In “Don’t Move,” a young woman teeters on the edge of a cliff when a charming stranger convinces her to step back and seek a new reason to live. However, in true Netflix thriller fashion, the man turns out to be a serial killer with a sinister agenda, leading to her abduction. This setup launches the film, which, while contrived, is a solid streaming release that revels in its own unique premise.
Starring Kelsey Asbille from “Yellowstone” and Finn Whitrock, “Don’t Move” pits the two in a high stakes battle of wits. After regaining consciousness, the young woman learns the killer has administered a relaxant that will leave her completely paralyzed. With only 20 minutes to escape, the film poses the ultimate “What would you do?” scenario.
Directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler, alongside screenwriters T.J. Cimfel and David White, craft numerous hurdles and traps for the immobilized protagonist. Any concerns about sustaining narrative momentum quickly dissipate after an encounter with a local hermit named Bill (Moray Treadwell), which injects a jolt of adrenaline into the story and indicates that the film is more than just a horror gimmick.
Asbille anchors the film as Iris, skillfully engaging the audience even while largely confined to one position. Some may argue it’s easy to portray someone lying still, but Asbille effectively uses her expressions and eye contact to convey deep emotion, particularly during a tense sequence involving a police officer.
Whitrock, credited as “Richard,” serves as a formidable antagonist, tapping into his “American Horror Story” roots to add a dark edge to the character. The script attempts to humanize him and provide context for his sinister motives, which is compelling, even if it occasionally feels forced.
Produced by Sam Raimi, who previously collaborated with the directors on the Quibi series “50 States of Fright,” this film marks his second horror project in the last decade to explore a human sense. The first was “Don’t Breathe,” featuring a sadistic blind man tormenting burglars in brutal ways. While that film thrived on the communal experience of a theatrical release, “Don’t Move” captures a similar energy, making it a pity it isn’t being seen on the big screen.
DON’T MOVE is now streaming on Netflix.