The UNKNOWN House (2019) directed by Jaume Balagueró, known for his work in the REC movie series, is a thriller starring Michael Pratap and Maria Vasconcelos. The movie revolves around a team of five international geneticists who receive a lucrative and suspicious invitation from the reclusive millionaire, Alexander Lomax (played by Elliot Cowan), to work on a secret project at his remote mansion in the Scottish Highlands.
The team is headed by the brilliant but enigmatic Josefine (Maria Vasconcelos), who is joined by the ambitious and charming Chris (Michael Pratap), the stoic and skeptical Russian Sergey (Mikhail Nahum), the bubbly and impulsive South African Thandi (Alexia Moyano), and the withdrawn and intense Chinese Junjie (Ashley Zhao). They are all excited about the project, which is shrouded in secrecy and promises to be a breakthrough in genetic research.
However, things take a turn for the worse as soon as they arrive at the mansion, which is a maze of corridors and hidden rooms. They are met by the ominous and unhelpful butler, Alfred (Iván González), who warns them that Mr. Lomax has some strange and unsettling rules they must obey. They are not allowed to leave the mansion for any reason and must surrender their passports and cell phones. They are also forbidden to contact the outside world or communicate with each other about the project.
As they settle in, it becomes clear that something is not quite right. They begin to experience strange phenomena, such as unexplained noises, flickering lights, and shadows that move on their own. They also discover that the mansion has a dark and disturbing history, involving the disappearance of Lomax's family one hundred years ago. They learn that Lomax himself is a recluse, who has not been seen in public for decades, and that he has a reputation for being a mad scientist.
As the days go by, the team becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious of each other. They start to suspect that they are being watched and experimented on by Lomax, who may be conducting illegal and unethical experiments on them. They also begin to have hallucinations, nightmares, and vivid dreams that suggest that they are being manipulated and controlled by some unseen force.
The UNKNOWN House is a fast-paced and suspenseful movie that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The tension builds up gradually, as the characters are trapped in the mansion and forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. The cinematography is stunning, with panoramic shots of the Scottish Highlands and eerie close-ups of the characters' faces. The music and sound effects are haunting and atmospheric, adding to the sense of dread and unease.
The movie explores several themes, such as the ethics of genetic research, the dangers of isolation and paranoia, the limits of human consciousness and perception, and the consequences of playing god with nature. It also has some surprising twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The performances of the actors are convincing and nuanced, especially Michael Pratap and Maria Vasconcelos, who have great chemistry and charisma.
Overall, The UNKNOWN House is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and horror movies. It combines science fiction, mystery, and horror elements into a compelling and thought-provoking story. It will leave you questioning your own perceptions of reality and the nature of humanity.
