The House with Laughing Windows
The House with Laughing Windows
Stefano, a young restorer, is commissioned to save a controversial mural located in the church of a small, isolated village.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 1, 2025
Stefano (Lino Capolicchio), an art restorer, was hired to work on a fresco in a small, decaying Italian village. The fresco, depicting the martyrdom of St. Sebastian, is the work of a mysterious local painter, Legnani, who was notorious for his macabre depictions of death and suffering. As Stefano digs deeper into the painter’s past, he uncovers a series of chilling secrets about the town, which seems to be hiding something deeply sinister.
I really liked Avati’s direction, which used long takes, dim lighting, and ambient sound to build tension slowly. However, this also contributed to the film’s glacial pace, particularly in the first half. There’s not much in the way of kills and gore either, though I thought the few that are here looked great.
I got more invested in the second half when Stefano got deeper into the mystery. The film's biggest saving grace is that ending—what an incredible wardrobe malfunction. I would have loved it if the film had gone on a little more after that last reveal, perhaps more about the town’s complicity in its dark history. I also think it’s funny that there’s always a moment in these Italian gialli where you suddenly see how the film got its long title. This film is no different. 👄