Don’t Move Review

Don’t Move Review: Sam Raimi’s Netflix Thriller Stumbles in Delivering Suspenseful Survival


Sam Raimi’s thriller Don’t Move promises a tense survival experience but falters in execution, relying on contrived plot devices over genuine suspense.


Don’t Move: A Sam Raimi Survival Thriller That Misses Its Mark

Don't Move

The Netflix thriller Don’t Move, produced by horror legend Sam Raimi, seeks to blend tension and survival into a high-concept cinematic experience but falls short in execution. The film stars Kelsey Asbille as Iris, a grieving mother on the edge—both physically and emotionally. Setting out to the cliffside where her child died, she considers ending her life. Enter Finn Wittrock’s unnamed character, whose sudden appearance interrupts her tragic resolve. Initially appearing sympathetic, he quickly reveals sinister motives, marking the start of a dangerous game of survival. What could have unfolded as a taut, pulse-pounding thriller instead feels held back by inconsistent logic and character choices that distract from its promising premise.

Plot Missteps and Pacing Flaws Undermine the Suspense

The movie’s early scenes successfully draw viewers into Iris’s grief and perilous situation. Once the stranger injects her with a paralytic, rendering her nearly motionless, viewers anticipate a compelling survival scenario. However, the suspenseful potential soon fizzles. With only 20 minutes before total paralysis, Iris attempts to outwit her captor in a series of increasingly unrealistic situations. Moments intended to enhance suspense often fall flat as Iris fluctuates between expert survivalist and overly passive victim, depending on what the script demands. The unpredictability of her movement adds confusion, undermining the intended tension and frustrating viewers expecting a more grounded narrative.

Contrivances Replace Clever Survival Strategies

Iris’s escape tactics start promisingly as she manages to slip out of her plastic handcuffs using a Swiss knife. However, the film relies too heavily on contrivances, like a conveniently placed log and inconsistent drug effects, to sustain its thrill. For instance, when Iris, now immobile, is washed downstream, she miraculously catches onto a log despite her supposed paralysis. Moments like this pull viewers out of the story, as these seemingly random “saves” reduce the stakes and clash with the film’s intended gritty realism.

Missed Opportunities for Emotional Depth and Realism

The stranger’s backstory remains vague, leaving audiences curious but unfulfilled. His capabilities as a predator vary wildly, raising questions about his competence. Scenes where Iris nearly escapes—only for her rescuer to be thwarted by the villain—are repeated, diminishing the impact. A parallel attempt to dive deeper into Iris’s emotional journey as a mother grappling with loss is undercut by the plot’s inability to maintain focus on her resilience. While her struggle for survival could have beautifully reflected her renewed will to live, these emotional underpinnings are sidelined, making the final act feel forced and less satisfying.

A Lackluster Showdown Lacks Payoff

The climax brings Iris back into full control of her body, setting the stage for a showdown reminiscent of Alien’s Ripley. However, by the time this scene unfolds, much of the suspense has dissipated. The plot’s reliance on sudden bursts of physical ability or luck over consistent, clever strategies makes her final triumph feel less like earned survival and more like a plot necessity. A more layered exploration of her character and a tighter script could have grounded the climax, making her survival instinct truly resonate.

Final Thoughts: A Concept That Couldn’t Deliver

Don’t Move aims to blend survival horror with psychological tension but falls short due to a reliance on plot conveniences and an inconsistent tone. The film’s high concept—an immobile protagonist navigating imminent danger—feels lost amid clunky execution, leaving viewers with more frustration than thrills. While it touches on themes of loss and perseverance, it lacks the narrative clarity to leave a lasting impact. Raimi’s reputation may draw audiences in, but the film ultimately struggles to engage, missing the cleverness that could have set it apart.

 

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