Mahil Senathirajah
By Mahil Senathirajah
House of Darkness
Directed by Neil LaBute 88 min
United States
North American Independent Cinema
World Premiere
In the late 1990’s Neil LaBute broke new ground in exploring and exposing the sexual politics between men and women in a savagely funny and bracingly unfiltered way, starting with In the Company of Men in 1997. His male characters are cynical, self-interested and single-minded in their pursuit of sex above all else; fashioning themselves as apex predators (before the term achieved its current fashionability) with women as their hapless prey.
His film career waned but he developed as a playwright including penning “Reasons to Be Pretty” which was nominated for a Tony as best play. SBIFF has brought his newest film, House of Darkness, to Santa Barbara. The story revolves around a cynical male who picks up a seemingly vulnerable female who takes him back to her place, which is literally a castle in the woods. The film is essentially a play with its core being the verbal sparring between the leads as the female methodically deconstructs his pick up motive and methodology.
The film is low budget and may seem a little dated. “Promising Young Woman” from 2021 mines the same territory but with more insight and directorial flair. However, there is a vicious, delicious ending.
And, it is playing for free to today 2 pm a the Arlington. So, if you want to see what Neil LaBute it up to now, or want a caustic tale of dating wars, you may want to check it out.
Visit for more information on how to view the film.
