Why ‘Don’t Breathe’ is a Must-See for Fans of ‘Locked’!

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The exhilarating new movie that’s creating a stir in cinemas is “Locked,” starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins. In this action-packed thriller, Skarsgård portrays a self-assured carjacker who finds himself in deeper trouble when he gets trapped inside a highly customized vehicle owned by a mysterious psychopath who intends to teach the thief a harsh lesson. A remake of the Argentinian film “4×4,” “Locked” has been praised for its suspenseful scenes and has left viewers on the edge of their seats as they anxiously watch Skarsgård struggle to gain control.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself drawn into the tense atmosphere of this thriller, which bears a striking resemblance to the 2016 horror phenomenon, “Don’t Breathe.” Just like in that movie, we follow a group of young thieves who underestimate the danger posed by a blind veteran guarding a hidden fortune. Their miscalculation leads them into a chilling predicament where they are both trapped and pursued relentlessly by their older adversary. This dark and suspenseful film is an excellent choice for those craving another gripping psychological thriller, much like “Locked,” and it will undoubtedly keep your pulse racing!

‘Don’t Breath’ Is a Spine-Tingling Spin on the Home Invasion Thriller

Fede Álvarez, the mind behind the horror classic Evil Dead, expanded his dominance in the movie industry by directing the 2016 terror-filled hit Don’t Breathe. He assembled a compact yet powerful ensemble cast featuring Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, and Stephen Lang to bring his heart-racing story to the screen. In this nerve-wracking movie, Detroit friends and burglars Rocky, Alex, and Money find themselves in deep trouble when they audaciously plan to rob blind war veteran Norman Nordstrom (Lang) of his supposed $300,000 fortune hidden in his home.

As a cinephile, I found myself drawn into an unexpected predicament when, in a twist of fate, my friends and I stumbled upon Norman’s isolated abode. Little did we know that this seemingly innocuous old man was hiding a formidable side, trapping us within his home and setting the stage for a terrifying chase. It soon became clear that beneath the calm demeanor lay a multitude of hidden secrets, making us realize that surviving the night would require every ounce of our cunning and determination.

‘Don’t Breathe’ Becomes a Sensational Sleeper Hit

Fede Alvarez aimed to create “Don’t Breathe” as a response to criticism he received for his previous work, “Evil Dead,” which some viewers found too violent and unsettling. Alongside frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues, Alvarez developed the unique storyline for “Don’t Breathe,” with the goal of producing a movie that would leave audiences on edge due to its high suspense rather than relying solely on graphic violence to scare. He expressed this intention in an interview with ComingSoon.net, stating that he wanted “Don’t Breathe” to be an anxiety-inducing film that focuses more on creating tension and unease.

Entering another person’s territory often carries an uneasy, mysterious vibe… Stepping into someone else’s sphere is like stepping into their world, where they hold sway and control over everything. This concept sparked the idea for a tale about three thieves.

Álvarez referred to “Don’t Breathe” as an “exploration of contrasts,” as it cleverly flips familiar tropes on their head by presenting an intense movie from the viewpoint of the intruders. Instead of the typical “nice house on a dangerous street,” it takes place in a seemingly safe neighborhood that becomes terrifying. The director also mentioned that making the antagonist, Norman, blind would hinder some of his abilities, creating a suspenseful dynamic: “We often grant such characters extra powers to make them seem more formidable than ordinary individuals. So, we decided to go against the norm and remove his eyesight, making him blind instead.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the heart-pounding premiere of “Don’t Breathe” at South by Southwest. This nerve-wracking movie had audiences clinging to their seats in fear as the thieves found themselves hunted instead. The movie, with its chilling script, ominous ambiance, and unexpected plot twists, became an unexpected blockbuster, earning a massive $157.8 million at the box office against a meager budget of just $9.9 million. It was highly acclaimed for its terrifying storyline, eerie setting, and unpredictable turns while receiving an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and winning Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards.

In their glowing review, Rolling Stone praised “Don’t Breathe” as a unique, eerie thriller about a home invasion, highlighting director Fede Álvarez’s exceptional talent for creating suspense with unsettling elements. The 2021 sequel, “Don’t Breathe 2,” directed by Sayagues, received less critical acclaim than its predecessor but still proved successful at the box office; a third installment is underway, focusing on Stephen Lang’s powerful and tenacious character.

How To Watch ‘Don’t Breathe’

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2025-03-25 03:02