Another low-budget horror film has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success. “Don’t Breathe,” released in North America on August 26th, immediately seized the top spot at the weekend box office, grossing $26.115 million. This impressive debut dethroned “Suicide Squad,” pushing it to second place, while even the newly released “Mechanic: Resurrection” could only manage fifth, and “Pete’s Dragon” settled for sixth.
What Makes “Don’t Breathe” So Compelling?
So, what exactly is “Don’t Breathe” about, and what accounts for its impressive performance? The film is directed by Fede Álvarez, a specialist in the horror genre, whose previous work includes “Evil Dead.” He appears to be following a similar path to James Wan, known for his contributions to the horror genre.
With a modest production budget of just $10 million, “Don’t Breathe” turned a profit in its opening weekend. The success of low-budget films often hinges on their inherent quality. “Don’t Breathe” features a cast without major stars, including Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
A Heist Gone Horribly Wrong
The premise involves three young individuals who target the home of a blind man, assuming it will be an easy robbery. However, they soon discover that the blind man is far from helpless, and the house holds dark secrets. They realize they’ve stumbled into a nightmare.
When confronted with a gun, the blind man swiftly disarms his attacker and, without hesitation, fatally shoots one of the intruders. The remaining two must hold their breath to avoid detection.
The blind man possesses exceptional hearing, able to pinpoint the location of a ringing phone and shoot it with precision. Despite his age, he is incredibly strong and agile, a veritable blind assassin with remarkable martial arts skills.
Eventually, the blind man discovers the presence of the other two accomplices, leading to a relentless pursuit within the house. As the chase intensifies, they begin to uncover the house’s horrifying secrets.
A Director’s Triumph
Fede Álvarez masterfully crafts suspense and thrills within the confines of a single house. The New York Daily News praised the director’s work on the film:
“With his second film, Fede Álvarez has finally mastered Hitchcockian suspense, proving himself to be an excellent filmmaker even when dealing with realistic horror.”
This year has seen other low-budget, high-return horror films like “Lights Out” and “The Shallows” achieve success, while some countries continue to release low-quality horror films.
The most captivating aspect of “Don’t Breathe” is the palpable tension it creates. The plot is engaging, and the atmosphere is intensely eerie. Throughout the film, viewers are kept on edge, holding their breath as they follow the protagonists’ desperate struggle for survival, only able to breathe freely once the final second of the movie has passed.