A remote getaway to get away from it all, turns out to be a bad idea, because, all is under rated, and one should not try and get away from it. This is what horror movies are all about: lack of logic. And yet, here we are again.
Attempting to resurrect a failing marriage, a couple try and escape their troubles in an isolated vacation home that is equal parts concrete chic and smart security dungeon. Apart from a pool, and the lack of nosy neighbours, there's really not much here to rekindle any sparks, and the weekend seems like a doomed proposition. Except that it gets worse. Forget awkward relationship strife, howsabout a prison scenario with a mystery foe dictating the proceedings? Get out of line and whammo, an implant blasts the victims helpless.
Forcing our stupefied couple into a bizarre patriarchal game of fifties style gender role play, "Held" builds a promising premise but fails to deliver a knockout punch. There's plenty of room for slivers of comedy, perhaps some parody, escalating tension, physical mayhem, or maybe a crazed Nick Cage with an axe. But alas no, none of that.
An interesting mid film twist is all but inevitable but not unwelcome, yet the post reveal action is paint by numbers pedantic.
Too bad. There are a couple of undeveloped plot lines - an opening assault flashback, and an adult son from a previous relationship - left dangling, which may have flushed out the story if revisited. Perhaps hasty editing was the culprit, whatever the case, "Held" doesn't hold together.
