The Deep House (2021)

The Deep House (2021) is a bold and visually striking supernatural horror film that plunges viewers into a haunted house submerged beneath a remote French lake, delivering a chilling blend of found-footage horror and claustrophobic terror. Directed by Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury, known for Inside (2007), and starring James Jagger and Camille Rowe, this 2021 horror film is a unique experiment in the genre. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Shudder, The Deep House captivates with its innovative premise and eerie atmosphere, making it a must-watch for fans of horror films and psychological thrillers. In this movie review, we explore why this underwater nightmare stands out in 2025.

Plot Overview: A Dive into Darkness

The Premise of The Deep House

The Deep House follows Ben (James Jagger) and Tina (Camille Rowe), a couple of urban exploration YouTubers chasing viral content. Their quest leads them to a remote lake in southwest France, where a local guide (Eric Savin) reveals a submerged house perfectly preserved underwater. Eager for a unique video, they dive into the murky depths, only to find the house filled with satanic symbols, disturbing artifacts, and signs of a gruesome past. As their oxygen dwindles and their equipment fails, the couple uncovers a malevolent force tied to the house’s history, turning their adventure into a desperate fight for survival where escape seems impossible.

Why the Story Grips

At 85 minutes, The Deep House delivers a taut, immersive experience that combines found-footage horror with supernatural elements. The premise—a haunted house underwater—is refreshingly original, tapping into primal fears of drowning and entrapment. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds a 74% score, praise its “genuine sense of dread” and “innovative setting,” though some X posts criticize its “predictable tropes” and “rushed ending.” The film’s ability to maintain tension in such a confined, alien environment makes it a standout in horror movies.

Atmosphere and Setting: A Submerged Nightmare

The Underwater Haunted House

The French lake and its submerged house are the film’s true stars, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere unlike any other horror film. Filmed in a controlled tank in Belgium, with additional lake shots in southwest France, Jacques Ballard’s underwater cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the eerie beauty of the flooded house with its floating furniture and shadowy corridors. The muted greens and blues, paired with Raphaël Gesqua’s haunting score, amplify the sense of isolation and dread. X users call the setting “a character in itself,” though some note the “murky visuals” can obscure key moments due to the low-budget constraints (grossing $1.9 million).