House of Abraham Confronts Death, Belief, and the Illusion of Escape - Review

Lukas Hassel leads a haunting ensemble in House of Abraham, a cult horror with sharp commentary on suffering and salvation.

Lisa Belcher crafts a moody, off-kilter descent into death cult psychology with House of Abraham, a horror-thriller that asks one of the hardest questions you can pose on-screen: What if dying felt like salvation?

Written by and starring Lukas Hassel, the film introduces us to Abraham—a charismatic figure who promises peace to those desperate to escape their suffering. Hassel’s performance is pitch-perfect, evoking a blend of Jack Kevorkian’s clinical calm and Charles Manson’s quiet magnetism. He’s all charm and control, with a flowing mane and a voice soft enough to make you believe anything—even the idea of a “pleasant way out.”

The story centers on Dee (played by Natasha Henstridge), a skeptical outsider whose presence throws subtle friction into Abraham’s controlled sanctuary. Henstridge, a horror legacy name thanks to Species, is unfortunately the weak link here. Her portrayal feels disconnected—more intruder than infiltrator. It’s hard to believe a community this insular wouldn’t spot her motives immediately.

Thankfully, the supporting cast more than balances the energy. Lin Shaye delivers a quietly menacing performance as Beatrice, Abraham’s right hand and spiritual gatekeeper. Her screen presence is undeniable—steely, motherly, and terrifying when needed. She brings the same grounded chaos that’s made her a staple of the genre for decades.

Trans actor Marval A. Rex and Khali Sykes round out a diverse ensemble of characters who’ve all come to Abraham for different reasons. Their arcs delve into identity, trauma, and the very human desire to be free of pain—both physical and existential. The film smartly weaves in questions about gender, transformation, and the illusions of escape without ever feeling preachy.

House of Abraham doesn’t shy away from society’s complicated relationship with death. Whether rooted in religion, culture, or capitalism, Belcher confronts the hypocrisies head-on: we fear death, yet profit from it; mourn it, yet sensationalize it. The film lingers on that contradiction with a heavy, satirical air—never laughing at its characters, but forcing us to question our own beliefs about suffering, suicide, and salvation.

Though the pacing is brisk and the setup bold, some narrative inconsistencies—especially around Dee’s believability—hold it back from greatness. Still, it’s a gutsy, dialogue-starting piece that doesn’t flinch, and that alone makes it worth the watch.

House of Abraham is an eerie, emotionally loaded film that blends cult horror with philosophical bite. Lukas Hassel’s performance and script elevate the material, while Lin Shaye and Marval A. Rex inject depth and authenticity into a deadly premise. A miscast lead prevents it from reaching its full potential, but there’s no denying this film has something to say—and it says it well.

3 out of 5

In theaters June 13.

Directed by Lisa Belcher

Written by Lukas Hassel

Featuring Natasha Henstridge, Lin Shaye & Lukas Hassel

Produced by Lisa Belcher, Paul Merryman & Melissa Kirkendall

Executive Produced by Sid Ganis, Vance & Priscilla Hinton