The trailer suggests something very generic, the film itself is anything but. There is a real sense of unease that is gradually built in the first half of the film, but it is all done through character interaction rather than attempts to scare, with awkward conversations and hints of unspoken histories that make this film intriguing. Edgerton seems intent on subverting every genre cliché you would expect to see, with the result that the audience is never quite sure where the film will ultimately go. And in an age of generic slash and stalk horror films, it is great to have a film that relies on ambiguity and uncertainty to create tension. The performances are all great, especially from Bateman. whose character embodies the gradual subversion that the film is playing on. There are a couple of nods to the genre with some well timed jumps, but they feel oddly superfluous. It is a shame then that the ending doesn't quite have the same tone of ambiguity and uncertainty the preceded it - it is not a complete misstep as it drive home the themes the film has been exploring, but there is finality and certainty offered at the end that feels unnecessary to emphasise a point. Still, this is well worth a look and Edgerton is now an interesting director to watch out for as well as an actor.
