Shit House Blu-ray Review

 

• MPAA rating : R (Restricted)
• Director : Cooper Raiff
• Media Format : Subtitled, Widescreen
• Run time : 1 hour and 41 minutes
• Release date : May 18, 2021
• Actors : Dylan Gelula, Cooper Raiff, Amy Landecker, Logan Miller
• Studio : IFC Independent Film

 

         For an accurate depiction of the irresponsibility of college life, in particular the propensity to bulldoze through handling of romantic relationships, you could do a lot worse than Shit House. If you are in the middle of your own romantic entanglements, this may not be the best choice for your mental/emotional state. While it is excusable as a realistic depiction of youth, the way in which some of the characters treat poorly is sometimes difficult to watch.

 

        The film is primarily focused on college freshman Alex (played by writer/director Cooper Raiff), who is struggling to fit in and make connections. After months in college, he still hasn’t made any friends and isn’t even able to connect with his roommate (Logan Miller). Tagging along to a frat party, Alex is able to start making connections, though he stumbles when he has an after-party fling with his resident advisor, Maggie (Dylan Gelula).

 

        Clinging to his initial connection with Maggie, it doesn’t take long for Alex to smother her into disinterest, and he is forced to face his own issues once again. I felt particularly condemned by this, as I have made the mistake of over-eagerness in liking Instagram posts and seen the same negative response. What I respect about Shit House is that it doesn’t try and make the relationship the answer; Alex needs to figure out who he is, separate from his connection to Maggie.

 

        The Blu-ray release for Shit House contains a handful of deleted scenes and a blooper reel. There is also a short film, Madeline and Cooper.

 

Entertainment Value: 6.5/10

Quality of Filmmaking: 7/10

Historical Significance:  4/10

Special Features: 4/10