Was DON'T BREATHE As Good (And Important) As You Remember?

[@RyanHollinger]

*What should I cover next??* Also, Subscribe and help me get to 500k!!

[@cre8jsjjwauwuwu558]

Shallow grave

[@arizonaanalog389]

Maniac

[@aliceiw1176]

Splinter

[@ragingcynical4067]

Do a follow-up to Hotline Miami and cover Hotline Miami 2

[@RJ-qs6nm]

"Waves"

[@totallynotajellyfish]

I think the blind man saying, "I'm not a rapist" wasn't a way to try and make the audience side with him. I think it was more of a way for him to, in a way, comfort himself. He tricks himself into believing he's in the right with his twisted actions.

[@faz6877]

I completely agree with you. It was what he told himself to justify his actions. Maybe he's not getting on top of a girl and raping her, but he's still sticking a turkey baster full of his sperm up a restrained women. Then locking her up for 9 months while she has his baby in a basement. Pretty twisted stuff

[@totallynotajellyfish]

faz Yeah. That's how I saw it. A twisted man trying to justify himself to...Himself.

[@eioo8790]

He has lost all hope in morality itself, yet still holds himself up to some standard and thusly, as every person does, justifies his actions to himself, even though in his previous line, he did deny morality. I would also say that he is not even trying to trick himself into being "right", either, but is trying to get back what he feels was robbed from him, even with immoral means. He is contextualizing his actions as a form of karmic revenge and a way of getting reimbursed. He has an extremely nihilistic (in lack of a better term, it's 4am) world view, and this kind of hopeless nihilism is criticized through his character resorting to such drasticly immoral measures to effectively get back at the world.

[@totallynotajellyfish]

Ei Oo Very interesting take, I give my thumbs up to you.

[@eioo8790]

@@totallynotajellyfish Thanks. Your view of it is also completely valid, and that's the great thing about stories, we can all theorize about them almost endlessly.

[@78deathface]

I never get tired of the way Ryan says “however”

[@AxelTabbertFrylestam]

Hoyevah

[@sinnsage]

hiy-ever

[@sinnsage]

hi-yever

[@nataliecameron]

Hyevr

[@syd5380]

it genuinely brings me joy

[@WAProdthejohman]

I actually like films that don't have an specific character you "should root for" makes the characters more grounded and interesting IMO

[@officerwaifu6408]

You have to admit, though, everyone was happy when 'Money' was shot.

[@learn2draw716]

The rooted for the two characters to escape.

[@learn2draw716]

@@officerwaifu6408 ...I felt bad, but.... life sucks.

[@lastemperor3618]

Wow you wright what basically he is saying the whole time bravo!

[@trequor]

Yeah such stories usually seem contrived. Like unless you are making a transparent good vs evil story (like Lord of the Rings), you really shouldn't try and make one character unrealistically good.

[@bonzos9305]

This whole movie is like when you hold your breath when a character goes underwater to see if you’d survive but on hard mode

[@npcimknot958]

simon bonzo I saw this movie I. Theatre and it was one of the most tense experiences. Everyone in the theatre was dead silent...you could feel the anxiety..it was so fun

[@bonzos9305]

Everyone talks how he says “however” however nobody talks about how he says “about”

[@mobster3252]

simon bonzo my favorite will always be how he pronounces “pain” as “Payne”

[@chironthecuddley6144]

Or "readily".

[@eileensnow6153]

or now: naio

[@blackwivesmatter9040]

What accent are we using? Somewhere in the UK?

[@KarlAndArma4ever]

@@blackwivesmatter9040 Ryan's from Ireland, isn't he?

[@LordoftheSerpents]

It was good but I’ve no desire to watch it again.

[@edenm.1114]

It’s definitely a hard movie to watch, turkey basters and all...

[@Locadel2003]

Eh not at all. Only the turkey basters but the rest is a rewatchable really intense movie

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

It was a solid film and I wish Jane Levy got more work, she's underrated.

[@LordoftheSerpents]

TheAutistWhisperer I’m still holding out hope she’ll come back as Mia in the next Evil Dead movie.

[@jcdx87]

TheAutistWhisperer her new show is pretty good.

[@LucyLioness100]

I enjoyed her in ‘Castle Rock’ season 1

[@leadvendor]

She's great.

[@megan4377]

YES. I absolutely adore her

[@StubzTurner]

With how much Rocky really wanted to get her sister out of their horrible life (to the point where she still steals the money), I started feeling like she was meant to turn out to be her sister's actual mother.

