As far as intriguing-yet-challenging premises go, they don’t come much better than the hook of this Netflix thriller.
Don’t Move sees seasoned killer Richard (Finn Wittrock) injecting Kelsey Asbille’s Iris with a paralytic agent.
Iris must then run, fight and hide before her body completely shuts down and she is at Richard’s mercy.
Co-directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler do a fine job of extending the limiting meat of the plot to a 92-minute feature – but rely heavily on T.J. Cimfel and David White’s script.
They start out by developing Iris’ character and making it clear this is a troubled woman consumed by grief following a family tragedy.
She’s facing a fight to keep going but the horrific fate that befalls her after encountering Richard gives her new-found determination and survival instincts.
Given Don’t Move is predominately a two-hander, it’s extremely handy that Asbille and Wittrock deliver in spades.
Wittrock has the requisite initial charm and kindness to lure Iris in to this trap before wild-eyed, hair-unravelling mania sets in – but never in a too over-the-top way.
Asbille’s ability to act while mostly lying down on surfaces is remarkable, with so much conveyed through her eyes; this is a pained heroine worth rooting for.
Moray Treadwell (Bill ) has a small but important part in progressing proceedings – and getting more brutal cruelty out of Richard .
Credibility is stretched here and there, however, and the effects of the drugs on Iris are inconsistent as she’s granted a little extra movement when the plot requires it.
It’s also difficult to see how so much could happen to Iris in such a short space of time – and why Richard decides to take so long to dispose of her.
There’s also no real reason given for Richard’s motivations, which would be fine if he was a Michael Myers mask-wearing weapon of destruction but feels like an oversight here, especially considering how some of the runtime feels padded out.
Overall, Don’t Move lacks finesse but packs an emotional gut punch amid a largely fulfilled promising premise.
● Has anything on Netflix caught your eye recently?
Pop me an email at [email protected] and I will pass on your comments to your fellow readers.
● Don’t Move is streaming on Netflix now.
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.