Movies News Talk
Sam Raimi-Produced Thriller "Don't Move" Gets a Rotten Tomatoes Score: Is It Worth Watching?
Netflix just dropped a new thriller, "Don't Move," produced by the legendary horror maestro Sam Raimi, and the critics have chimed in with their Rotten Tomatoes scores! This new 2024 film stars Kelsey Asbille (known for her role in Yellowstone) as Iris, a young woman desperately trying to outrun a serial killer while paralyzed! Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story) plays the killer.
Currently, the Tomatometer score sits at 72% (based on 18 reviews), and there is currently no audience score (Popcornmeter) listed. So those initial critical views were a bit more positive than initially anticipated; this indicates a possibly quite enjoyable viewing experience; that being said, it remains relatively low based upon typical high-scoring thriller films, showing there could be improvements in some critical areas. That's likely to change as more reviews roll in! It is important for fans to note that just being produced by Sam Raimi, and released by Netflix doesn’t mean a guaranteed winner— audiences need to see the reviews to find out why!
Critics generally praise the concept itself! This unique thriller really puts a strong spotlight on these really intense challenges in high-stakes environments! But many critics found those key issues within the very plot; they think that film felt a little “bland,” and not nearly intense enough despite the obvious thematic choices which already set a suspenseful stage for these high-stakes adventures; further demonstrating some critical points found in reviews: the story itself lacks that required depth and suspense that this specific genre of thrillers typically showcases. The premise was there but the impact never matched the high-intensity suspense of comparable thriller films.
Some thought the pacing was off— even Screen Rant’s Ben Gibbons suggests that "the entire story could have been condensed to work as a short film." While other reviews highlight the importance of the duration in allowing a fuller plot to unfold for audiences; other reviews however show those elements that feel slow; creating opportunities to emphasize character development – these two points showcase the duality and complexities regarding whether these narrative choices created an effect suitable for audiences. This begs the question, if so many audience members disagree regarding the timing and intensity presented–was the choice successful for this specific demographic?
Despite a somewhat disappointing storyline, the acting shines. Most reviewers were impressed with both lead actors! However, Wittrock's performance stands out as exceptional— and critics agreed about this point; bringing a lot of impressive nuance, conveying emotional complexities; showcasing not merely a capable villain, but creating opportunities to showcase that kind of vulnerability usually overlooked in thrillers. Pasta Magazine’s Jim Vorel calls Wittrock’s “manic energy” crucial. As for Asbille, most agreed she did well physically despite the considerable requirements– her acting is shown well enough however the character itself didn't seem to evolve.
Reviews are often subjective, and audiences definitely experience these different films quite differently. Some may be underwhelmed due to certain expectation which didn’t manifest; this is completely understood considering the immense pressure placed upon those creatives involved! However it might be possible that, given the positive critical reviews, those shortcomings identified in those reviews may be overcome due to expectations calibrated by that awareness– thus becoming a potentially engaging watch regardless.
For audiences looking for high-intensity action, however – those viewers expecting a far higher thrill than the relatively lukewarm reactions some critics had given– those same expectations must be adjusted before viewing. The recent release of “Woman of the Hour” also on Netflix and using the similar theme—might greatly increase a viewer’s likelihood of enjoying "Don't Move." It makes for a fun comparison and presents another chance to get those thriller-fix from that new release. The thematic similarities might result in an additional appreciation of these similarities! Thus we must suggest giving it a try.
"Don't Move" might not completely satisfy those seeking that highly intense and perfectly paced thrill ride which is often anticipated and expected from thriller films. However, it is important to remember that every person and the individuals involved has different tastes. For those whose interest has already been raised by the production team, those critics reviews or from knowing other thriller Movies on similar themes that provide the anticipated level of high-octane entertainment; audiences might really enjoy that thrill and appreciate what that storytelling had accomplished; however those already aware of potential pacing or storytelling issues— those who really crave a tightly paced, well-developed thrill, these same individuals might end up dissatisfied from those issues described earlier!