[@Robi-Chaud]

From the scenes between them, Rocky has at least taken over that role

[@NinjaInConverse]

I remember people referring to Rocky as the mother as if it were fact. But they clearly say in the movie they are sisters. This happened between me and a friend as we were leaving the theater and I had to remind him Rocky was the sister, not mother. Obviously, the chemistry and writing between the actors left a lasting impression of a mother/daughter relationship, not one between siblings. Maybe in the original draft of the script, Rocky is revealed to be the mother of the girl (cant remember her name) but maybe they wanted to shy away from Rocky being a teen-mom? Like raping a woman with a turkey baster in your basement, whatever. But no sympathetic-unwed-teenage-mothers in my good Christian chatroom!

[@LoveEatingBricks]

Is it really something out of this world that an older sibling has a very deep connection to a younger one, especially in such cicumstances?

[@3babylon3]

I really thought that was her daughter lmao

[@Blue.1889]

@@LoveEatingBricks Ive seen that twist in movies before so maybe because people arent used to seeing that relationship and this film already has a couple twists, they were expecting something like that. But I think being her sister is just fine and their relationship is plausible

[@aceofclubs002]

As a Guy living in Detroit, I can say honestly and without fear of reprisal that you have not hurt the cities feelings by calling it a hell-hole. Honestly its just nice to hear Detroit's dire situation mentioned by literally anyone.

[@EbonyPope]

It's getting better I heard. Saw a documentary here in Germany about the fact that people are investing more and it's being regentrified.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@EbonyPope The thing is that gentrification hurts the lower class working poor and unemployed people of the city more than it helps. It pushes up housing prices, while the places where the city's poorest people have managed to hang on for decades slowly get priced out of what little they've got. Gentrifying is the worst thing that could happen to Detroit, rather than bringing back all the manufacturing jobs that built the city in the first place.

[@waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

the only thing i remember about the don't breathe screening was a guy yelling "EW THERE'S A PUBE IN IT" during the turkey baster sperm scene and everyone including me gagging after

[@bellamaz1972]

Y’all have me cry-laughing so hard 😂

[@friskybitzboi]

Foreshadowed Midsommar

[@sxatcychan1988]

I don't know whether to laugh or gag at this comment.

[@bellym1251]

im just here to enjoy the way you say "however", dont ever stop my friend

[@squatchh_]

HIEVER AND NIE for now

[@TyroneBruinsmaFilms]

One thing I found was the twist of "you took my child, give me another" in the context of a home invasion film was it felt like a more elaborate version of the French Extremity film Inside (2007). Don't Breathe appears to have a moral greyness and quiet thematic play, while Inside is about the moral duality French Extremity always pushed for. Inside I think works better, but Don't Breathe is still a solid film and I'm curious for its sequel

[@TyroneBruinsmaFilms]

@Ethin Yard That's the level of notoriety I crave. Still a huge film nerd that loves the analyse stuff

[@lilililililililililililililily]

yes, especially w the similar car crash scenarios

[@TyroneBruinsmaFilms]

@@lilililililililililililililily I'm curious if the Don't Breathe team was aware of Inside or if it's one of those films like The Raid and Dredd where two separate teams have similar ideas

[@toryslapper69]

A sequel??

[@TyroneBruinsmaFilms]

@@toryslapper69 Yes it's written by the original writer and director, with the writer making his directorial debut with it

[@RJ-qs6nm]

Evil dead 2013 was so damn good and shot with such a unique color pallet. They used the same kind of comic booky color pallet in crawl

[@chewychibi03]

Generic whitemale loved crawl lol

@@chewychibi03 "generic whitemale"? What the...?

[@theketaminekid1241]

@@chewychibi03 What? Was that a name of a user and u just replied to him? Lol

[@chewychibi03]

@@theketaminekid1241 ah yeah I think it was the op’s name before. I wouldn’t just randomly call someone that

[@chewychibi03]

@ op changed their name

[@trilliam8806]

The scene where he walks by the kid and the scene with the sleeping gasses... big difference between both. In the room there’s barely noise besides the TV white noise (which I’m sure the blind man is very familiar with since he listens the same tape every night) and the hallway. The blind man is walking around making very loud steps.. the sound of someone shifting weight could be hidden by that a lot easier than the piercing sound of a plastic bottle. My 2 cents.

[@Kaze..]

I would also say the Blind Man is so much louder to himself. In the first scene he's asleep or chilling in his bed, everything different would stand out to him. In the hallway scene he's got adrenaline pumping so his heartbeat and breathing is faster and more intense(I would assume) along with his heavy stomps and focus on his task he might miss other sounds. Overall agree with you! :)

[@kowikowi7060]

@@Kaze.. he is shown as a warveteran and most of them have one thing in common: not having a deep sleep and be ready to fight if their sleeping got interrupted (i hope it's the right tense.)

