As a cinephile with a penchant for psychological horror and a deep appreciation for the acting prowess of Emmy-winning talents, I must say that “Hold Your Breath” is an aptly named film that truly lives up to its title. The cinematic depiction of the Dust Bowl era in Oklahoma serves as a chilling reminder of our own climate crisis today, and the immersive visuals of the storms are nothing short of breathtaking – literally and figuratively.
A fitting title for the new Hulu movie starring Emmy-winner Sarah Paulson is “Hold Your Breath.” This title not only mirrors the film’s 1930s Dust Bowl setting in Oklahoma, but viewers may find themselves involuntarily mimicking it while watching this chilling psychological horror. Directed by Karrie Crouse and William Joines, “Hold Your Breath” is a movie that might be too intense for sensitive viewers due to its harrowing second half. However, the cast delivers strong performances in this compact production, which subtly addresses important issues such as climate change, disease isolation, and more.
Oklahoma Horror Story
Exploring the theme of climate change, particularly in light of North Carolina’s flooding during an election year, let’s delve into the past instead of focusing on the future. The novel Hold Your Breath transports us nearly a century back, to an isolated Oklahoma community, where relentless dust storms are causing turmoil for its affluent residents as they strive for tranquility amidst the chaos.
Living, laboring, resting, worshipping, reiterating – this seems to be their routine, unless they’re forced to brace against the fierce gusts that stir dust, gradually invading their respiratory system. For a compact movie like “Hold Your Breath“, the storm sequences are undeniably captivating cinematography and can definitely elevate your heart rate as you tag along.
Paulson consistently takes charge among the residents, with Margaret, who appears to be a single mother of two, actually being married to a man not often seen due to his job requiring him to work off-site. He sends letters filled with money to help maintain their sanity and stability in the face of relentless dust storms that challenge their deeply religious beliefs. As they eagerly await his return, Margaret must carefully watch over her daughter Rose (played brilliantly by Amiah Miller) and her younger deaf sister Ollie (Alona Jane Robbins). The family’s use of sign language becomes significant as it aids them in dealing with trouble that arises from an increasingly unfavorable situation, in multiple ways.
Sarah Paulson Is Great at Losing It
As a seasoned movie critic, I must say that if the intriguing concept of a Christian family battling against Mother Nature in the 1930s doesn’t pique your interest, fear not! The talented Sarah Paulson, known for her roles in ‘Ratched’ and ‘American Horror Story’, brings chills back into our lives with ‘Hold Your Breath’.
When we first encounter Paulson’s character, she’s already dealing with her issues, such as unpredictable behavior during sleep (like in the recent Korean thriller ‘Sleep‘ which delves into similar themes). So, when peril literally knocks on Margaret’s door, it’s uncertain how her already strained mental condition will react. However, there might be a silver lining as Wallace claims to be a healer and seems to live up to his reputation by almost immediately stopping Rose’s nosebleed upon arrival. Could it just be a coincidence?
An Excellent Cast Saves an Over-the-Top Ending
As Margaret struggles more and more with distinguishing reality from her imagination, she fiercely guards her family. For those who enjoy a bit of horror, be prepared for unexpectedly violent scenes later in the narrative. However, this shift towards violence seems to divert the film’s focus from its intended exploration at times, resulting in periods where it appears to overdo the build-up as it moves from a slow-burning story to an all-out climax.
The entire cast delivers consistently top-notch performances, with Paulson standing out as a powerhouse of emotion. However, her fellow actors are equally deserving of accolades. Audience members will enjoy spotting some on-screen reunions between them too. For instance, Ashford, who appeared alongside Paulson in “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” gets more screen time here, creating a captivating dynamic. Additionally, Moss-Bachrach from “The Bear” also makes an appearance, and it’s intriguing to see him take on a dramatically contrasting role compared to his previous, more energetic part in FX’s Emmy-winning second season. It’s refreshing to witness Moss-Bachrach bring nuance and depth to this subdued character.
Beginning October 3, Hold Your Breath will be available for streaming via Hulu, courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. Simply follow the provided link to watch it on that date: [Link]
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2024-10-02 03:03