Don't Breathe (2016) Movie review

Summary

The speaker reflects on their thoughts about modern horror films, expressing that many seem repetitive, but some stand out. They highlight 'Don't Breathe' as a recent standout, noting its suspenseful plot and effective tension-building. The story centers on a group of thieves who break into a blind man’s house, only to face unexpected dangers. Despite some flaws and a few over-the-top moments, the film’s cinematography, lighting, and use of darkness are praised. It’s described as a thrilling experience that revitalizes interest in horror, despite minor imperfections.

Takeaways

• 😀 The review begins by expressing a general lack of excitement for new horror films, but notes that 'Don't Breathe' changed that sentiment.
• 😀 The film's title, 'Don't Breathe', is noted for seeming like a spoof of other horror films with similar titles, but it turns out to be a clever marketing tool.
• 😀 The plot of 'Don't Breathe' involves a group of thieves attempting to rob a blind man, only to find out he's much tougher than expected.
• 😀 The characters are not sympathetic at the start, as the thieves are committing a robbery, but their motivations and backstories are revealed later.
• 😀 As the film progresses, the lines between 'good' and 'bad' blur, with each character driven by past tragedies.
• 😀 The suspense in the film is described as intense, with the thieves constantly being confronted by obstacles, such as a dog and the blind man.
• 😀 The cinematography is praised for its moving shots and the use of light and dark, particularly in scenes that take place in near-total darkness.
• 😀 The movie's portrayal of darkness is noted as realistic, where ambient light allows the audience to see what the characters experience, unlike the typical 'blue tint' seen in other films.
• 😀 The film's handling of the blind man's advantage in darkness is compared to the 1967 film 'Wait Until Dark,' where a blind woman uses the lack of light to defend herself.
• 😀 Although the review praises the film, it mentions a few plot details that raise questions and one specific moment that might be considered overly comical or jarring.
• 😀 Overall, the film is considered one of the best horror films in recent years, despite some imperfections, with the hope for more high-quality horror films in the future.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the film *Don't Breathe*?

The main theme of *Don't Breathe* is the moral ambiguity of its characters, as a group of thieves break into the home of a blind war veteran, only to find themselves trapped in a tense survival situation. The film explores survival instincts, past traumas, and the blurred lines between victim and villain.

How does the film create suspense throughout the story?

Suspense in *Don't Breathe* is created through a combination of factors, including the ongoing threats from both the blind man and his dog, the constant shifts in power dynamics, and the clever use of barriers that prolong the horror. The fear and uncertainty increase as the situation becomes more dire for the intruders.

What is significant about the cinematography in *Don't Breathe*?

The cinematography of *Don't Breathe* is praised for its use of light and dark. The film has a realistic portrayal of darkness, using muted gray tones to show scenes in total darkness, and making the characters’ eyes visibly dilated. This adds to the film’s tension and allows the audience to experience the story as if they were in the same environment.

What does the reviewer mean by saying the film is on the 'fine line' between thriller and horror?

The reviewer suggests that *Don't Breathe* blends elements of both horror and thriller genres, with moments of suspense and tension that make it hard to categorize strictly as one or the other. This 'fine line' approach is where many great horror films can be found, as it keeps the audience uncertain about the genre and adds to the overall experience.

How does the character of the blind man influence the film's tension?

The blind man’s heightened senses, particularly in moments of darkness, give him an advantage over the intruders. His blindness adds complexity to the film, as he becomes both the victim and a formidable threat, increasing the overall tension as the audience isn't sure who has the upper hand.

What comparison does the reviewer make to another classic film, and why?

The reviewer compares *Don't Breathe* to the 1967 film *Wait Until Dark*, where a blind woman defends herself by using darkness to her advantage. This comparison highlights how both films use blindness as a tool for the protagonist to overcome adversaries, and emphasizes the suspense generated in a darkened environment.

What is mentioned about the film’s lighting in dark scenes?

The reviewer notes that *Don't Breathe* uses darkness effectively, giving the audience just enough ambient light to follow the action. Unlike other films that may make dark scenes look unnatural (like using blue lighting), the film provides a more realistic portrayal of darkness.

Does the film have any flaws according to the reviewer?

Yes, the reviewer mentions a few plot details that may leave the audience questioning certain aspects of the story. There's also one specific moment that could be seen as over the top or overly comical, similar to a moment in *Misery* where an intense scene turns unexpectedly graphic.

Why does the reviewer still recommend *Don't Breathe* despite its imperfections?

Despite its flaws, the reviewer recommends *Don't Breathe* because it is one of the best horror films seen in recent years. The suspense, character motivations, and cinematography are compelling, and the film succeeds in keeping the audience on edge until the very end.

How does *Don't Breathe* differ from other horror films with similar titles?

The film's title, *Don't Breathe*, might seem like a spoof of other films with similar 'don't' titles (e.g., *Don't Be Afraid of the Dark*), but it actually serves as a catchy and marketable name. The film stands out by offering a fresh, tense, and well-crafted story, making it far more than just a typical horror film.