When James DeMonaco, the mind behind The Purge franchise, directed a horror-thriller about a troubled young man taking a job at a retirement home, it drew immediate attention. Titled The Home, the feature places comedian and actor Pete Davidson into unfamiliar, darker genre territory. Audiences looking into the project want to know who joins Davidson on screen, what characters they play, and how the narrative unfolds inside a seemingly peaceful facility that hides grim secrets.
This breakdown explores the complete lineup of actors, their specific roles, the creative team behind the camera, and what you can expect from the plot.
Lead Cast and Main Characters
The film relies heavily on its central protagonist and the unsettling figures running the facility. Here is the primary lineup driving the story.
- Pete Davidson as Max: Davidson stars as Max, a troubled man with a troubled past who takes a job at a retirement home to turn his life around. Max soon realizes that the facility is far from ordinary.
- John Glover as Lou: Veteran actor John Glover plays Lou, one of the elderly residents who shares a distinct bond and dynamic with Max as the mysteries pile up.
- Bruce Altman as Dr. Sabian: Altman portrays Dr. Sabian, the authoritarian and enigmatic figure overseeing the operations of the home. His motives and medical practices remain heavily guarded.
- Ethan Phillips as Ethan: Phillips steps into the role of Ethan, adding to the ensemble of residents and staff navigating the tense hallways of the facility.
Supporting Residents and Staff
A horror-thriller set in a confined institution lives or dies by its supporting cast. The facility is populated by a mix of vulnerable seniors, strict orderlies, and mysterious figures tied to the fourth floor. If you want more about the history of this, Associated Press offers an in-depth summary.
- Marilee Talkington as Gretchen: Talkington plays Gretchen, a resident whose interactions with Max shift his understanding of what's happening inside the building.
- Mugga as Juno: Mugga takes on the role of Juno, part of the facility's working staff.
- Adam Cantor as Les: Cantor pulls double duty, appearing on screen as Les while also co-writing the screenplay alongside DeMonaco.
- Denise Burse as Sadie: Burse brings depth to the ensemble as Sadie, one of the elderly individuals housed within the facility.
- Mary Beth Peil as Norma: Peil plays Norma, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere of the retirement community.
- Jessica Hecht as Sylvia: Hecht portrays Sylvia, adding another layer to the complex community of seniors living under watchful eyes.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Direction
Understanding a film's tone requires looking at the creators steering the ship. James DeMonaco directed the project from a script he co-wrote with Adam Cantor. Known for high-concept genre filmmaking, DeMonaco infuses the narrative with social claustrophobia and paranoia.
Production was handled by Bill Block and Sébastien K. Lemercier under banners like Miramax. The film's distinct visual palette relies heavily on cinematographer Anastas N. Michos, who captures the cold, sterile hallways of the institution, while composer Nathan Whitehead provides the atmospheric score.
Plot Overview and What to Expect
The story kicks off when Max begins working at the retirement home, hoping for a fresh start. However, the facility harbors strict rules and unsettling anomalies. The most prominent red flag is the fourth floor, which is strictly off-limits to regular staff and supposedly houses residents who require "special care".
As Max lets his curiosity override protocol, he digs deeper into the institution's history and daily operations. He uncovers a chilling secret that puts both the vulnerable residents and his own life in grave danger. Viewers can expect a tense, slow-burn thriller that mixes psychological dread with supernatural or institutional horror tropes, focusing heavily on Davidson's transition into a dramatic, high-stakes role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the film?
James DeMonaco directed the project. He is best known for creating The Purge franchise.
Is the movie part of a franchise?
No, it stands as a standalone psychological horror-thriller feature.
What is the runtime?
The film runs for approximately 95 minutes.
Where was it released?
The movie was distributed theatrically by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