[@ablationer]

I haven't watched the movie but I assume the hallway scene takes place much later than the plastic bottle scene? If so, wouldn't the indoor gunshots from earlier have also impaired his hearing? If only momentarily?

[@kobiee2x137]

@@ablationerthat was wats bugging me. I’m currently watching it and I’m trying to see why it went over the directors head that if you spray and pray with a gun in and enclosed cellar you will be deaf. Yet he still has super hearing the whole time

[@desertfox738]

I liked it, maybe the whole rape den thing could’ve been cut (because I kind of liked the idea of the blind man just defending his home in brutal fashion) but the camera work in the house was amazing, really felt like a maze almost. Plus Jane Levy is awesome, she was fucking amazing in Evil Dead (in my opinion). The gore in that movie was outstanding as well

[@WarhammerGeek]

It would have been interesting if that was the case. It would just be a man defending his home but taking it way too far and a group of criminals taking advantage of a disabled person and screwing each other over in the process. Would have made a film with a less direct villain.

[@goldendash1527]

@@WarhammerGeek and you could root for whoever basically. Which if the rale shit wasnt a thing, I'd honestly would've sided with man. Because those kids were trying to steal from a blind veteran.

[@jackreid2664]

@@goldendash1527 yeah it would have made it far more morally grey which could have been really tapped into.

[@TrevorNWhite]

The occasionally false tension with sound you mention, I definitely felt that in A Quiet Place as well. I think I didn’t mind as much in Don’t Breathe because it was more claustrophobic, too

[@Rubensteinsrevenge]

I remember coming out of A Quiet Place thinking there should have been a WHOLE lot more quiet. Feel like Hollywood underestimate the effects of silence.

[@TrevorNWhite]

To be sure! Also, my screening was kicked off with a loud argument across rows between some people over seats, so that kinda killed the mood right off the bat.

[@desertfox738]

@@Rubensteinsrevenge I was actually kind of disappointed by A Quiet Place after hearing all the hype around it. I agree with you, seemed like they wanted to blare the score and make it “exciting” as much as possible but I think Don’t Breathe did a better job with that aspect, when the old man first wakes up it’s dead quiet and you’re just waiting on someone or something to make a sound. Maybe I’ll watch A Quiet Place again sometime but I thought it was fairly average the one time I watched it.

[@hulkfan97]

@@desertfox738 I felt nothing after my first viewing of A Quiet Place. Didn't get the hype at all (I'll saw it when it came to Blu-Ray) but I watched ot again instantly before seeing the new one and I honestly liked it more the second time around

[@Elphaba4Change]

My grandpa’s blind, so I can vouch: He could have totally followed them at the end if he had an assistant. Maybe one of the survivors was blackmailed into helping him. It would have been symbolism galore if the dude was being led (his hand on the shoulder) or a survivor. Also, blind people are ACES at computers. So “look it up” isn’t offensive.

[@intboom]

So here's a thought on that ending: - if you want to "challenge the binary" of good and evil in movies, don't expect a binary ending where everyone's evil deeds are punished appropriately. Some dude she didn't care about sacrificed himself for her and that's on him. There's no reason for any metaphysical or appropriate punishment to exist. That's what a not entirely good or bad ending looks like. - the ending is portrayed as positive from the last character's perspective due to her being only character left. It is probably naively optimistic due to her own perspective being naively optimistic

[@THEPELADOMASTER]

I just felt that the movie was manipulating me to root for her and feel good that she managed to escape. I didn't. She went in that house with the idea of robbing an old, blind, lonely veteran. I stopped caring about anyone in that group the moment that came up. You could come up with the sickest shit for the blind man, and I still don't care. They didn't know he was awful when they went in. I feel nothing for anyone, nobody is compelling. You can have compelling morally grey characters, there are a lot of those, but these just don't work for me.

[@intboom]

@@THEPELADOMASTER Yes exactly; this was definitely being done from her perspective, so it's going to be a happy victory for her, but looking at it objectively she's a piece of shit.

[@jackwells8107]

I have to say, I don't like the idea that she 'got away clean'. She was raped by the man that she stole from. Yes, she went there to steal from him first, and I'm not saying it was justified, simply a layer that seems to be left out of the analysis. Likewise, is a person responsible for their own bad decisions? Dylan (Alex in the movie?) kept making his own decisions, and they lead to his death. Or blame it on his actual killer. But to put the blame on Rocky.... I have trouble with that one as well.

