Directed by:
Matthew HoeneScreenplay:
Neil LinpowCinematography:
Job ReinekeComposer:
Christopher CarmichaelVOD (4)
Plots(1)
Mama (Joely Richardson) and her teenage daughter Maisy live on a secluded farmstead, caring for Pa, paralyzed in a traumatic accident that also killed her son. While they share a close-knit relationship, each family member conceals secrets from the others. Then, one dark and stormy night, a frantic knocking booms from their front door: on the other side, Matty begs for help, his brother Jack having been injured in a horrific car wreck en route to the local ferry dock. Despite her suspicions, Mama relents to her daughter's pleas and allows them inside to give medical aid. But these visitors have secrets of their own, among them a stash of ill-gotten loot, a dead accomplice, and a brutal crime lord in close pursuit. Desperate to get their money and flee the country, the brothers take the family hostage, unaware in doing so they have disturbed a raging fount of furious vengeance. Director Matthias Hoene returns with this grisly gothic thriller that plays out like a modern-day Grimm's fairy tale, in which family bonds, dark secrets, and shifting loyalties twist, then rupture, culminating in a shocking denouement. (Seattle International Film Festival)
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Reviews (3)
The opening remarks for Mother's Day, combined with the behaviors and sewing skills on display, quickly reveal that each participant harbors a secret. The viewer is left to figure out who is in greater danger and who is most (warning: possible spoiler given the final shot) on the brink. The form might be somber, but it doesn’t seep into the atmosphere. It’s a pity that the timidity of the London gangsters turns out to be more surprising than the twists offered.
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The cadence of unexpected twists, constantly intensifying the tension of the situation, might have looked good on paper. In terms of probability and believability, however, the result is as leaky as a sieve. And the blonde mother who was supposed to be the driving force of the film is almost laughable. An unsuccessful attempt to spice up the traditional home-invasion theme. I choose to remember A-list actress Joely Richardson only from better films.
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A surprisingly enjoyable horror thriller working with a familiar template, and even if it doesn't try to bring anything new, it works fine. I like these movies where a stranger shows up outside a house in the middle of nowhere at night looking for help and you don’t quite know who to trust at first, who's evil and who has what plans. A mother, a daughter and a sick father are disturbed by two guys during the night. One of them is injured and looking for help and I won't tell you more. Filmed decently, the acting is fine, and there are a few surprises (some expected, some unexpected). It really holds the attention and and keeps the viewer suspenseful as to how it all turns out, which counts. The ending is sharp too, so that's fine. Add some proper gore and I wouldn't hesitate to rate it higher, but it's worth a watch for those who like films like this. 6/10.
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