Hulu has churned out some fantastic original movies. One of these, 2020's 'Run,' also happens to have starred Sarah Paulson, and I've otherwise found Paulson to be a terrific, reliable actress who commands strong presence, personality, and emotional depth. The very premise is ripe with enormous potential - it can't be overstated how terrifying nature can be at its most fierce and unforgiving, and Oklahoma during the Great Depression couldn't be more fit as a setting. Such conditions are perfect for a tale of psychological horror, pushing the limits of the human mind as it frays; for further evidence, see Victor Sjöström's 1928 classic 'The wind,' which to this day remains one of the greatest films ever made. To help stir the pot here, the first act gives us a creepy folk tale; a mother with a troubled history as she tends alone to her two daughters and dead land; and scenes of mother Margaret's small "community" which accentuate her isolation and solitude, the desperation of the extreme circumstances, and indeed Margaret's mental state.
'Hold your breath' is filled with fine possibilities, and more than not I believe it firmly succeeds. Paulson is a swell anchor for the picture, and her co-stars are just as excellent in their supporting parts, including Amiah Miller as oldest daughter Rose. The effects are superb, even as computer-generated imagery is employed in abundance; the more tactful the usage is the more effective they are, and practical effects and stunts are impeccable. In addition to even the keen use of lighting, Colin Stetson's original score of unnerving soundscapes lends considerably to the atmosphere herein. The production design and art direction are filled with splendid detail, not to mention the costume design, hair, and makeup. The feature is well made by all modern standards, really, and sure enough, Karrie Crouse has filled her screenplay with super ideas. The narrative is compelling, and the scene writing and characterizations are strong. All the ingredients are here for a gripping, disturbing horror-thriller, and at that one that also carries meaningful notes of tragedy.
The problem I have is that in execution this sadly lacks the careful subtlety that would have allowed all the best potential to come to fruition. In shaping their first full-length title, Crouse and Will Joines are - if sometimes only by degrees - too forceful and upfront with their direction, and in fact too many other elements irregularly bear the same fault. This includes the acting, the visual effects, sometimes the editing, some sound effects, and even Stetson's music. It took a while for me to even come around on the introduction in the second act of a definitive figure, yet though ultimately I think the notions in the writing are fabulous, the realization of them is often too brusque to completely achieve the desired effect. There is marvelous strength here, but it is partly scattered, and partly diminished by the heavy-handedness, however we may measure it. None of this is to say that 'Hold your breath' is not worthwhile; I do like it, and it's good enough to warrant checking out if you have the opportunity. May Crouse and Joines continue to grow in their skills, and I look forward to seeing what they do in the future. It's just unfortunate that when all is said and done this one piece feels unremarkable when it may have been intensely grabbing and chilling, so though it's decent, it doesn't exactly demand viewership.
![Trailer [OV]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDI4YTYwZWQtNTg0OS00NTU3LWI2NjEtODJmYjEyNjhlYzAwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXRyYW5zY29kZS13b3JrZmxvdw@@._V1_QL75_UX1000_CR0,0,1000,563_.jpg)
