Uncovering the Horror Below the Surface: A Review of 'The Home'

'The Home,' James DeMonaco's recent horror flick introduces us to Max, played by Pete Davidson, who carries the weight of his brother Luke's suicide. Now in his 20s, Max's nightmares about Luke mould his reality. His inability to sleep pushes him towards night-time graffiti based on images from his dreams, which leads him to be arrested and subsequently employed as a nursing home superintendent instead of being incarcerated.

The story, co-written by James DeMonaco and Adam Cantor, investigates Max's journey as he uncovers peculiar activities in the nursing home. As he interacts more with the elderly residents, he stumbles upon the possibility of malicious forces running the place. The source of this menace remains uncertain. Is it the two nurses, played by Mugga and Cantor, having unspeakable secrets, or the docile but uninviting doctor, portrayed by Bruce Altman? The onus lies on Max to unravel the truth.

Visual elements such as the cinematography by Anastas N. Michos and the eerily serene setting by production designer Mary Lena Colston splendidly convey the chilling atmosphere of the nursing home and amp up the tension. However, the film somewhat drags its pace and the horror part surfaces quite late in the plot.

As the protagonist, Pete Davidson capably carries the tormented expression in his eyes, but his performance seems inconsistent. His character’s distinct melancholic persona often overlaps with the self-deprecating humour he is known for through his stand-up routines and SNL performances.

Underlining the difference between generations, the film subtly draws attention to global warming and the older generation's responsibility for the current crisis. Despite these intriguing aspects, the narrative doesn’t completely explore these more profound topics.

Ultimately, the film culminates in the captivating pattern of a classic slasher flick, pragmatically borrowing elements from the iconic 'Rosemary's Baby' genre. The concluding part of the movie sees Davidson finally establishing his character firmly, evolving into a compelling hero worth cheering for.