Don't Leave Home

I thought this movie had a lot of potential- good acting, great photography, and a promising storyline, however, the dialogue, score, and pacing were too low energy for me to stay fully engaged. Also, I expected more intensity and tension that this movie could have desperately used.

I dont mind a slow-burn movie, but the ending has to make it worth the wait. This fell a bit short.

[5/10]

Actually wanted to like 'Don't Leave Home', and yes there was the intention to judge the film for myself after watching it and even more intention to judge it fairly. Both have always been the case with me when it comes to reviewing a film. The idea was attention-grabbing and it didn't look too bad, so there was potential.

Potential that was not lived up to very well at all. 'Don't Leave Home' was not a waste of time but it is a long way from a must watch from personal opinion. Didn't regret watching it and didn't find that my intelligence was insulted, something that cannot be said for some other films seen recently, it just didn't compel let alone unsettle me which is a primary factor as to why 'Don't Leave Home' as an overall film doesn't work.

Lets start with the good things. 'Don't Leave Home' started off very well, it does draw one right in, sets things up promisingly and has an eerie vibe. It's a decent looking film, with the setting giving off the right amount of unease and the photography has atmosphere. The music is haunting and not too obvious or intrusive.

Generally the acting was better than average, very good actually with the three leads. Nobody over-compensates and nobody looks uncomfortable or robotic.

However, while the characters don't annoy or there could have been much more development to them. The script is an overload of cheese and awkwardness and the direction is at best lethargic.

'Don't Leave Home's' biggest issue is the story. There is very little tension, suspense or dread, with the scares infrequent and being going-through-the-motions-like and obvious when they appear. It is dull too often despite starting off so well and is very predictable from the excessive over-familiarity of a lot of scenes, while it becomes increasingly far-fetched and confused. Not enough is explained properly either, too much is left vague and leaves one scratching their heads.

Not a waste of time but doesn't scare or compel enough. 4/10 Bethany Cox

This is really an intriguing little horror gem. It centers on an artist from America who creates a series of sculptures based on famous missing person cases. One of them spotlights a priest whom painted a portrait of a young girl who ended up disappearing both from her home and the picture. The priest contracts her with the promise to buy her piece inspired by him, commission a new work and have all her pieces sold to wealthy investors at a private auction. Upon arriving strange things begin to happen including strange dreams and weird happenings that lead her to believe the offer isn't genuine and something more sinister is afoot. It all leads up to a shocking and unexpected conclusion. It's definitely a religious horror film but plays like a strange Lynchian thriller. It's not perfect the pacing is a struggle at times but it has an engaging, dread induced atmosphere that feels otherworldly at times.

3.5/5

The concept is a good one but it lacked detail in the presentation.

The actors were excellent, presenting believable well-rounded characters, and technical aspects of the film were well executed.

But this film lacks anything really memorable or intense enough to invoke any feeling about it. A series of events happen - some making no sense - the end.

There really isn't much drama in the film let alone any suspense or anticipation, and that is where (I think) the problem is. It lacks intensity to accompany the fine characters.

Events that do happen are not really explored or exploited to being drama to the story. Some of them happen with no lead in or lead out as to why they happen.

One excellent point is that at least they had what looked like proper tea brewed instead of the yellow insipid muck film makers often try to pass off for the beverage.

It's not a bad film, and it is watchable. You just won't take much away from it.

I wouldn't rave about this movie, but I'm not disappointed that I took the time watching it.

A slow burn, but not so slow you lose interest and get distracted.

I will say a unique storyline that I was eager to see through.