The anthology approach works to the film's disadvantage because the house itself isn't that strong of a linking element. So when the opening chapter gives way to the second one, the feeling of disappointment that the wonderfully spooky fairytale mood has been jettisoned trumps the feeling of intrigue at seeing the titular house again. Luckily enough, part two is directed by Niki Lindroth von Bahr, so it's more than able to stand on its own two feet – but then part three does mostly nothing and the whole affair just peters out. The animation is consistently fantastic, and there are quite a few excellent moments, but overall, this feels like less than the sum of its parts.