My quick rating - 6.2/10. I ran across a tense and minimalist thriller that thrives on its simplicity, crafting a gripping story around a chilling premise. Set against the eerie isolation of a secluded forest, the film follows a grieving woman who becomes the target of a sadistic killer. After being injected with a paralytic drug, she must fight for survival as her body gradually betrays her. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create tension and sustain it throughout. The isolated setting amplifies the feeling of vulnerability, making every moment feel like a desperate struggle. The central cat-and-mouse dynamic between the protagonist and the killer is the heart of the story, and it’s executed with precision by directors Adam Schindler and Brian Netto. Both leads deliver compelling performances. Iris’s fight for survival is portrayed with raw intensity by Kelsey Asbille, capturing the physical and emotional toll of her ordeal. Meanwhile, the killer (Finn Wittrock) exudes a quiet menace, making every interaction between them fraught with danger. Their performances elevate what could have been a straightforward survival story into something much more engaging. The minimalist approach to storytelling works in the film’s favor. There are no unnecessary subplots or convoluted twists; instead, the focus remains squarely on the escalating tension and the protagonist’s will to survive. While this simplicity may leave you wanting more depth or backstory, it allows the film to fully explore its premise and maximize the impact of its core conflict. This movie doesn’t rely on flashy effects or elaborate set pieces. Instead, it leans into the physicality of the situation and the performances of its leads. This stripped-down approach makes the stakes feel immediate and real, even if the story doesn’t break new ground. Overall, this delivers a taut, well-acted thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. While it may not reinvent the genre, it succeeds in creating an intense and memorable survival story that’s worth a watch for fans of minimalist horror and suspense.
You'll have to check in with Netflix for this one right now.
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