Run time: 1hr-28min. Rated R
Finally, a horror-suspense film I can
really sink my teeth into! True to its title, take the advice. Set in a not so
acceptable neighborhood of Detroit, three miscreants elect to rob a house
occupied by a wealthy but blind war veteran. This decision is fueled by Rocky
(Jane Levy). A young woman wanting to provide a better life for her and her
little sister, she agrees to be a part of the robbery researched and set up by
boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto). To round out the trio is the reluctant mutual
friend of both, Alex (Dylan Minnette). This decision, although well planned
becomes their worst nightmare!
As they become discovered the plot
unfolds it becomes evident there is no immediate clear means of escape. Trapped
and terrified is only the beginning.
Stephen Lang (2009s Avatar) delivers an
equal menacing performance as the blind man who’s name, according to Director
Alvarez, is Norman Nordstrom. But there is more than meets the eye to this
character. He has a secret and when that is accidently discovered the plot
thickens, but not before their presence in his house is discovered. A game of
cat and mouse ensues and this is where the movie shines.
What truly elevate this motion picture above
others are the elements, or sometimes lack thereof, used to accentuate the
situation. Director/screenwriter/producer Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead 2013) takes
viewers to another level of suspense with the excellent and very effective use
of shadow and light.
To further emphasize Nordstrom’s
blindness there are many instances of silence and when used, the background
sound is well placed at key moments. Co-writer Rodo Sayagues (Evil Dead 2013)
adds just the right touch to particular scenes in the form of disturbing shock
effect. For an hour and a half Jane Levy (Evil Dead 2013), Dylan Minnette
(Goosebumps 2015) and Daniel Zovatto (Fear the Waling Dead 2015) will leave
audiences on the edge of their seats. Even the blind man’s beloved pet
Rottweiler and protector will raise the hair on your arms. In the end, Nordstrom
will have you drawing a line. Do I hate him or feel sorry?
With an estimated budget of $10 million,
it is money well spent and so was the price of admission.
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