Movie Review of Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
Synopsis
"Don’t Breathe 2" is a gripping sequel to the 2016 horror-thriller "Don’t Breathe". Set eight years after the events of the first film, the story revolves around Norman Nordstrom, played by Stephen Lang, who has taken on the role of a reluctant guardian to a young girl named Phoenix, portrayed by Madelyn Grace. Norman, earlier a tortured, blind war veteran, has surprisingly found a measure of contentment in raising Phoenix, who believes him to be her protector in an otherwise cruel world. They live in a secluded house, where Norman has attempted to escape from his sinister past.
However, peace is short-lived as a band of criminals, led by the malevolent and implacable figure of Raylan, played by Brendan Sexton III, invade their home, seeking to abduct Phoenix for nefarious purposes. What begins as a tense invasion quickly escalates into a harrowing battle for survival, with Norman’s survival instinct igniting past horrors within him as he resorts to lethal means in order to protect his adopted daughter. "Don’t Breathe 2" delves into themes of morality, redemption, and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love, presenting its audience with a twist on the classic cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Main Cast
- Stephen Lang as Norman Nordstrom
- Madelyn Grace as Phoenix
- Brendan Sexton III as Raylan
- Rocco A. Malia as Bait
- Jessica M., Clark as The Mother
- Steffan Argus as The Kid
- Samantha Sloyan as The Woman
Review
"Don’t Breathe 2" has the arduous task of following the original film, which was widely praised for its relentless tension and surprising character arcs. The first film presented a morally ambiguous protagonist, leading audiences to empathise with a character who could easily be viewed as a villain. The sequel seeks to recreate this balance, but whether it achieves this is a point of contention.
First and foremost, Stephen Lang returns as the blind Norman Nordstrom, delivering a performance that is both intense and multifaceted. In the sequel, his character is afforded a layer of depth we did not see previously. His paternal instincts towards Phoenix portray a more nuanced side of him, yet the film still continually reminds the audience of his questionable morality. Lang offers a gripping performance, pivoting effectively from the fearsome figure of the first film to a man haunted by his past who has tried, despite his sordid history, to embrace a semblance of normalcy. His portrayal is visceral, his expressions communicating a depth of emotion that goes beyond words.
Madelyn Grace’s performance as Phoenix is commendable for an actress of her age. She embodies the resilience and vulnerability of her character adeptly, making the audience root for her survival. The father-daughter dynamic created, albeit atypical, breathes fresh air into the narrative, steering clear, to some extent, from the formulaic horror tropes we often see in these types of films. Their relationship adds an emotional core to the film, one that might resonate with viewers, making their peril all the more harrowing to endure.
However, the introduction of the character Raylan, along with his band of baddies, is where the film begins to stumble. Brendan Sexton III plays Raylan with a menacing bravado, but the character lacks the necessary depth or complexity to make him memorable. As the antagonist, he is relegated to a rather stereotypical villain, serving as a mere plot device to kindle the tension rather than a fully fleshed-out adversary that challenges Norman on a psychological level. The relationships between the minor characters are similarly underdeveloped, reducing them to one-dimensional archetypes that detract from the film’s emotional stakes.
Director Rodo Sayagues, who co-wrote the screenplay with Fede Álvarez, does manage to create a consistent atmosphere of tension throughout the film. "Don’t Breathe 2" relishes its harrowing moments; there are sequences that genuinely raise the hair on the back of one’s neck, particularly in how the home invasion unfolds. The film exploits Norman’s blindness as a unique perspective, with many scenes effectively utilising darkness and sound design to elicit visceral fear. The use of silence and subtle sounds becomes a tool of suspense that the filmmakers wield with expertise, reminiscent of the first film.
The cinematography, led by Pedro Luque, deserves mention for its ability to create claustrophobic spaces that add to the film’s tension. The secluded home setting traps viewers in a sense of confinement, reflecting Norman’s own emotional imprisonment, which continues to weave throughout the narrative. The visual language reinforces the film’s themes of isolation, fear, and the fight for survival.
However, the plot itself does falter in several areas. It treads an uneven path, oscillating between gruesome thrills and emotional beats that feel forced and trite. The pacing seems to misstep in places, and viewers may find themselves questioning the logic behind certain characters’ decisions. For a film predicated on suspense, these lapses can be jarring and mitigative to the suspense that the filmmakers had so meticulously built.
Moreover, the film’s attempt to reimagine Norman from a villain to an anti-hero is fraught with complications. His past hauntings and violent tendencies pose significant moral implications, forcing viewers to grapple with their sympathies for a character whose actions remain ambiguous. While there are moments of genuine tension in which Norman’s motivations come to the fore, at times the film dilutes this nuance with overly graphic violence that seems more intended to shock than to serve the narrative.
In conclusion, "Don’t Breathe 2" is a film that succeeds in creating a compelling atmosphere of suspense but struggles to fully utilise its characters and premise. While Stephen Lang’s performance elevates the material, and moments of tension spark genuine fear, the narrative ultimately falters under the weight of underdeveloped antagonists and a convoluted plot. It may satisfy fans of the original and those seeking a thrill, but it lacks the mastery of pacing and moral complexity that characterised its predecessor.
Score: 6.5/10
In the end, "Don’t Breathe 2" is a film that, despite its flaws, holds enough intrigue to warrant a watch, particularly for fans of horror-thrillers. While not reaching the heights of its predecessor, it does provide 90 minutes of entertaining suspense and a visceral reminder of the lengths one will go to protect those they love.