"Don't Breathe" is a pulse-pounding thriller that took audiences on a relentless and suspenseful journey into the darkest corners of human nature. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this 2016 film offers a gripping and nerve-wracking experience.
Release Date and Director: "Don't Breathe" made its debut on August 25, 2016, under the skilled direction of Fede Álvarez, known for his work on the 2013 "Evil Dead" remake.
Synopsis:
The film follows a group of young burglars, Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex (Dylan Minnette), and Money (Daniel Zovatto), who make their living by breaking into homes in economically depressed areas.
They believe they've hit the jackpot when they target a blind military veteran (Stephen Lang) living in a desolate, decaying neighborhood. Believing the man is an easy mark, they break into his home to steal a rumored fortune he has stashed away.
However, their simple heist turns into a nightmare when they realize the blind man is not as helpless as they thought. He possesses heightened senses, making him a formidable adversary in the pitch-black confines of his home.
The burglars find themselves trapped in a harrowing game of cat and mouse, struggling for survival as they navigate the dark, claustrophobic labyrinth of the blind man's house.
Significance, Themes, and Why You Should Watch:
"Don't Breathe" is a masterclass in tension and suspense, offering a relentless and anxiety-inducing experience for viewers. It explores themes of desperation, survival, and moral ambiguity, all against the backdrop of a thrilling home invasion scenario.
The film's tight direction, well-executed suspense sequences, and strong performances, particularly from Stephen Lang, make it a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre. It keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, delivering an adrenaline rush that is as exhilarating as it is disturbing.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Streaming Options: AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, AMC.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand, Spectrum On Demand.
- Free Options: None.
Australia (AU):
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
- Streaming Options: Stan.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Telstra TV, Fetch TV, Quickflix Store.
- Free Options: None.
United Kingdom (GB):
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
- Streaming Options: None.
- Buying Options: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Chili, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV.
- Free Options: None.
Germany (DE):
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
- Streaming Options: MagentaTV.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV, Chili, Microsoft Store.
- Free Options: None.
Brazil (BR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Oi Play, Netflix basic with Ads, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Claro video, Amazon Video.
- Free Options: None.
Spain (ES):
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
- Streaming Options: Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Amazon Video, Movistar Plus.
- Free Options: None.
France (FR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Canal VOD, Rakuten TV, Universcine, Amazon Video, Bbox VOD.
- Free Options: None.
Canada (CA):
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
- Streaming Options: None.
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video.
- Free Options: None.
Production Details:
Fede Álvarez directed the film, with a cast that included Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, and Stephen Lang in pivotal roles. The screenplay was co-written by Fede Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues.
The movie was predominantly filmed in Hungary, giving it a distinct, eerie atmosphere that added to the suspense. Filming in tight, dark spaces with a constantly evolving, tension-driven plot presented several challenges, but the team managed to overcome them, resulting in a gripping final product.
With a budget of just $9.9 million, "Don't Breathe" proved to be a commercial success, grossing over $157 million worldwide.
Reception and Awards:
Critical Reception: The film was well-received by critics, who praised its suspenseful direction, innovative premise, and Stephen Lang's standout performance. It was hailed as one of the most effective and terrifying thrillers in years.
Audience Reception: Audiences found "Don't Breathe" to be a white-knuckle cinematic experience, lauding its relentless tension and unpredictable twists. It quickly gained a reputation as a must-see thriller for fans of the genre.
Awards and Nominations: While not a typical awards contender, "Don't Breathe" received recognition for its mastery of suspense and horror elements, cementing its place as a modern classic in the genre.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Stephen Lang, who portrayed the blind man, prepared for the role by wearing blindfolds for extended periods to understand the challenges of blindness.
- The film's title, "Don't Breathe," is a direct reference to the characters' need for absolute silence to avoid detection by the blind man.
- Director Fede Álvarez and producer Sam Raimi previously collaborated on the 2013 "Evil Dead" remake.
In conclusion, "Don't Breathe" is a relentlessly suspenseful thriller that masterfully exploits the fear of the unknown and the vulnerability of its characters.
With a gripping plot, stellar performances, and an unrelenting sense of dread, it's a must-see for anyone in search of a heart-pounding cinematic experience. This film stands as a testament to the power of tension and suspense in modern filmmaking.