“House of Abraham” Intrigues and Disturbs

House of Abraham (Lisa Belcher, 2025) 3½ out of 5 stars

I’d like to start off this review by giving a trigger warning, as the film mentioned here involves one of the most difficult and touchy subjects out there in the world today: suicide.* It’s something we hear about in the news but hope doesn’t happen to those closest to us. For some, unfortunately, it’s the most heartbreaking experience in their lives. In Lisa Belcher’s new film, House of Abraham, suicide is the central plot device and so I offer a warning that this review will cover the topic in some depth.

In the movie, Dee (Natasha Henstridge, Condition of Return) arrives at a remote retreat in the woods. She is greeted by Beatrice (Lin Shaye, Insidious: The Red Door), who shows her to her room in a house and asks for Dee’s cellphone. Dee is one of many guests who are staying there for the weekend.

This is no unwinding, unplugged wellness retreat, however. Dee and the other guests have all come to this house to commit suicide. To assist them in this process is Abraham (Lukas Hassel, NBC’s The Blacklist). He greets the guests at a lavish dinner, where he explains the rules of the weekend.

One of these rules is that, when someone decides they are ready to commit suicide, they ring a bell. The others will toast them and watch as they kill themselves. Abraham discusses with the guests their desired method of completing the act, has them all record their goodbyes, and shares with the group why each of them has decided to come to his house. When Dee asks if she’s allowed to leave if she changes her mind about dying, Abraham’s lack of response speaks volumes.

House of Abraham is the rare film that uses suicide as a horror device but does it respectfully and correctly. You won’t find any gruesome scenes of someone offing themselves here, as each death is completely decided upon by the one who’s life is at stake, often opting for less messy alternatives. Still, the sight of someone taking their own life is difficult to stomach, but this is the point of the film.

The plot plays out much like a mystery/thriller. Who is Abraham? Why is he helping these people commit suicide when he has no plans to die, himself? Can folks actually leave his house if they change their mind? These questions keep the viewer invested for the entire runtime of the film, as do the obvious, creepier horror aspects.

The greatest strength of The House of Abraham, however, is its conversations about suicide. There are fascinating sequences in which suicide, and life and death in general, are discussed in a very strange, yet riveting, way, turning the concept of suicide on its head in many ways. Abraham believes that there is nothing wrong with suicide, and that it’s a conscious choice, as well as the brave act of one taking responsibility for their actions, and that it should not be questioned by others. We did not choose to be born, he says, so we can choose to give life back if we want.

The character of Abraham is a very unique and compelling one, unlike any other character I’ve ever seen. Hassel turns in an exceptional performance playing the role, and he’s not the only one. Shaye plays his house maid and cohost, and she brings her best, as always. Frankly, the work of the entire cast is impressive, and each character intrigues.

The third act of the film includes a few good twists, if maybe one too many. The very end of the film does get a bit far-fetched but is mostly executed well. The ultimate conclusion is satisfying and fitting, even if a bit unsettling.

Overall, House of Abraham succeeds in presenting a difficult topic in a different light and using it for not only horror, but also as a conversation starter. Enthralling dialogue, great performances, and a unique plot all contribute to create a film that is sure to be memorable, yet also disturbing, to many. Director Belcher and writer Hassel, who both also star in the film, have crafted a very original concept and executed it brilliantly, fleshing it out to its full capability.

*If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is help available. Please contact the suicide and crisis lifeline, by call or text, by simply dialing “988” on your phone.

Matt Patti

Matt Patti has enjoyed voicing his opinions on films from a young age. He has lived in the Baltimore, Maryland, area since 2015 and is a graduate of Stevenson University’s Film & Moving Image program. Matt is currently back at Stevenson University, working as the School of Design, Arts, and Communication's Studio Manager.