In a gripping and unsettling narrative, “Don’t Move” presents a chilling scenario: just as a deeply troubled young woman, played by Kelsey Asbille, is ready to end her life by jumping off a cliff, she is interrupted by a serial killer, portrayed by Finn Wittrock. Instead of a rescue, this encounter leads to her abduction for a far more sinister purpose. This raises unsettling questions about the nature of murder; is the killer’s act still considered murder if the victim was already contemplating death?
The film opens with this provocative premise, but soon introduces another twist. Upon regaining consciousness, the young woman, Iris, learns that her captor has injected her with a “special relaxant” that will paralyze her within twenty minutes. As viewers, we are left to ponder what we would do in her dire situation.
While the film attempts to showcase Iris’s struggle to find the will to live after contemplating suicide, the execution feels too contrived and may even overlook the real-life complexities of self-harm. Nonetheless, it can be captivating to watch her fight against the impending paralysis, although the scenarios can feel unconvincing.
Directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, known for their work on the Quibi series “50 States of Fright,” “Don’t Move” is set in a remote location, echoing the constraints faced by filmmakers during the pandemic. Much of the film features Asbille in a state of immobility, offering a challenge to her performance, which captivates viewers as she conveys emotion with minimal movement, relying heavily on her eyes and a twitch of a finger.
At one point, a well-meaning hermit attempts to help Iris communicate by blinking to send an SOS when her captor returns. The film builds suspense effectively, particularly in scenes where Iris must depend on her captor’s mistakes for her escape as she is held hostage without the ability to move.
Despite its flaws, the film engages viewers and engenders a strong identification with Iris. This emotional connection might have played out even better in a theater setting, allowing for audience interactions with the screen. The title may seem misleading, as Iris’s inability to move generates a unique suspense that challenges the viewer’s expectations.
While “Don’t Move” shares thematic elements with Robert Zemeckis’ film “What Lies Beneath,” it ultimately fails to deliver the same level of tension. The film raises philosophical questions about the nature of Iris’s tormentor: is he an actual threat or a manifestation of her internal struggles?
“Don’t Move” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.