Hey gang, Valkor here. I believe that all horror films should
come with as little or no marketing at all before they're release;
this works in the film's favor as it leaves it open to plenty
of surprises and helps to raise suspense levels since you won’t
know what to expect. This relates to my next film review that’s
up on the MediaView chopping block: Don’t Breathe. I went into
this one not seeing a trailer or any info such as press releases
or images. And in the end, I enjoyed the experience that much
more. Minor spoilers ahead.
“Don’t Breathe” plays on the idea that if someone loses one of their senses, they can gain in others. And three friends, who are also criminals, are about to find out that this can fuck up their entire day. Enter Alex (Dylan Minnette – Prisoners), Rocky (Jane Levy) and Money (Daniel Zovatto), three thieves looking for the ultimate score that will allow them to shake the dust off of their town and into the sweet horizons of California. Thanks to Alex and his dad's security business, the trio is able to rob houses that use his father’s home security system, allowing them to enter, take what they need and bounce before anyone finds out. They’re tipped off about a house that sits in the midst of other abandoned homes, which is owned by an Iraqi war vet (Stephen Lang). This vet lost his daughter in a car accident and now he’s pretty much a shut-in, who might be sitting on top of a lot of money that he won in a settlement with the driver. Alex is the only one against the idea at first, but he eventually comes around.
After scoping the house, the trio learns that the vet is actually blind with a big dog in tow. And while this might complicate matters, they push forward towards their objective. Getting past the dog? Successful! Getting into the house? Also a success! But finding the money straight away is proving to be difficult and to make matters worse, Money has brought along a gun. Plus, the vet who was sleeping when they came in is now awake and his hearing is impeccable! The situation soon becomes confrontational as Money and the vet go at it, ending with Money getting a bullet to the head. This leaves Alex and Rocky to tip-toe around the vet to not only stay one step ahead of him but to also to find a way to escape. However, this is one pissed off and paranoid vet, who not only checks on his money (which Rocky sees him doing), but he also puts the house on lockdown, leaving the two trapped inside with barely a way out. This is a legit house of horror, which includes a scene that takes place in total darkness! How will the two find their way out and what other secrets lurk within? You’ll have to watch this one too find out.
“Don’t Breathe” stars Stephen Lang, who is also a contender for the role of Cable in the 2nd outing of “Deadpool”. Personally, I’m more on the side of “Team Dolph Lundgren”, but I wouldn’t be mad if he got the spot. Maybe I’d be a little mad… yea I’d be pissed! Moving on!
The Good:
I went into “Don’t Breathe” with zero expectations and I walked away having watched one of the most intense and suspenseful thrillers I’ve seen this year! One of the major elements of a really good thriller is how well it can handle the suspense levels. And this film has it down on lock with a slow and steady build-up and not wasting too much time on all of the characters’ backstory. And yet you’re still invested in the characters and their plight; we know why they’re in that house, but how they get out – if they ever get out – is all part of the fun! “Don’t Breathe” also tosses at you a few unexpected twists to the tale, which I won’t reveal here, but it not only adds a new layer to the plot but it also makes you rethink how you feel about Lang’s character. The acting is great all-around with Stephen Lang getting the highest nod for his portrayal of a blind vet stalking a trio of criminals, who are trapped with him, in his house. The way he creeps and pops up in and around his home takes terror to a whole new level, and I loved every minute of it! In the end, if you haven’t watched “Don’t Breathe” and looking for a thrill that'll leave you on the edge of your seat, then definitely give this film a go!
The Bad:
I think the ending might have gone on a stretch too long. Maybe? It’s not too extreme, but I feel a few extra minutes could have been lopped off.
The Ugly:
What happens to Money… daaaaaaaaaaaamn!
“Don’t Breathe” is still making the theatrical rounds and I think I’ll see it again before it leaves the big screen – yes, it’s that good! And it definitely ranks high as one of the best thrillers this year that you do not want to pass up, I highly recommend it! And out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving “Don’t Breathe” a 4.5.
