DON'T BREATHE
Screen Gems/Sony
2016 Color
88 Mins.
Horror/thriller
Jane Levy, Stephen Lang, Dylan Minette and Daniel Zovatto star.
Written and Directed by Fede Alvarez
Rated R for graphic violence, strong language, drug use and gore.
Fede Alvarez has finally returned with a bang after his slam dunk Evil Dead Reboot. Don't Breathe centers on a group of robbers who find themselves in deep shit when their target ends up being more than the helpless blind man they planned on. Alvarez approaches the material with an assured simplistic intensity, ratcheting up the films nightmarish moments by bathing them in low lights and a sadistic silence.
The sold out preview audience I saw this with were at the edge of their seats and shouting at the screen, something I haven't experienced in quite some time. I'd love to say that Don't Breathe was a flawless experience but truth be told it did leave a little to be desired. The performances are all fine Jane Levy is especially effective as the film's heroine and has the most backstory of the four.
Stephen Lang is fine as the film's aggressive psycho but lacks conviction and depth and although Minette does have some solid moments there's just not enough development there to give him any real impact. And as far as Zovatto is concerned , the nicest thing I can say is that he just isn't very believable and doesn't leave much of an impression either way. The film could have also benefited from just a little more substance to give it more emotional heft. That being said what stands is highly entertaining and cements Alvarez as a real presence in the genre.
We haven't seen a genre director take chances like this in quite some time and although his execution isn't perfect I expect a long, successful career for him. As far as the film is concerned expect a few really nasty bits and an appreciated courage to go to some truly dark places with the material. One moment involving a turkey baster had everyone gagging in the theater and jumping in their seats. All in all Don't Breathe is a really fun ride and one that I believe will improve with more viewings. One things for sure although he approaches the material in a simplistic way Alvarez is not subtle with it comes to his gross out shocks and that alone is worth the price of admission. ****.25/5
Fede Alvarez has finally returned with a bang after his slam dunk Evil Dead Reboot. Don't Breathe centers on a group of robbers who find themselves in deep shit when their target ends up being more than the helpless blind man they planned on. Alvarez approaches the material with an assured simplistic intensity, ratcheting up the films nightmarish moments by bathing them in low lights and a sadistic silence.
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