Italian
‘Don’t Move’: A twisted journey through terror
An unsettling premise
Imagine this chilling scenario: A troubled young woman, on the verge of suicide, is suddenly interrupted by a serial killer who saves her from the edge only to abduct her for his own sinister purposes. “Don’t Move” takes off with this grim premise and unravels a web of dark psychological intrigue. Starring Kelsey Asbille as Iris and Finn Whitrock as the predatory Richard, this Netflix thriller presents a nightmare that spirals into a fight for survival against unimaginable odds.
A tale of paralysis and survival
In a cruel twist, once Iris regains consciousness post-abduction, Richard reveals he has injected her with a “special relaxant.” This sedative will paralyze her completely within 20 minutes. The key suspense lies in watching Iris grapple with imminent paralysis while trying to outsmart her captor. The setup challenges the audience: Would you fight for your life if death seemed certain?
Examining the will to live
“Don’t Move” attempts to explore whether a person on the brink of suicide can find a renewed will to live when forced into a desperate situation. However, the film’s portrayal of Iris’s struggle is often heavy-handed, risking trivializing real experiences of self-harm. While some scenes capture genuine tension, the overall narrative feels contrived, dampening its impact. The perspective may lack sensitivity for those intimately familiar with such complex emotions.
Filmmaking amidst constraints
Set against isolated, pandemic-era woods and dirt roads, “Don’t Move” leverages its minimalist setting to elicit a claustrophobic horror. Directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, known for their segment of the “50 States of Fright” series, the movie feels like a rough exercise in tight-budget filmmaking. Despite its limitations, the film manages to deliver several unexpected twists and moments of genuine tension.
Kelsey Asbille’s challenging role
Kelsey Asbille, known for her role in “Yellowstone,” is tasked with an immensely demanding role. Immobilized for much of the film, Asbille conveys a spectrum of emotions through mere eye movements and subtle gestures. This restricted performance area intensifies the viewer’s connection with Iris, making every small victory and setback feel personal.
Noteworthy scenes
One standout sequence involves Iris’s brief rescue by a reclusive hermit, portrayed by Moray Treadwell. The scene where she communicates by blinking her eyes to send an “SOS” as Richard reappears is particularly gripping. This moment underscores the film’s core suspense: Iris’s survival hinges on her captor’s missteps. Another memorable encounter involves a cop (Daniel Francis), where Iris’s silent pleads are overshadowed by Richard’s manipulations, amplifying the helpless tension.
An audience experience
There lies a bittersweet note in the fact that “Don’t Move” is confined to streaming. Watching it in a theater could have amplified the communal experience of shared fear and frustration, with audiences audibly reacting to Iris’s plight. The prohibition implicit in the title—“Don’t Move”—almost mocks Iris’s predicament, adding an ironic flavor to the horror.
Echoes of cinematic suspense
The quandary Iris faces echoes classic scenes like Michelle Pfeiffer’s incapacitated struggle in Robert Zemeckis’ “What Lies Beneath.” While “Don’t Move” lacks the same finesse, its efforts to create sustained suspense are noteworthy. Particularly, a scene where Iris must divert Richard’s attention amidst a spreading fire reveals the intricate dance of tension and desperation at the film’s heart.
Psychological undertones
“Don’t Move” flirts with deeper psychological themes, leaving viewers to question the nature of Richard’s character. Could he symbolize Iris’s inner demons, her grief, and trauma manifested through a hallucination? The interpretation adds layers to the narrative, suggesting that Iris’s real battle is not just physical survival but a confrontation with her emotions, necessary to reclaim her will to live.
Final thoughts
“Don’t Move” is now available for streaming on Netflix. This film, while not without its flaws, offers a tightrope walk of paralyzing fear and fleeting hope that makes it a compelling watch. As Kelsey Asbille’s standout performance anchors the narrative, the film’s suffocating suspense lingers, making it a topic ripe for discussion.
If you’re intrigued by intense psychological thrillers and enjoy dissecting layered narratives, immerse yourself in “Don’t Move.” Share your thoughts on social media and keep an eye on our platform for more thrilling movie reviews and insights.
