His House, directed by Remi Weekes, is a chilling yet deeply emotional horror film that transcends genre conventions. At its core, it's not just about ghosts—it’s about grief, guilt, and the psychological toll of forced migration. The film follows a South Sudanese refugee couple, Bol and Rial, who escape a war-torn homeland for the promise of safety in England, only to find that their new home is haunted in more ways than one.
The story begins with Bol (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) being granted asylum and placed in a rundown government-assigned house. But almost immediately, strange occurrences begin: whispers in the walls, flickering lights, and shadowy figures emerging from the darkness. What seems at first to be a traditional haunted house story quickly evolves into something far more poignant.
The haunting is not merely supernatural—it's symbolic. The house becomes a manifestation of the couple’s buried trauma and guilt, especially Bol’s secret about their perilous journey to the UK. An "Apeth," or night witch from Dinka mythology, stalks them, demanding restitution for what they have done. As their marriage strains and reality begins to blur, the film masterfully blends jump scares with emotional breakdowns.
Weekes’ direction is atmospheric and restrained, allowing the horror to slowly build while never losing sight of the couple’s inner world. The performances are powerful—particularly from Mosaku, whose portrayal of Rial balances quiet sorrow with an unshakable sense of dignity and resilience. Dìrísù, too, is mesmerizing, portraying a man desperately trying to assimilate while being torn apart by hidden horrors.
What makes His House stand out in the horror genre is its ability to confront real-world issues—immigration, racism, colonialism, and survivor’s guilt—without ever feeling preachy. It uses horror as a lens through which to explore the scars left by displacement and war, delivering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Though His House ends on a haunting but hopeful note—with Bol and Rial confronting their past and reclaiming their home—a sequel could take the story even deeper. A follow-up, Their House, might explore the refugee experience from the perspective of a newly arrived family placed in the same residence. However, this time, the spiritual scars of the house linger, and Bol and Rial are forced to help the newcomers confront their own demons.
Alternatively, the sequel could follow Rial as she becomes a quiet community healer, someone who understands that ghosts don’t just haunt buildings—they haunt memories. The film could explore how shared trauma connects communities, and how the supernatural may continue to manifest in new, unsettling forms as long as trauma remains unresolved.
With its unique blend of cultural mythology, social commentary, and psychological horror, His House is more than a ghost story—it’s a powerful narrative of healing in the aftermath of horror.
