Don’t Breathe [Review]

Last night marked the world premiere of the first follow up feature for Fede Alvarez since 2013’s Evil Dead. Aside from the basic premise, nothing else was really known about his latest project.  No trailer, clips, or even a title for the film.  All screenings on SXSW were listed as Untitled.  This changed with the premiere, with the film title revealed to be Don’t Breathe.  Alvarez briefly introduced what he considers to be his first film; one entirely his own flavor without influences by Sam Raimi or a mythology laid out already for him.  The bar was set high with his first feature directorial debut, so how does he measure up without the familiarity of a well-established series?

The screenplay he co-wrote with Rodo Sayagues takes on a premise seemingly similar to a ‘90s Wes Craven flick, in which a trio of teenagers break into a blind man’s house, suspecting him to be the perfect victim for their burglary.  They chose the wrong victim to mess with, though, and the teens find themselves way in over their heads.

Already accustomed to the physicality Alvarez requires of his actors thus far, Jane Levy returns as leading lady Rocky.  Desperate to break free from her shitty home life, she’s teamed up with thug boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto) and close friend Alex (Dylan Minnette) to steal their way toward enough funding to earn freedom from Detroit.  Money and Alex both represent stark opposite ends of the moral spectrum, leaving Rocky somewhere wavering in the middle. Levy shines once again as someone you don’t necessarily like, but root for despite the flaws.  She’s a compelling leading lady destined for stardom. The blind man, played by the ever intimidating Stephen Lang, also brings his own brand of moral ambiguity to the fold.

The result is a thrilling film in which allegiances are constantly shifting.  While Don’t Breathe may not be the perpetual bloodbath of Alvarez’ previous film, his brand of shocking violence is ever present. Like Evil Dead, Alvarez proves once again that he’s not interested in showing his characters an ounce of mercy.  For better or worse, each character is put through the ringer.  Alvarez and Sayagues build enough character development between the largely physical performances to fully engage the audience and the stakes are extremely high.  That no one seems without sin only makes it more interesting.

While it’s the performances that really sells this thriller, the creepy house in which the cat and mouse game takes place is suitably creepy.  The dilapidated house fitting for a haunting, complete with dark dusty nooks and crannies makes for one atmospheric setting that Alvarez utilizes to his fullest when blocking scares and action sequences.  He continues to ramp up the energy throughout, until you find yourself holding your breath.  As the intensity builds into full blown climax, each shock delivered tops the one before it.

If this review seems vague, that’s because it was meant to be.  Though the premise has been done before, perhaps countless times, it’s a film that should be viewed without really knowing much about it.  Even better?  See it with a crowd.  Alvarez takes a nihilistic, no holds barred approach to this home invasion thriller, and the less you know going in the better.  He proved without a doubt that not only was his first feature no fluke, but its ruthlessness was all his doing.  It’s refreshing, shocking, and a nail-biting good time.  When Don’t Breathe does get a release, this is a must watch.