Raging Grace Takes The Haunted House Trope And Adds Social Commentary 

by Stephanie Valente

In one way or another, most houses are haunted, but in Raging Grace (written and directed by Paris Zarcilla), the haunting isn’t confined to a decrepit mansion—it permeates the very fabric of life as an immigrant. This gripping film introduces Joy (Max Eigenmann), an undocumented Filipina immigrant and single mother living in London. As Joy navigates daily life working as a housekeeper, she encounters a series of haunting incidents, each one laden with racist aggressions. It’s a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants, particularly women, as they strive to make a living in a system that often exploits their vulnerability.

Enter Katherine (Leanne Best), a woman who offers Joy a lifeline: a job taking care of the terminally ill but affluent Mr. Garrett (David Hayman). This opportunity promises to break the cycle of hardship that has defined Joy’s existence (and get her closer to obtaining a visa). It soon becomes apparent, however, that something sinister is brewing in the house, and Joy’s curious daughter, Grace (Jaeden Paige Boadilla), is the first person to notice anything amiss. 

Raging Grace artfully combines classic horror elements like jump scares and a decaying gothic mansion with a modern exploration of immigration and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The film also creates a terrifying sense of unease through unexpected plot reveals that mirror the systemic challenges of the immigrant experience, especially those faced by women-identifying migrants. With Eigenmann and Boadilla delivering standout performances, Raging Grace is a must-watch that fearlessly explores the intersection of horror and social commentary. 

–Stephanie Valente

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Raging Grace Takes The Haunted House Trope And Adds Social Commentary 

In one way or another, most houses are haunted, but in Raging Grace (written and directed by Paris Zarcilla), the haunting isn’t confined to a decrepit mansion—it permeates the very fabric of life as an immigrant. This gripping film introduces Joy (Max Eigenmann), an undocumented Filipina immigrant and single mother living in London. As Joy navigates daily life working as a housekeeper, she encounters a series of haunting incidents, each one laden with racist aggressions. It’s a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants, particularly women, as they strive to make a living in a system that often exploits their vulnerability.

Enter Katherine (Leanne Best), a woman who offers Joy a lifeline: a job taking care of the terminally ill but affluent Mr. Garrett (David Hayman). This opportunity promises to break the cycle of hardship that has defined Joy’s existence (and get her closer to obtaining a visa). It soon becomes apparent, however, that something sinister is brewing in the house, and Joy’s curious daughter, Grace (Jaeden Paige Boadilla), is the first person to notice anything amiss. 

Raging Grace artfully combines classic horror elements like jump scares and a decaying gothic mansion with a modern exploration of immigration and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The film also creates a terrifying sense of unease through unexpected plot reveals that mirror the systemic challenges of the immigrant experience, especially those faced by women-identifying migrants. With Eigenmann and Boadilla delivering standout performances, Raging Grace is a must-watch that fearlessly explores the intersection of horror and social commentary. 

–Stephanie Valente

In one way or another, most houses are haunted, but in Raging Grace the haunting isn’t confined to a decrepit mansion—it permeates the very fabric of life as an immigrant. Check out our review.

Raging Grace Takes The Haunted House Trope And Adds Social Commentary 

In one way or another, most houses are haunted, but in Raging Grace (written and directed by Paris Zarcilla), the haunting isn’t confined to a decrepit mansion—it permeates the very fabric of life as an immigrant. This gripping film introduces Joy (Max Eigenmann), an undocumented Filipina immigrant and single mother living in London. As Joy navigates daily life working as a housekeeper, she encounters a series of haunting incidents, each one laden with racist aggressions. It’s a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants, particularly women, as they strive to make a living in a system that often exploits their vulnerability.

Enter Katherine (Leanne Best), a woman who offers Joy a lifeline: a job taking care of the terminally ill but affluent Mr. Garrett (David Hayman). This opportunity promises to break the cycle of hardship that has defined Joy’s existence (and get her closer to obtaining a visa). It soon becomes apparent, however, that something sinister is brewing in the house, and Joy’s curious daughter, Grace (Jaeden Paige Boadilla), is the first person to notice anything amiss. 

Raging Grace artfully combines classic horror elements like jump scares and a decaying gothic mansion with a modern exploration of immigration and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The film also creates a terrifying sense of unease through unexpected plot reveals that mirror the systemic challenges of the immigrant experience, especially those faced by women-identifying migrants. With Eigenmann and Boadilla delivering standout performances, Raging Grace is a must-watch that fearlessly explores the intersection of horror and social commentary. 

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