The trailer for this movie showed up so many times over the past few months that I was completely uninterested in seeing it. The only reason I went is because I saw it had favorable reviews and my partner wanted to check it out. I’m glad I did. It’s not a groundbreaking movie, but it’s a well done thriller with a sharp cast.

Something’s Not Right With Him

A couple things right out the gate, James McAvoy is the one that truly elevates this movie. His performance is so delightfully unhinged. One second you might be laughing along with his absurdities, the next you’ll recoil in discomfort. He is the menace that looms throughout the entire movie, and he keeps you guessing on what his next move will be. The rest of the supporting cast is very good, but McAvoy is the one with the meaty role. I would like to pay a special mention to Dan Hough who plays Ant. He does not have much to say, but he’s able to speak volumes with his face. Plot-wise, it’s pretty self explanatory. An American family meets another family during their vacation in Italy and they all reunite for a weekend in the English countryside. Our main family, led by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, have their own troubles that they’re going through. Their relationship is at a tipping point where Ben (McNairy) is without a job and without any confidence, and you have Louise (Davis) who clearly wants more for herself. This is partially why Ben is drawn to Paddy (McAvoy) and his outspoken persona. Of course there is more than meets the eye with Paddy, and perhaps it is for the best that Ben isn’t quite like him, but this is why the two families cross paths. Ben is given a bit of room to grow throughout the movie, and a chance to prove himself, but I found myself much more drawn to Louise. She is the one who was constantly stepping up, seeing the cracks in Paddy and his family, and protecting her own family from harm.

Out Here You’re Either Predator or Prey

As mentioned, the acting is solid across the board, the story itself is good, and the tension is also a standout. There is a nice build up to the final 30 or so minutes where you’re just on edge. Knowing the truth about Paddy and Ciara turned out to be bad for Ben and Louise, but fun for the audience as the director plays with our expectations. There is a great scene where Paddy is holding a ladder steady for Ben and you’re left to wonder whether he’ll knock him off it. The movie is filled with some of these darkly comedic moments, and they are much needed as the movie does go in some very dark places. My biggest negatives here are some pacing issues where things slow down a bit too much in the middle, and just characters being frustrating. Ben for instance is someone who is frustrating throughout and I wish we saw more of an arc from him. The movie itself is also very familiar. The twists themselves are not mind blowing, although it was nice to see how everything would unfold afterwards.

Closing Remarks

There is not much more that needs to be said. If you’re looking for a fairly tight thriller with some standout performances, you’ve come to the right place. I know this is based on a Danish movie from a few years ago and regrettably have not seen it, but now will certainly check it out to see how the two compare. But it is refreshing to see an American remake that is actually a well-crafted movie.

Starring – James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, and Dan Hough.

Director – James Watkins

Runtime – 1h 50m

Rating – R