Don’t Move Review: Kelsey Asbille Struggles to Save This Lackluster Netflix Horror

In the world of horror films, there are a few golden rules: don’t venture into the woods alone, and definitely avoid charming strangers. Netflix’s new survival-thriller Don’t Move breaks both of these rules within the first few minutes, but instead of delivering spine-chilling terror, it falls flat, leaving viewers with an underwhelming experience. Directed by Brian Netto and Adam Schindler, and featuring Yellowstone star Kelsey Asbille, the film has a decent premise and a few tense moments, but ultimately, it fails to fully capitalize on its potential.

A Solid Premise but Weak Execution

The plot of Don’t Move centers on Iris (played by Kelsey Asbille), a grieving mother who embarks on a solitary hike through the wilderness to visit the place where her son tragically died. Soon, she encounters Richard, a stranger who initially seems kind but quickly reveals his sinister intentions. Before she knows it, Iris is injected with a paralytic drug, leaving her with just 20 minutes to escape before her body shuts down completely. What follows is a harrowing battle for survival as Iris attempts to outsmart her captor while her body betrays her.

While the premise of a paralyzing drug turning a woman’s fight for survival into a race against her own body sounds gripping, the film doesn’t quite deliver the thrills it promises. The story is stretched thin, with the suspense built around Iris’s ticking clock often feeling repetitive and slow rather than heart-pounding. Despite a tense setup, Don’t Move fails to maintain momentum, and much of the film’s potential is squandered in predictable twists and lacklustre pacing.

Kelsey Asbille and Finn Wittrock Shine Amid Mediocre Material

Kelsey Asbille delivers a strong performance as Iris, imbuing her character with a sense of raw emotion and fear. The early scenes, where she is still processing the death of her son, showcase her acting range. However, once she’s paralyzed and reduced to moving only her eyes and a few limbs, the film restricts her ability to convey much beyond desperation. As a result, despite her best efforts, Asbille’s performance becomes stilted, constrained by a script that doesn’t give her much to do physically or emotionally.

Finn Wittrock, known for his roles in American Horror Story, fares better as the villain Richard. His portrayal of a twisted serial killer who manipulates his victims before torturing them is chilling. Wittrock expertly balances Richard’s outward charm and inner menace, delivering a performance that keeps you on edge. However, even his talents can’t fully save a character that feels one-dimensional. The film tries to inject depth into Richard’s backstory with a predictable twist, but it does little to elevate his character beyond the archetype of the “deranged killer.”

Sparse Supporting Cast Fails to Add Depth

The film’s supporting cast is minimal, but Daniel Francis and Moray Treadwell deliver notable performances. Treadwell’s character, Bill, a good Samaritan who stumbles upon Iris, surprisingly stands out as one of the most compelling parts of the movie. His role, though brief, adds a layer of complexity and humanity to the story that is otherwise missing from the main characters.

Not Quite Horror, But Some Effective Suspense

Though Don’t Move is marketed as a horror-thriller, it leans more heavily on suspense than actual horror. The film succeeds in building tension, particularly in scenes where Iris is racing against time to escape her paralyzing fate. Watching her desperately crawl through the forest while Richard methodically hunts her down does create a palpable sense of anxiety. However, the film’s reliance on a few gory moments and jump scares isn’t enough to qualify it as a true horror experience.

One of the film’s biggest missteps is its inconsistent tone. While the music score initially helps set an eerie atmosphere, it later takes a jarring turn, with odd musical choices that detract from the tension. At one point, what should be a climactic scene is undermined by dramatic, almost comical, music that feels completely out of place. These missteps in tone pull the viewer out of the experience, making it difficult to stay fully engaged in the story.

Lingering Questions and Missed Opportunities

Don’t Move asks viewers to suspend disbelief, but at times, it asks for too much. There are moments where the film’s logic falters, raising questions that are hard to ignore. For instance, how does Iris’s makeup stay flawless despite her physical ordeal? And shouldn’t a drug strong enough to paralyze her entire body affect her ability to breathe? While these details might seem minor, they distract from the film’s overall tension, reminding viewers that they are watching a work of fiction rather than immersing them in the survival experience.

The film also misses an opportunity to dive deeper into its themes. While there are hints of an exploration of grief and trauma, particularly in Iris’s journey, these themes are never fully fleshed out. The idea of paralysis as a metaphor for the emotional paralysis of grief is intriguing, but the film doesn’t invest enough in this concept, leaving it feeling shallow and underdeveloped.

Final Thoughts: A Survival Thriller That Fails to Thrill

Don’t Move has all the ingredients for a gripping horror-thriller: a strong cast, an intense premise, and the backing of producer Sam Raimi. Unfortunately, it falls short of its potential, delivering a slow-moving and often predictable story that struggles to maintain tension. While there are moments of suspense and solid performances from Asbille and Wittrock, the film’s lack of depth, weak writing, and inconsistent tone make it forgettable in a sea of Netflix thrillers.

If you’re in the mood for a survival thriller, Don’t Move might be worth a watch, but don’t expect to be blown away. It’s a film that has its moments, but ultimately, it won’t leave a lasting impression.

FAQ

Is Don’t Move based on a true story?
No, Don’t Move is a work of fiction. The plot and characters are entirely original, though the concept of being paralyzed and unable to escape is a common theme in thriller and horror genres.

Is Don’t Move suitable for all audiences?
Don’t Move is rated R for its violence, language, and intense scenes. It may not be suitable for younger viewers or those sensitive to graphic content.

How long is Don’t Move?
The film has a runtime of 92 minutes, making it a relatively short thriller.

Where can I watch Don’t Move?
Don’t Move is available for streaming on Netflix as of October 25, 2024.

Is Don’t Move worth watching?
If you’re a fan of survival thrillers or enjoy suspenseful films, Don’t Move might be worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a truly terrifying horror experience, you may find it lacking.