Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lots of blood, language in sharp found-footage horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
House on Eden
What's the Story?
In HOUSE ON EDEN, ghost hunting video makers Kris (Kris Collins) and Celina (Celina Myers) and their videographer, Jay (Jason-Christopher Mayer), are on their way to shoot a routine video. But Kris has found a potential haunted house in the woods that no one else has covered, and she convinces her team to accompany here there to see what happens. After nearly getting lost and losing their equipment, they find the house, which is immaculate and seemingly abandoned. They set up their equipment, try to contact any nearby spirits, and then simultaneously black out and wake up on the floor. After that, Kris begins to find evidence of a spirit called "Lilith." Kris seems to become more and more obsessed, persecuting Jay in the process. And after a while, it becomes evident that the team has bitten off more than they can chew.
Is It Any Good?
Found-footage horror movies are typically a dime a dozen, but this one has certain distinguishing factors that give it a little extra boost, as well as an extra bite. In House on Eden, the characters are real-life YouTubers known as Kallmekris (Collins, who also wrote and directed the movie) and CelinaSpookyBoo (Myers), and Jay (Mayer) is their real-life cameraperson. Even though it only runs 78 minutes, the movie gambles a good deal of that time on getting to know the characters through their ribbing, teasing, arguing, and antics, and it works. Their shared history comes through, and viewers can easily tell where they stand with one another.
In addition, while the O.G. found-footage horror film The Blair Witch Project was shot on two formats, a Hi-8 video camcorder and 16mm black-and-white film, this one uses three cameras: a Super 8mm film camera, a late-1990s model Sony Hi-8 Handycam, and a modern video camera. Like Blair Witch, House on Eden switches back and forth between formats, creating an interesting visual tension. When the characters get to the house, their ghost hunting shows their experience in such matters (they have a lot of nifty gadgets) and makes it clear that they're not such easy targets. The scares that come after that are unexpected and creative, and even though things turn rather abruptly toward the end, House on Eden is a very entertaining entry in the found-footage genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about House on Eden's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
Is the movie scary? Why do people sometimes enjoy horror movies? What's the appeal of being scared?
How do found-footage movies hit differently than other types of horror movies? Does the fact that this one features actual YouTube stars make it feel different?
Despite the characters' experience, they were unprepared for what they were about to face. Could they have been more prepared? How? Could respect or kindness have been a factor?
How is cigarette smoking depicted? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 25, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2025
- Cast : Kris Collins , Celina Myers , Jason-Christopher Mayer
- Director : Kris Collins
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studios : RLJE Films , Shudder
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Ghosts , Magic ) , Family Stories , STEM ( Nature )
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, some bloody violent content, and graphic nudity
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
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