2025 is the year of retirement home horror. First it was “The Rule of Jenny Pen.” Now, it’s “The Home.” 

“The Home” follows Max, who discovers that both residents and staff are concealing dark secrets at the retirement home he works at. 

Pete Davidson Dials It Down

Many will write off “The Home” simply because it stars Pete Davidson. While he’s often viewed as comic relief, that’s not the case here. Davidson delivers a surprisingly modest performance, playing a more reserved character. 

It’s exactly the kind of role he needed – one that highlights his quieter, emotional side. He proves well-suited for a more dramatic turn, bringing Max to life with restraint.

The first hour of “The Home” plays it safe. It reveals a handful of its cards early, but don’t worry… there’s more to come. As it progresses, the film takes unexpected turns that build to a frenzied final act that’s sure to leave audiences grinning.

Carnage Candy and Chaotic Reveals

The last 30 minutes pull out all the stops. Are there plot holes? Sure. But the chaos is a blast. “The Home” thrives in its conclusion, delivering carnage candy and bonkers reveals in rapid-fire succession. 

Still, some of it feels rushed, especially in the closing moments. Amid the madness, the film forgets to breathe, leaving parts of the lore underdeveloped.

That slow-moving first hour is ultimately the reason this ending works so well. It puts all the pieces in place only to dismantle them in an incredibly satisfying fashion. While the early stages rely on jump scares and familiar tropes, much of it feels intentional. By the time the movie finds its footing, it’s constantly subverting expectations and delivering genuine frights.

A Stylish, Twisted Ride

Visually, James DeMonaco’s direction stands out. The retirement home is used effectively – tight rooms and shadowy hallways (and even the older residents) – all adding to the creep factor. While the film leans a bit too much on basic fade transitions, it still finds visual beauty in a confined, potentially dull setting.

The final act also packs in some underrated laughs. Between how certain shots are framed and how lines are delivered, the absurdity becomes part of the fun. Whether intentional or not, many moments in the last 30 minutes had me laughing out loud. The horror blends well with the comedy, even when the tone teeters on the edge.

The score deserves praise too. It mirrors the film’s arc, starting with soft tones before swelling into something chaotic.

“The Home” is a surprisingly effective horror flick with one of the year’s best endings. Don’t write it off too quickly. This one may just sneak up on you.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5