Max Thieriot, known for his starring role in the hit TV series Fire Country, is set to see one of his earlier film projects—House at the End of the Street—receive a fresh lease on life. This 2012 psychological thriller, which features Thieriot alongside Jennifer Lawrence, is making its way to Max (formerly HBO Max) starting January 1, 2025. It marks an intriguing opportunity for viewers to revisit a film that, despite its mixed reception, features two major Hollywood stars before they rose to even greater fame.
A Psychological Thriller That Missed the Mark
House at the End of the Street centers on Elissa (played by Jennifer Lawrence), a young woman who, along with her mother, moves to a new neighborhood. This seemingly peaceful setting holds a dark secret: the house at the end of the street was the site of a gruesome double homicide. Elissa soon becomes entangled with the older brother of the murderer, Ryan (played by Max Thieriot), who has returned to the house to live under its eerie shadow. As their relationship deepens, Elissa uncovers more disturbing truths about the events that transpired there.
Despite the star power of Lawrence, who was on the brink of superstardom thanks to her roles in The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook, and Thieriot’s solid performance, the film’s reception was tepid. Critics were harsh, and audiences were unimpressed, with the film receiving a paltry 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and just 41% audience approval. The critics’ consensus described the film as poorly conceived and executed, which ultimately overshadowed its potential despite pulling in a solid $44.1 million at the box office, significantly outperforming its modest $6.9-$10 million budget.
The film’s release was overshadowed by Lawrence's meteoric rise, leaving House at the End of the Street to fade into obscurity. Thieriot, while maintaining a steady career, also found himself facing challenges in transitioning from film to television.
From Film Struggles to TV Stardom
Following the underwhelming reception of House at the End of the Street, Thieriot’s film career took a backseat, with his only other major role being in the 2015 action film Point Break. However, it was in television where Thieriot truly found his footing, securing prominent roles in several well-received series.
One of his earliest successes was his portrayal of Dylan Massett in Bates Motel, the prequel to Psycho, which ran from 2013 to 2017. Thieriot’s role as the estranged half-brother of Norman Bates earned him critical acclaim and a solid fanbase. Afterward, he moved on to another fan-favorite, SEAL Team, where he portrayed a key character from 2017 to 2022.
But it was his lead role in Fire Country, which premiered in 2022, that truly cemented his place as a television star. Thieriot not only stars in the series but also serves as creator and executive producer. The show, which airs on CBS, follows Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption by volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. Bode returns to his hometown, where he is assigned to work with former friends and fellow inmates to fight raging wildfires. The series has gained considerable attention for its compelling storytelling and strong performances, with Thieriot at the helm. The third season of Fire Country began airing in October 2024, and the show continues to garner loyal viewers with its exciting mix of drama and action.
A Second Chance for House at the End of the Street
As House at the End of the Street arrives on Max in 2025, it provides an intriguing opportunity to revisit a thriller that, while flawed, remains an interesting part of Thieriot's early career and a fascinating snapshot of Lawrence before she became one of Hollywood's biggest stars. While the film didn’t achieve critical success, it still holds nostalgic value for fans of both actors, offering an early look at their potential and what was to come.
The upcoming streaming release of House at the End of the Street may attract a new generation of viewers, eager to explore Jennifer Lawrence’s rise and Max Thieriot’s transition from film to television. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or simply curious about the early works of these prominent actors, the film’s availability on Max offers an accessible opportunity to dive into a forgotten piece of horror cinema.
As we await the premiere of House at the End of the Street on January 1, 2025, Thieriot continues to captivate audiences in Fire Country, proving that while some films may fade into obscurity, the right opportunity can always bring them back into the spotlight.
