Released on Netflix on October 25, 2024, the thriller Don’t Move has sparked a range of reactions from viewers.
The plot centers around a grieving mother, Iris, who is deeply affected by the accidental death of her son, Mateo. In a moment of despair, she ascends to the cliff where the tragedy occurred, contemplating suicide. At that critical point, she encounters a stranger named Richard, who influences her decision in an unexpected way, ultimately kidnapping her with his own sinister intentions.
With an IMDb score of 5.9 out of 10, the film has garnered some positive feedback for its compelling narrative. However, it has faced criticism for relying on clichéd tropes associated with psycho-thrillers and presenting a conclusion that many found predictable.
Viewers on Reddit have expressed their frustrations regarding several inconsistencies in the film, pointing out illogical scenarios and describing the overall viewing experience as lacking depth.
Note: This article contains spoilers for Don’t Move.
On October 26, 2024, one Reddit user shared notable critiques regarding the screenplay’s execution, highlighting significant flaws:
“She was tied up, yet somehow managed to grab the knife and surprise him. Maybe it was the filming, but that scene felt off. I wanted her to succeed, but it came across as cheap,”the user remarked.
The film’s conclusion left many viewers wanting clarity. Don’t Move did not provide satisfactory explanations for the early plot developments, leaving audiences frustrated.
There was a notable interest in exploring Richard’s backstory, as well as a psychological analysis of his character. Information provided about Chloe and the incident is predominantly reliant on Richard’s narrative, raising doubts about its authenticity.
Furthermore, various plot points in Don’t Move seemed improbable, undermining the story’s realism.
In response to the Reddit discussion, numerous users shared their own critiques.
“Essentially, it’s a movie where the writers played it safe, and the killer had no boundaries in the plot,”one viewer commented.
“Earlier in the film, when the killer was about to escape, he suddenly returned to check for her. Did he really know she was hiding? At first, it seemed like he heard her tapping but ignored it,”another fan shared.
Towards the climax, the antagonist emerged from confrontations with minimal injuries, leading to more discussion.
“Getting stabbed in the neck, shot multiple times, and then swimming ashore? That doesn’t add up,”another viewer pointed out.
Richard’s ability to walk and function normally after a high-speed car crash felt exaggerated and improbable for a thriller.
“Another strange moment was at the crash’s start; it looked like she didn’t wear a seatbelt. Yet, despite hitting the tree at what seemed like fast speeds and the airbag deploying, she was unscathed,”a viewer observed.
The likely reality of such a crash would have resulted in severe injuries to Iris, yet Don’t Move failed to retain the high intensity suggested by its trailer.
Critics Offer Varied Opinions on Sam Raimi’s Production, Don’t Move
Anticipation for Don’t Move was heightened due to its association with acclaimed filmmaker Sam Raimi, known for his work in horror, including the renowned Evil Dead series and Drag Me to Hell.
Additionally, Raimi gained fame for helming the original Spider-Man trilogy, which popularized the superhero on the big screen. In 2022, he directed one of Marvel’s darker films, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Given Raimi’s notable previous work and his involvement in the first film of this series, Don’t Breathe (2016), audiences anticipated Don’t Move would add to his legacy in the crime thriller sphere.
However, reviews on popular platforms like IMDb have described it as a moderately entertaining watch. A review from RogerEbert.com highlighted the film’s lack of effective visual effects and its failure to establish the tense atmosphere typical of the genre:
“The most positive takeaway from Don’t Move is that if you decide to watch it on Netflix, it’s forgettable enough that you won’t feel too much regret,”they noted.
Conversely, an article by Deadline published on October 25, 2024, praised the stunning cinematography by Zach Kuperstein, who effectively captured the intense and claustrophobic chase scenes between Iris and the killer.
The filming of Don’t Move predominantly took place in Bulgaria during June and July of 2023, successfully recreating an environment reminiscent of American forests.
You can now stream Don’t Move on Netflix.
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