Stephen Cognetti put himself on the map with his release of this film, and what started the Hell House franchise we know of today. Easily one of the best indie horror found-footage films released in recent years. Hopefully, others would follow and not make use of CGIs as much. Proper directing and a smart use of practical effects is all that it takes to scare people. Recent horror films have been a huge disappointment, even with their budget.

This is one of the few found-footage horror films that truly scared the living daylights out of me, and surprisingly, they didn’t rely heavily on jump scares. Instead, it’s the way the film is crafted that makes it so unnerving. The interviews, the camera footage during the opening scenes, and the “making of” phase are all presented so realistically.

The way it’s structured draws you in, making you feel as if you’re watching an actual documentary unfold right before your eyes. It’s this sense of authenticity and immersion that creates a deeper connection to the story, pulling you into the unsettling world of the film. The lack of typical horror tropes like constant jump scares makes it even more effective, as the fear builds slowly and steadily, making each terrifying moment feel even more genuine.

The word “creepy” is the perfect way to describe the feeling you get when watching the HH (Hell House) series. From the eerie sound effects and haunting music to the moody lighting and the actors’ subtle movements, every detail builds a sense of unease. A key part of the experience is its found-footage, POV style, which may not be for everyone but definitely adds to the immersion, putting you right in the characters’ shoes.

What’s particularly impressive is that most of the deaths occur off-camera, yet it still manages to be terrifying. This proves that you don’t need brutal, graphic violence to generate fear; the tension, suspense, and the terror of the unseen are what truly make this series so effective.

The actors were unknown to me but definitely didn’t feel like they were casted just for the sake of. They were perfect for the roles they played in. Each one has a unique personality/role and they made us fall in love with them, thus making it horrifying seeing what they had to endure. What I liked about the group was they had chemistry and really felt like they’ve been friends for quite a while.

The twist at the end of Hell House was a cherry on top for this indie horror film. Even though it was just released in 2015, it already gained a massive cult following, and very well deserved. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum gave me the same creepiness vibes.

Did you know?
The Abaddon Hotel, the place where everything happened, is actually a real place you can go in to, it’s real name is Waldorf Estate of Fear (formerly Waldorf Hotel), and it also is a popular haunted attraction; but here’s the twist, the history of the place has it’s own Andrew Tully, who goes by the name of Oliver Sommersby, that was rumored to have killed 25 people in a span of 10 years.