The Home (2025) is a psychological horror thriller directed by James DeMonaco and starring Pete Davidson. Released theatrically on July 25, 2025, this chilling film explores the eerie underbelly of a seemingly innocent retirement home.
Plot Summary
Max (Pete Davidson) is a troubled graffiti artist sentenced to community service at Green Meadows Retirement Home. Assigned as a superintendent, he’s warned to avoid the mysterious fourth floor. As he grows close to some residents, Max notices bizarre behavior—hallucinations, spontaneous bleeding, and unsettling nocturnal visits. His investigation reveals a sinister cult behind the home’s calm façade. He uncovers shocking ties to his own tragic past and faces a life-or-death confrontation with the residents and staff.
Key Stats & Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 25, 2025 (U.S.) |
| Director & Writers | Directed by James DeMonaco; written by James DeMonaco and Adam Cantor |
| Runtime | Approximately 95 minutes |
| Genre | Psychological Horror, Thriller |
| Cast | Pete Davidson as Max; supporting roles include John Glover and Bruce Altman |
| Budget & Earnings | Box office gross around $1.7 million |
| Critical Reception | Generally negative—Metacritic score of 39/100; critics called it incoherent and underwhelming |
Production & Background
Filmed in New Jersey (Denville, Elizabeth, Nutley), the production used a real senior living facility as its primary setting.Wikipedia+1 The screenplay explores themes of exploitation, betrayal, and the extreme measures taken to reclaim youth, as Max navigates personal trauma and a disturbing conspiracy.
Behind-the-Scenes Highlight
In a tense scene, Pete Davidson was required to have a contraption hold his real eye open—a risky choice by director DeMonaco to capture authenticity. The protocol almost resulted in real injury before doctors intervened. Additionally, Director DeMonaco has hinted at casting Davidson in a future installment of his Purge franchise.
Critical Reception
Audiences and critics were largely unimpressed. Reviews noted excessive reliance on clichés, a weak screenplay, and underdeveloped suspense. Some labeled it disjointed horror with predictable twists, and Roger Ebert’s site described it as “incoherent and cheap.”
Conclusion
The Home (2025) delivers a haunting premise with a disturbing twist, but its execution failed to resonate strongly with critics or horror enthusiasts. While Pete Davidson bravely embraces a darker role, the film’s narrative weaknesses and uneven pacing leave it struggling to stand out in a crowded genre landscape.