reading our House of Ashes movie review below. Find it on Digital from October 30, 2025.

Grieving and punished

In House of Ashes, we meet Mia as she’s still grieving the loss of her husband, Adam. He was found dead at a veterinary clinic they owned and ran together. By all accounts, their life together was a happy one, and Mia has been acquitted of his death.

However, that’s the legal issue Mia has faced in regards to the death of her husband. Public opinion isn’t quite as convinced of her innocence. So, when Mia also miscarried in the midst of her immense grief, she was faced with a new legal danger.

She is living in a heavily pro-life regulated state, so a miscarriage results in punishment. For Mia, this ends in a house arrest. A house full of memories with her husband, but where her new boyfriend moves in to help her get by as she is forcefully housebound.

Marc, an old friend-turned-boyfriend, wants to be the savior of Mia. However, not long after he moves in, strange things begin happening in the house. Is it a supernatural entity or a very human one? Perhaps those pesky reporters trying to get Mia on camera?!

Important issues and lots of symbolism

While House of Ashes manages to cover a lot of important issues, it also tends to abandon them. I was very intrigued by the terrible house arrest brought on by a miscarriage, which undoubtedly is rooted in grief. And also, the accusation that Mia killed her beloved husband.

However, the whole pro-life legislation and miscarriage element seems to disappear.

Instead, there’s a switch to elements of the story that we can’t be sure are actually happening. Or rather, if they are, then they are clearly supernatural or paranormal in nature.

Also, there is a lot of symbolism in this movie, which includes the use of colored lights. It’s giallo-inspired all the way, which has become a bit of an annoyance of mine. I feel it’s used too much and in ways it shouldn’t.

However, I also recognize it’s my pet peeve, so I won’t let it reflect my overall opinion. Also, I do love it when done in a way that I feel improves or helps the storytelling.

Watch House of Ashes on Digital now

House of Ashes is the feature film debut of Izzy Lee. An impressive debut, even with the flaws, I feel it has as well. This debut is prominently featured in Fangoria’s October 2025 print magazine, which is probably one of the best ways to debut with a horror movie.

Izzy Lee is an American filmmaker and author, whom I expect we’ll see more of in the coming years. I especially look forward to seeing whether this giallo-style will be honed or if we’ll see a whole new style from the filmmaker.

In the press material, I noticed House of Ashes was described as “phantasmagoric and thought-provoking”, which I think is an accurate description… to a point.

If the story elements focusing on those thought-provoking elements had been followed, it would have been a strong movie. However, I still think House of Ashes is worth checking out, and I look forward to watching and reviewing the next Izzy Lee movie.

House of Ashes will be released on digital channels on October 30, 2025.

Details

Director: Izzy Lee
Cast: Fayna Sanchez, Vincent Stalba, Lee Boxleitner, Mason Conrad, Laura Dromerick, Joe Lynch, Mick Garris