House of Temptation

A masterfully produced independent film that depicts the extreme polarities and dualities of life through a spiritual lens, exposing us to contrasting yet insightful experiences that can ultimately bring us together or keep us apart. The psychological thriller uses the elements of mystery, suspense and religion to tell a complex story about the blind spots of lust and power. The characterizations and the script are well thought out, however, the diverse themes limit character dimensionality.

The costumes, special effects including lighting and camera work are impressive and used in creative ways to depict mysticism that allows viewers to see certain scenes from the third eye of a medium. Overall, I really good independent film to view and add to your library.

Hassan Zee has a new horror film called "House of Temptation". It's a film about one man's conflict of faith and the temptations of a house of horrors. My favorite characters were the main priest, Jeremiah and Maya. I liked Jeremiah and watching him deal with his inner conflict and Maya was a delightfully wicked character. Actress Jena Hunt was recently seen in Falling Uphill (another Bay Area feature film) and it was entertaining seeing her play a completely different character. Quite a range. Without revealing too much, the film has nice twists and I liked how the main family's story was left open-ended. I prefer it when the filmmakers leave it open to the audience to decide what happens next. Overall, a nice change of pace from the usual generic slashers and found footage that makes up much of horror cinema these days.

I was very much impressed all throughout the film with the presence of Maya. Jena's finesse brings the film to life, enhances the performances of the other actors, and helps them find their roles. I really enjoy Michael's performance as well. His entrance to the production rings of charm. From start to finish, he carries a swagger about him that attracts the viewers attention and locks them in to the unfolding plot. In his role as Aug, he displays a handsome energy that is impetuously magnetic in nature. As the pastor, Chris shines as evil progresses and develops itself through the infection of his community. I admire the message that Jeremiah stands for among his colleagues. I had thoughts to myself upon my first viewing of the film that said, "I agree. Bravo. This is very much real."

San Francisco Doctor turned Director, Hassan Zee, has diverged from his usual palette of films with his latest endeavor, the horror film 'House of Temptation', an engaging ride that simply demands audiences look deeper into the intertwining folds of its narrative.

Having cut his chops on dramatic storytelling, often inspired by his own Pakistani background, Doc Zee chose to expand his filmmaking skills in a new direction, crafting 'House of Temptation' into a film that carries the dramatic punch, but quickly delves into a tale ripe with horror. We follow the struggles of a family as seen through the eyes of Johnnie, a 15 year old aspiring filmmaker and son of Jeremiah, a beloved pastor both by his congregation and his wife, Annette. The film pulls its first trigger when Jeremiah is suddenly let go from his position, and lands its first hit when the mysterious character of Mia is introduced, who offers the family a place to stay in her late grandparents aging home during their transition from Pastor's housing. Mia begins to offer more than just her home, however, and soon becomes a respite for Jeremiah as his faith in The Lord begins to waver.

The theme of Faith, it's inherent power in tandem with the family's struggles to keep it strong, reigns throughout the film, driving the plot forward. To build this theme, the film hearkens back to tales of religion, primarily the story of Abraham and Ishmael as it's basis. All of this benefits strongly from its cast not only being top notch, each one seemingly stealing screen time from one another as the film progresses, but for debuting one of its strongest leads, the house itself. The power of faith finds it's antagonist in the framework of the house, which quickly becomes a metaphor for the evil that exists within us all, and the threats that evil can pose. It's a film viewers delight to witness the actors push their characters through the temptations the house has to offer, the danger that Mia presents, and the ultimate battle of good versus evil, finally waged not with an action set piece, but set within the minds and hearts of the film's leads.

'House of Temptation' sews in a variety of engaging plot twists and side characters into its primary yarn to keep things fresh throughout the film's runtime, which Doc Zee crafts into an incredibly potent package. His skills since his previous effort, the award winning Bicycle Bride, have evidently expanded, and his approach to the horror genre is not to be missed. Viewers are likely to come for the surface level drama, like Annette's struggle to keep her faith against Jeremiah's everyman descent from grace, but House of Temptation is truly strong with its deeper layers that evoke conversation and further thought beyond the cinema. For instance, be sure to look for clues into Mia's true nature, even after the film seemingly wraps up. In a city often known for its ripe potential as a setting for film, but not to always breed its own craftsmen, it's refreshing to know that one of San Francisco's most inspired inhabitants has taken it upon himself to be both a strong voice and a strong hand in making films that matter. If his previous films are any indication, and if House of Temptation is a sign of what's to come, San Francisco is certainly lucky to have Doc Zee.

The movie is more of a suspense film than horror film. There are no jumping "boos" waiting in the corner to "get you". With that said, the story and plot are well written. The film is thought provoking. Overall the movie is well done. It was fun to watch. The writing is well though out. The movie is the perfect length and there is not one scene that is not necessary to the plot. The film is well edited and flows smoothly. The actors are good. I enjoyed the son's acting and thought that his performance is very good and realistic. The father's role is well acted. The evil temptress has a wonderful evil laugh, is pleasing to the eye and is perfect for the role. The other actors are good. I enjoyed everyone's performance. I enjoyed the camera work. I liked how the effects are real, not overdone and not over-the-top. I enjoyed the "message" of the film and how it is interwoven into the plot. I recommend this movie. Enjoy . . .