When it comes to watching the latest movie releases, reviews have become very common place. In this day in age, where anyone from, a YouTuber to a mainstream reviewer can express their opinions. But sometimes, some of the things that these critics express and say might be valid in their opinions, but it can cause people to have raised expectations when they go see the films themselves.
Before I saw the film, like anyone else I was seeing all of the marketing that the studio was pushing out. It has been quoted as “The Best American horror film in twenty years” and “Like Hitchcock on crack.” Lines like this, hearing them from other sources as well. I was without a doubt, pumped to see the film, and expected an incredible horror experience.
What I got, wasn’t what I would consider “The best American horror film in twenty years”. When I went to see the movie, I paid extra to experience the film with the D-box experience, which basically vibrates your chair to an extent depending on what’s going with the movie. It might vibrate slightly if the characters are in a car, and it might shake suddenly and massively if the killer appears out of nowhere I ultimately felt like this was a waste of money: it didn’t heighten the experience for me, but instead provide a slight back massage. The movie itself had a few jump scares, which is fine, those did make me shake in my seat, but other things in the film, felt more suspenseful as opposed to horrifying nightmare levels.
The film stars Stephen Lang as the blind man, Jane Levy as Rocky, and Dylan Minnette as Alex. Additionally, we see Daniel Zovatto and Emma Bercovici in small supporting roles.
Focusing on the main cast, Stephen Lang has the most difficult task here, as he as to carry on the entire film, by not only being blind, but also its main antagonist. He manages to show us a deadly and calculating threat that even with his of primary senses disabled, he shows himself as someone who you don’t want to be locked in a house with. However, for Rocky and Alex, they find themselves in. Having to need to be absolutely silent and try to escape with their lives, they find themselves miles up shore without a paddle. Both of them do their jobs well, being able show us their fear and desperation.
There are certain times in the plot that I found to be very predictable. When something happened on screen, I was able to accurately guess what was going to occur further in the plot. While this isn’t a constant in the film, some movie goers might be able to see these as well.
Overall, the movie itself is very well done. It has great acting, good pacing, strong camera work. But should it be considered one of the greatest American horror film in the past 20 years? I think not. It’s a suspenseful movie, especially during the climax of the film. This film is great if looking for a suspenseful thriller, but if you’re looking be jumping out of your seat in horror. Then it isn’t.
Overall, I think the film deserves an 8/10. It’s an entertaining movie, but it’s not something I would tell all my friends to go see, or to watch it just to re-experience its “awesomeness.” It’s more of a onetime experience, but an enjoyable one none the less.
