The House (2017) is a suburban crime-comedy starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, built on a interesting premise: two desperate parents turn “their” basement into an illegal casino to pay for their daughter’s college tuition. Despite that promising concept, the finished film received mixed reviews, with critics divided over whether it delivered on its comedic promise and if wagering a substantial bet on rather chaotic scenes paid off.
I say, they’re just a bunch of jackasses who don’t appreciate a good script, right? The House actually had all the essential ingredients: the mundane setup, the darkness, the motivation, the rising tension, the envelope-pushing chaos, the fallout, the attempt to set things right, and the final push toward redemption. In other words, whether intentionally or not, it basically hit all the beats of the Major Arcana, our favourite storytelling model.
So lets point them out then.
Major arcana archeypes in The House
The magician, the will and the manifestor ✅
As a family, they successfully manifest their daughter’s college acceptance—and have the will to see it through.
The devil ✅
Bob, the town council member, denies the scholarship
Justice – Free will to make decision ✅
Scott and Kate (the parents) are forced to face the consequences and make a choice—how to come up with the tuition money, and what they’re willing to risk.
The high priestess – The inspiration for the unknown ✅
Scott and Kate are guided by their daughter’s yet untapped potential—quietly motivating their every reckless move.
The Hermit – The isolation ✅
After the scholarship is denied, Scott and Kate are left to navigate the problem alone—cut off, with no support in sight.
The lightning – The idea ✅
In a symbolically flashy Vegas setting with Frank, the wild idea strikes—run an illegal casino to solve it all.
The empress – The infatuation ✅
The group becomes enamored with their new venture—seduced by the thrill, blind to the consequences.
The wheel of fortune – The ups and downs ✅
Running an illegal casino in a suburban basement brings chaos—and the trio rides every high and low that comes with it.
The star – The hope ✅
With every small success growing into a bigger one, so does their hope of eventually getting their daughter into college.
The emperor – The controller ✅ The Strength ✅
Faced with spiraling chaos, they clamp down hard—asserting dominance, even if it means slicing off a cheater’s finger to send a message.
The moon – The illusion ✅
They don’t create real wealth—only the illusion of it, wrapped in flashing lights and false confidence.
The hanged man – The balancing out ✅
Bob, the town council member, confiscates their money—suspending their momentum and tipping the scales back.
The hierophant – The sincerity ✅ The Sun – Heart to heart ✅
After all the chaos—and some admittedly offputting bloodshed—Scott and Kate share a genuine moment with their daughter, and even Frank finds a bit of truth with his wife.
The death – The apology ✅ The judgement – resurrection ✅
Every apology is a small death of the ego—and Scott and Kate face theirs as they finally apologize to their daughter. After that, they’re reborn into their higher selves—which shows the very next moment.
Meanwhile, Frank’s house burns down, symbolizing the death of his old self, while also sparking a small resurrection in his relationship with his wife.
The world – The universe ✅
Just when all seems lost, the universe steps in—Officer Chandler arrives and sides with them.
The Two paths (lovers) – Determination ✅
Together, they make their choice—to stand united and fight back against Bob.
The chariot – The execution, the purpose ✅
Fueled by determination, they charge ahead and carry out their revenge swiftly and with purpose.
The temperance ✅
After successfully dropping their daughter off at college, Scott and Kate finally slow down to savor the fruits of their wild adventure —the will, the hope, the strength, and the determination. The double parker didn’t even know what hit him.
So, beneath the surface of this loud, messy comedy lies a surprisingly structured narrative that hits every major arcana beat. All the archetypes—The Magician, The Devil, The Emperor, The Star, and the rest—are practically embodied in The House’s chaotic journey. Maybe critics missed the bigger picture. This movie isn’t just a wild ride of absurdity—it’s a cleverly disguised tarot spread, and that’s why I think it’s way underrated.
The True Story Score: 9/10, because of the rather hectic execution in some parts.
Ira
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