My quick rating - 5.4/10. This flick transports us to 1930s Oklahoma with an atmospheric take on the Dust Bowl era, nailing the period's look and feel. The aesthetic of the film is immersive, from the worn-out, dust-covered landscapes to the haunting isolation of life in a small, wind-battered home. The cinematography is strong, offering moments of striking imagery, especially during the dust storms, though I wish these storms had been used more effectively to drive tension and amplify the film's claustrophobic potential. Sarah Paulson shines as Margaret, a young mother grappling with grief and paranoia, giving a performance that carries the film through its slower parts. She expertly conveys Margaret’s internal battle, making her journey compelling even when the pace drags. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Wallace also deserves a nod as his eerie portrayal adds a much-needed layer of tension, his character's ominous presence felt throughout. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast feels more like set dressing, failing to leave much of an impression. The film tries to lean into folk horror with a slow-burn, gothic approach, but it doesn't quite press hard enough on the horror elements to truly unsettle. The creeping dread is there, but it often fizzles out before reaching a satisfying payoff. The premise of a mysterious force lurking in the storms is promising, but the story never fully capitalizes on it. While the atmosphere works, the pacing struggles to maintain momentum, and the horror feels underutilized, leaving the film caught between a period drama and a horror movie without fully delivering on either. If the tension of the dust storms and the fear of the unknown had been explored more deeply, this flick could have been a standout. In the end, it's a well-shot film with strong performances from its leads, but it misses the mark of delivering enough fear or urgency to keep you holding your breath (I had to do it).
Hold Your Breath (2024)
Updated: Oct 19
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