Lowdown: A bunch of friends assemble for their regular ‘games night’. When they make the mistake of misusing an Ouija board things go to Hell and friendships are tested.
What I love about some horror films is that they take the opportunity to broach common, almost mundane subjects that trouble us all day to day. Fear of commitment in relationships, starting a family, moving on after a crisis are but a few obstacles we all face at some point during our lives. The element that is tackled with demonic possession to spare in “Don’t Move” is how friendships can become rapidly vindictive in terrible situations. Having the initial summoning of the demon and subsequent carnage off-screen at the beginning helps the rest of the movie focus on the struggle between six terrified friends who end up challenging their relationship is perhaps the most frightening ingredient. The demon who stalks among them reacts violently when it hears or sees loud sounds and quick movement so you can envisage when one back-stabbing friend silently and slowly dials another friend’s phone right in front of them only for their phone to ring noisily in that room it is disturbing and heart-breaking as it is done in the name of survival and no loyalty to relationship. Although “Don’t Move” is primarily built on this horrifying tale of morality, the special effects are very well done, the demon itself being particularly compelling to look at. It is never shown in full, which as many horror fans would know is arguably one of the best ways to show a monster- show some, not all. Some of the bloodshed looks grimly spectacular which is further astounding because of the small budget it was made. Director Anthony Mellon was sagacious in his approach to the material and manages to coax convincing, solid performances out of each of the actors as well as include a deliciously eerie score and great screen composition to suit the mood of the piece. There is a given that most of the dialogue is spoken in whisper and through mime, but it’s a caveat that passes due to the rules that have been established in this microverse. Enjoy.
The Super Network 