[@thatdamnbradley]

I really liked this movie. I was into the moments where there was no sound. It drove me nuts and my ears started to ring. The relevation about the Blind Man was a shock that I liked. The second half of the movie makes you question yourself. I always throw out this movie when I can.

[@ryanwilliams4223]

The no sound parts were genius,my imagination ran wild.

[@jwnj9716]

They should make a sequel where Fool from People Under The Stairs tries to break in Stephen Lang's house.

[@Mr4thDoctor]

Jw Nj I’d watch the hell out of that movie. Also, I’m glad that there’s somebody else out there who appreciates People Under the Stairs.

[@chaossmith3864]

@@Mr4thDoctor I kept thinking about that movie while listening to this ngl.

[@jsmalls9575]

Thought of that right when you see the guy locking everyone inside the house.

[@user-jn1wm3tb8v]

Yes.

[@jwnj9716]

You can even bring back Ving Rhames as a zombie or a friendly ghost who's trying to warn Fool.

[@trequor]

I have never, ever heard anyone misuse the term "Lovecraftian" as much as you have.

[@nadavhalevi9365]

The lack of sympathy I had for the characters and the movie's warped sense of morality is what ruined it for me. It didn't feel intentional and I'm glad you pointed it out.

[@madamechaos7481]

consistency of logic is what makes or breaks a lot of media for me. I really don't mind how fantastical or unrealistic it is if it obeys it's own rules.

[@CharlesWarrenOnline]

Don't Breathe was INTERACTIVE. I'd consider a full theater holding their breath real tension. A job well done.

[@zeeke.tv_4842]

This movie was filmed near my neighborhood. It was pretty cool to see the house and instantly recognize the area

[@zeeke.tv_4842]

@Death Omen Pretty sure it was already abandoned. That street has a bunch of abandoned houses for them to choose from

[@reeseslightning11]

Bottom line: we've all wanted to see the tables turned on home invasions. We finally got a good one (at the time) where not only does their victim fight back, he's also blind and much older. I didn't like where they took it though as I believe the premise is enough on its own.

[@MRDestructionmd]

You’re kidding right? Turning the tables on the invaders is pretty much what always happens, the only unique thing is that we follow the invaders

[@squatchh_]

Do I smell a The Wailing analysis after you dropped that little bomb, Ryan? 😏😏😏

[@DingoMarvinStarvin]

Stevenson Sullivan I hope he does one that was such an awesome movie

[@Azazreal]

I legit enjoyed this movie right up until the turkey baster. At that point its no longer a grey story, he IS a villain straight up. There is no grey there and it ruined the entire story for me. With him defending his home he was the hero but with him not calling the cops and deciding to kill them all, thats the grey point. His lose of sanity is already clearly shown and would have been perfect but nope they have to try and make it worse.

[@THEPELADOMASTER]

Well yeah, if it's grey vs grey you might be inclined to go for the grey the movie doesn't want you to go for. Make one grey darker and there it is, you're rooting for the girl now, just like the movie wanted. I hated that.

[@dohlecarnett1866]

I get what you mean. This was the moment where I just found it stupid and wondered about the praise. It was a twist of and for weirdness - but that's that.

[@asliwins337]

Yep, I really enjoyed the grey of it. We watched this at a movie night and that moment just made everyone in the room super uncomfortable, and not in a good way. I was the only woman in the room and I think it being a mixed audience didn't help, it cast a real yuck factor over what had been a good watch.

[@tiktokexposed898]

@@asliwins337 Its for mature audiences. Stick to PG movies if you cant handle it

[@asliwins337]

@@tiktokexposed898, my dude, no one there "couldn't handle it" but go on with your gate keeping rubbish instead of engaging with criticism :)

[@CorbCorbin]

This is how I feel about It Follows, which is hyped even more than this movie. Good movie, but not the classic so many call it.

[@jamstonjulian6947]

It Follows is scary in parts, but doesn't really work overall

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

*cough*Hereditary*cough* ¬_¬

[@sunk_korgi5784]

I've been waiting for this one to decide if I should watch it on Netflix.

[@Outplayedqt]

Did you end up giving it a shot?

[@sunk_korgi5784]

@@Outplayedqt I think I will tonight now :) I was unsure whether to commit over the weekend.

[@trustcuz]

@@sunk_korgi5784 def give it a watch

[@modest1989]

Geez it's just a movie. Either watch it or don't it's not that big of a decision hah

[@nicolassieh6799]

​@@modest1989 bruh

[@Lyrog]

I just can't get over that scene where they're like "oh no, every window in this room has bars so we can't escape" and then this dude immediately falls through a window and there's no bars on it, AND HE SOMEHOW FALLS BACK INTO THE HOUSE?

