“DIY Grand Designs turns into the Haunting of Hump House.”
Giving into temptation is a dangerous thing to do, especially when you live within a vengeful house adept in bringing out the worst in people. Girl on the Third Floor is the first feature for director, Travis Stevens, who seemed perfectly at home in this erotically charged, haunted house horror.
A young family is looking to build a fresh start in a new neighbourhood after their old life collapsed. Don Koch (C.M. Punk) – husband and soon to be father with a short temper and sketchy past – is tasked in renovating their new and slightly crumbling house before pregnant wife, Liz (Trieste Kelly Dunn), joins. Accompanied only by his toolkit and lovable dog, Cooper, Don faces a far greater challenge than first expected. Upon arriving, he discovers that his family’s new dream house is actually an old brothel with a troubled history. This house bursting with so much lustful energy that even the architectural cracks and holes seep a gooey liquid which, let’s be honest, is probably cum. Soon, the chaotic horny vibes of the house manifest in the appearance of a young woman (Sarah Brooks), who seems very interested in helping out Don with all that… screwing. Offering assistance in… nailing that wood. Offering a…helping hand. Sex. She wants sex.
Soon, DIY Grand Designs turns into the Haunting of Hump House as, unsurprisingly, Don gives into temptation and faces the demonic repercussions. With an overly keen secret lover threatening to shatter his newly constructed ‘Perfect Husband’ image, Don has yet another fixing project on his hands as he tries to prevent this romp from turning into a particularly fatal attraction.
With unnerving practical visuals, haunting scares and a particularly tragic ode to an infamous Valentines Day body reveal, Girl on the Third Floor is an enticing horror. Although the acting of wrestling star, C.M. Punk, falls a little to the ring-side, it’s certainly not bad. Perhaps a little wooden at times but he still exudes the enigmatic charm and domineering presence that served him well as anti-hero/heel in the WWE ring. Punk shows promise, especially in the horror genre, with his other acting appearance this year being in stylish zombie feature Rapid.
Girl on the Third Floor is a haunted house horror that explores more than just the terror of house invasion. This house will reveal a person’s faults and test their most toxic temptations. Throughout the film, it’s hinted that Don has a troubling history. Although he’s still facing some repercussions – through a visit from a lawyer and a suspicious wife – it’s obvious that he managed to dodge any serious punishment for his crimes. This house acts as his punishment, proving no bad deed can remain buried for long. Of course, Don is not the only sinful party. Not only are the sins of one placed on trial but also of those who stand by Don and let actions go unchallenged. Whether just an observer or someone who chooses not to question discrepancies, all are judged and punished by this vengeful house.
With a DIY project from hell, a mysterious and morbidly playful spirit, and the looming pressures of family obligations, Girl on the Third Floor offers horror on every level. Leaving audiences more than pleased at its screening during the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, this is one indie horror for which to give-in to temptation and hunt down a screening.
Dir.: Travis Stevens
Writer: Trent Hagga; based on story by Paul Johnstone and Ben Parker
Cast: C.M. Punk, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Sarah Brooks, Travis Delgado
Produced: Queensbury Picture
DVD release: 7th January 2020
Flip Screen 
““DIY Grand Designs turns into the Haunting of Hump House.”
– I just loved that line, so I had to look. (^w^)V
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