I’m not sure what to say for the best here; if I didn’t have to worry about spoilers I could write a much more comprehensive review. For the first half to three quarters of this film I was thinking, “Is it a horror? It’s not very horrific. They could have replaced the ‘monster’ with a bear or some other animal.” But then the denouement lands, and it all suddenly makes sense.
Given the nature of the plot I can’t really say much about the ending without giving the whole thing away; suffice it to say that it all resolves into quite a touching story that was well performed by the entire cast. It’s not quite in “I see dead people” territory, but I didn’t actually see the twist was even coming until well past the half way mark. There were a few niggles regarding the apocalyptic crisis which didn’t seem to doing anything or going anywhere, but then I can’t say anymore about that without stepping deeply into spoiler territory.
Tim Kaiser was mainly an easy watch. Interesting that he took to film making when he retired and I took to film reviewing… still, no one wants to see me on the other side of a camera! Lulu Dahl was very effective as the frightened, desperate intruder, Mary, as well as the character she evolved into. The rest of the cast do sterling work in what are, essentially, a series of cameos as this is very much a Kaiser/Dahl two hander.
The World’s Most Indispensable Movie App
The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.
Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)
Worth watching through to the end
I think a lot of people might be put off during the first half hour because things aren’t moving in the direction they’re supposed to be, according to the trailer, the poster, and the blurb, but, as I keep banging on about it, if things were phrased differently in the advanced publicity then the resolution at the end wouldn’t be as powerful.
Writer/director Kyle Couch has come up with a nice little film that, with a few minor tweaks either in the first half hour or in the way expectations are managed, could become a great little film.
I’d say this is a B- provided you stay to the end.
Movie Grade: B-
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
Brilliant idea with great information
I’ve been using RunPee for a few years now and it’s basically a requirement of going to the movies for me. The best part of course are the “pee times” that give you cues, synopses and times for when you can pee without missing the most important parts of the movie. There is also information about the credits- length, extras and if there are any extra scenes at the wayyy end. Super helpful to just know that it is or isn’t worth staying. There is a timer function that will buzz your phone when it’s a good time to pee. I also appreciate that the app is very conscientious about it being an app you use in a theater- dark background, all silent alarms etc. I will always enjoy the experience of the theater even if I could watch things at home- but I’ve even used it at home to check for things like after credit scenes or other information too.
View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Download RunPee app
Movie Review – The Theory of Everything – More About Stephen Hawking Than Math
Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app (Androidor iPhone) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Wicked, Gladiator II, Red One, The Wild Robot and coming soon Moana 2, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, Kraven the Hunter, Mufasa: The Lion King and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee. If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.
Leave a Reply