The Deep House (2021) is a French supernatural horror film directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo. Known for their work in the horror genre, Maury and Bustillo crafted this film to blend underwater thrills with paranormal horror, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative. The film stars James Jagger and Camille Rowe as a couple of divers who explore a submerged house and encounter terrifying secrets within.
The Deep House had a modest production budget of around $5 million. The film was produced by French studio Off World, with a focus on practical effects and location-based storytelling. Filmed mostly underwater in a controlled environment, the filmmakers utilized real underwater sequences to heighten the sense of realism and suspense. The premise, which involved a haunted house submerged in a lake, allowed for a unique blend of horror and survival elements, with the protagonists trapped in a claustrophobic and eerie environment.
The film was released in France on July 28, 2021, and later had a limited theatrical release in various international markets. In the U.S., it was made available on digital platforms and through video-on-demand services. While it didn’t achieve major box office success, The Deep House found an audience within the horror community, particularly for its innovative premise and eerie underwater sequences.
Critics were divided on the film’s effectiveness, with some praising its atmosphere and eerie visuals, while others felt the film’s pacing and narrative faltered. Despite the mixed reviews, the film’s modest budget and unique concept ensured it was a profitable venture in terms of streaming and video-on-demand revenue. Its success on digital platforms and within the horror community exemplified the increasing demand for niche, low-budget genre films that offer novel experiences to audiences.
