3.5 out of 5
This new film from Blumhouse is a reimagining of a truly eerie Danish movie from 2022 with the same title. Viewers familiar with the original will notice some alterations, especially in the ending. As a result, it offers surprises even for fans of the original.
In this story, a British couple, Paddy (McAvoy) and his wife Ciara (Francosi), who have a young son named Ant (Hough), invite an American couple they met on vacation in Italy, Louise (Davis) and Ben (McNairy), and their daughter Agnes (West), to stay at their rural farmhouse.
It becomes clear quickly that the families have less in common than they initially thought when they met in Italy. Ant is troubled, and Paddy and Ciara's relaxed approach clashes with Ben and Louise's more formal demeanor. However, the truth is more sinister than the guests could have imagined, leading to a fight for survival.
Every performance in the film is outstanding, including the child actors who tackle weighty themes. McAvoy shines as Paddy, displaying shades of his character from the 2016 thriller Split as he transitions between light-hearted and dark moments.
The rural setting creates a sense of confinement and isolation, heightening the tension and providing stunning cinematography. The farmhouse itself becomes almost as significant as the characters.
Although the film may seem slow to start, Watkins effectively draws the audience in, mirroring how Louise and Ben are drawn into Paddy and Ciara's world. Viewers unfamiliar with the original will sense that something is amiss, enhancing the impact of the reveal. For those who have seen the original, the significant story changes keep things fresh.
The film aims to unsettle viewers and prompt reflection. While it delivers a chilling narrative on the surface, it also delves into deeper themes like domestic abuse and coercive control. It raises more questions than it answers, and the ending may not provide closure. Nonetheless, the film is captivating and resonates beyond the final credits. While it may not surpass the original, it stands as a strong thriller with its own merits.
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