Netflix has unleashed “Don’t Move,” a high-concept survival thriller that’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Produced by the horror maestro himself, Sam Raimi, this film takes the classic cat-and-mouse chase and injects it with a dose of paralyzing terror that will leave you gasping for air.
Don’t Move
Remember that unforgettable scene in “What Lies Beneath” where Michelle Pfeiffer’s character finds herself trapped and paralyzed in a bathtub, the water rising ominously? “Don’t Move” takes that chilling concept and expands it into a feature-length nightmare. We’re introduced to Iris (Kelsey Asbille), a grieving mother who becomes the latest victim of a depraved serial killer (Finn Wittrock). He lures her into a secluded forest with a fabricated tale of loss, only to inject her with a paralyzing agent, transforming her into a helpless target in a desperate fight for survival.
The writers, TJ Cimfel and David White, deserve a round of applause for crafting a screenplay that maintains nail-biting suspense despite the protagonist’s increasingly limited mobility. Iris faces a gauntlet of escalating threats, from navigating a raging river to escaping a growing inferno, all while battling the debilitating effects of the paralytic drug. While the film occasionally plays fast and loose with the rules of her paralysis, the relentless pacing and ingenious scenarios ensure you’re glued to the screen.
Kelsey Asbille takes on the challenging role of Iris, a character who spends a significant portion of the film with limited physical expression. While Asbille demonstrates moments of genuine fear and determination, her performance ultimately lacks the emotional depth and intensity needed to fully convey the character’s harrowing ordeal. A more nuanced portrayal could have elevated the film’s emotional impact.
Finn Wittrock, on the other hand, delivers a chillingly effective performance as the psychopathic killer. He masterfully embodies the character’s sinister charm and chillingly calm demeanor, making him all the more terrifying. Wittrock’s ability to convey a sense of underlying menace with a subtle glance or a chilling smile is truly remarkable.
While Sam Raimi doesn’t helm “Don’t Move” himself, his influence as a producer is palpable throughout the film. The quick cuts, intense close-ups, and over-the-top violence all bear the hallmarks of Raimi’s signature style. Fans of his work, particularly the “Evil Dead” franchise, will appreciate the film’s dark humor and gruesome thrills, even if they’re toned down compared to his more visceral projects.
Beyond the screenplay and performances, “Don’t Move” boasts impressive technical execution. The cinematography effectively captures the isolation and vulnerability of Iris’s predicament, utilizing wide shots to emphasize her isolation and close-ups to highlight her fear and determination. The sound design is equally effective, employing subtle cues and chilling sound effects to heighten the suspense.
“Don’t Move” is a solid entry in the survival thriller genre, offering a unique premise and a series of genuinely suspenseful sequences. While Asbille’s performance could have been more nuanced and the film suffers from a few clunky moments and questionable attempts at Americanizing its Bulgarian filming locations, the fast-paced action, Wittrock’s chilling portrayal of the villain, and the overall tension keep you hooked. If you’re seeking a quick and thrilling horror fix this Halloween season, “Don’t Move” is worth adding to your queue.
