My quick rating - 5.0/10. I like it when these flix get things rolling before the credits even begin. Ok, the premise of moving into a duplex that was recently featured as a location where a slumlord mass murderer worked his craft is one thing. But then claiming nothing was found to prove it happened there YET immediately finding the equipment in the basement all ready to use along with tapes is even more far-fetched. In the realm of suspenseful thrillers, this flick attempts to venture into the sinister underbelly of modern living, where the sense of security is shattered by hidden dangers. The film, directed by Danny Madden, delves into a familiar narrative that begins its journey even before the opening credits roll, immediately grabbing your attention. The story centers around a brave yet unsuspecting couple who embark on the perilous adventure of moving into a house previously owned by The Slumlord, a character whose name sends shivers down the spines of those in the know. The house, laden with a history of heinous crimes, secret cameras, and a psychopathic landlord, becomes the stage for a series of hit-or-miss scenes meant to instill fear in you. Part of this issue is the characters were just so bland that I really didn't care what happened to any of them. Also, Will Madden (nepotism?) acts like such an asshole that there is no way you will see him as a victim nor would you care if he was a villain. It tries to set itself apart by blending the every day with the extraordinary. The premise, though seemingly far-fetched, lays down the foundation for a tale that explores the depths of paranoia and fear in a world where privacy is a luxury, not a given. The mix of mundane suburban life against the backdrop of hidden cameras and a horrifying past creates an atmosphere rife with tension and unease. Every discovery, every revelation, sends shudders down the spine, making you question the safety of their own homes. At least I am sure that is what they were hoping to achieve but I personally wasn't feeling it. While the premise of the couple finding the slumlord's equipment and tapes in the basement might stretch the boundaries of believability, it serves as a catalyst for the gripping events that unfold. It's this very implausibility that adds an element of surreal horror, making you question the fine line between reality and nightmare. The cinematography deserves mention, capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the house and the characters’ escalating paranoia with an adept eye. It just took too long to really get going and spent too much time focusing on the main couple and their neighbors. Even when it did, I still wasn't all that impressed, just left me kind of shrugging. If you're a fan of films that challenge your perception of safety and delve into the darkest corners of privacy, this flick might leave you questioning what might be lurking in the shadows of your own home.
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