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Set in a desolated area of Detroit, Fede Alvarez’ heist movie turned horror Don’t Breathe is a suspenseful watch that left me on the edge of my seat. This thriller follows a trio of thieves. Alex (Dylan Minnette) cracks security systems, while Money (Daniel Zovatto) and Rocky (Jane Levy) grab whatever isn’t bolted down. The gang bites off a little more than they can chew when they decide to rob an old, blind veteran of his settlement cash he got after his daughter was killed in a driving accident.
The film begins as almost
an off beat heist, with a small team, each playing a part. They plan how to
knock out the old man and his dog, where to search in the house, and how to get
away. This heist film recipe is followed, almost annoyingly, to a T throughout
much of the film. The characters are not highly developed outside of their
roles in the heist. They do not seem friendly to each other, despite attempts
to insert romantic drama between Alex and Rocky. The lack of development of
really any character leaves the movie feeling emotionally distant at times, however
the real reason to watch this film comes from the villain.
The unnamed old veteran,
played by Stephen Lang, is an absolute machine. He moves through his house,
tapping the wall and ceiling to find his way and listening for any floorboard
or door hinge that dares to creek. His mechanical, efficient use of violence to
protect his house causes the trio’s plans to break down. The characteristic
horror movie trope, in which the good guys make awful decisions, comes in full
force, and their helplessness when trapped in his house is the most resonant
emotion in the film. His senses become an important part of the film, as any
noise the burglars make will alert him to their presence. Although these rules
are applied inconsistently at times. For example Rocky and Alex have a
conversation at a volume that seemed absolutely inappropriate for their
circumstances.
Another aspect of the
film that fell short was the continual jump scares that were used to create tension,
but eventually became tired by the third or fourth. The big twist, aside from
the old man’s retaliation, also doesn’t feel earned. The film does little to
set up the twist, which serves to add shock value, and not really a new
direction in the plot. In terms of the soundtrack and cinematography, the film does
little to emphasize the tension. One really interesting continuous sweeping
shot when the group initially breaks in serves to establish the scene. As the
robbers are scoping the place, the camera pans and focuses on seemingly innocuous
items, or rooms in the house that return later. The foreshadowing is excellent,
but this doesn’t always earn the film the payoff it seems to be looking for.
This heist movie with
some horror elements is great for a thrilling ride, but if you are looking for
something that will make you think and confront emotionally challenging
situations, this is not the horror film for that. Give Don’t Breathe a
watch during this 31 Days of Hell, and experience the excitement for yourself.
-Patrick Bernas