Netflix's The Open House Disappoints Despite Star-Studded Cast and High Hopes

Netflix's catalog of exclusive films has grown substantially in recent years, with standout titles like The Irishman, Dolemite Is My Name, and Marriage Story garnering critical acclaim. However, not all of the streaming giant's original films have been hits. In fact, many have been disappointments, including the 2018 horror thriller The Open House.

Starring Dylan Minnette, known for his role in the popular series 13 Reasons Why, The Open House follows teenager Logan Wallace (Minette) and his mother Naomi (Piercey Dalton) as they move into a relative's vacation home following the tragic death of Logan's father. What was supposed to be a peaceful retreat quickly turns into a nightmare as unexplained forces begin to terrorize them. Adding to their stress is the requirement that they vacate the house once a week for potential buyers, leading to the title's significance.

Released on January 19, 2018, The Open House did not receive a warm reception from critics or audiences. The film currently holds an abysmal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the vast majority of reviews were negative. Even the audience score is a mere 8%, highlighting the film's lack of appeal across the board.

One of the most criticized aspects of The Open House was its ending, which left many viewers feeling unsatisfied. Throughout the film, Logan and Naomi investigate strange occurrences in the house, only to be met with a random and inexplicable conclusion: both characters are murdered by a mysterious figure who turns out to be a random man with no connection to the rest of the story. This lack of resolution left many feeling cheated and frustrated with the film's direction.

Overall, The Open House failed to deliver on its potential as a suspenseful horror thriller, instead leaving audiences confused and disappointed. While Netflix continues to produce a wide range of original content, not all of it reaches the same level of quality as their acclaimed hits.