[@coreynukem2328]

I think the twist that he captured the woman involved with killing his daughter was cool. Kinda shows you how broken he really was. It definitely doesn't alleviate the crime the trio is commiting, and there is no true RIGHT side to be on, but Rocky has my sympathy. Or atleast, I'm rooting for her at the end. She's not twisted like the old man, or the would-be murderer Money was. Shes just desperately trying to escape a bad situation with her little sister. Shes just a little clouded in judgment.. a little lost...blinded.. on the way. *Wink wink*

[@annalouise3251]

How'd he kidnap the woman if he was blind? Did he somehow find her address, drive there, break into her house or track her.... All while blind?

[@percussion44]

Totally right? What harm if someone targets the disabled for robbery, hangs with wannabe murderers, manipulates others leading to their deaths all so she can live in luxury on stolen goods. As long as she's cute it's all OK!

[@coreynukem2328]

@@percussion44 Take a pill.😂 Where did I mention that it's okay as long as she's cute?? Furthermore, going after the disabled isn't okay...but as you can SEE, he isn't a saint himself. Like I said above, no RIGHT side to be on....

[@percussion44]

@@coreynukem2328 Sure, no problem. WINK WINK

[@prue5588]

@@coreynukem2328 The best thing she could've done, was leave and call the police.... But. NOoooo

[@stevenbrown1225]

Happy New year, Ryan and everybody!

[@konczdavid]

It was just a competently made, and relatively suspenful movie. A solid 7 out of 10, an enjoyable horror flick, but it was nothing special. Or at least, that was my impression when I first saw it, and since then I haven't felt the need to watch it again.

[@RavenousMedicine]

Samesies.

[@JP57070]

Exactly

[@badasunicorn6870]

About the definition of rape thing, if you look up thw definition for several states in the us, it'll be more scary to realize what someone could get away with as "technically not rape" than many horror movies.

[@thequeenofcringe1585]

Also marital rape is illegal in all 50 states on paper, but not in practice. Force or threats have to be used to classify something as marital rape in some states. And marital rape is treated as a lesser crime than non spousal rape. There’s so many loopholes, and I can’t help but be absolutely terrified of the fact that I live near a few of the states that have those loopholes.

[@lernernernerdicarpricorn9297]

I agree with everything you say here and yet it doesn't lessen my love for the movie. That's called explaining your point without making other people feel dumb for liking it. Amazing video as always. I recommend you to all of my horror-loving friends.

[@masterzoroark6664]

Ok, asside from the last part, it's just robbers stuck in old Daredevil's house

[@JamCooper]

I agree with you 100% about the ending of this movie. I remember seeing it in the theaters and walking away with this pit in my stomach that while this guy was a monster, so were the people that came to rob him. Especially when you consider the fact that he got that money as a result of his daughter's death. But she just got to walk away scot-free because why?

[@rustymcbadbat]

Between the two sense-based movies that came out that year, Hush was a much more impressive and honestly scarier movie than Dont Breathe, it had potential with me until they broke out the turkey baster.

[@LoveEatingBricks]

I was actually pretty disappointed with Hush, tho the whole premise and setup were definitely very interesting. Too many things seemed illogical or cliche to me to feel scared or tense, whereas watching Don't Breathe, I could feel this claustrophobic sense of danger and entrapment for the whole movie, even tho it's definitely not perfect

[@Mr4thDoctor]

Funnily enough, I just watched this movie roughly a week ago. I honestly think it's a pretty solid movie, and it was pretty good at being intense and suspenseful. I can see why you would compare it to 70s exploitation flicks like The Hills Have Eyes or The Last House on the Left (because the movie has the grit that those movies have). However, I'm surprised you didn't bring up Wes Craven's The People Under The Stairs, since this movie reminded me a bit of that one (namely, the set up of "well intentioned robbers break into a house to steal money, only to soon realize that they have stumbled onto a really messed up situation"). I honestly prefer People Under the Stairs more because of its campy charm give it rewatchability and entertainment value, but Don't Breath has Stephen Lang in it, and that dude is an intimidating motherfucker (really want to see VFW because he's in it). I appreciate your insight, Ryan. And I do agree that looking back on it, Don't Breathe really stands out because it was released during a time where every horror movie had to have something supernatural in it. Still, I enjoyed it, and I might revisit it some time in the future.

[@chaossmith3864]

I also kept expecting comparisons to People Under the Stairs!

[@jesusstaccato8448]

"Wes Craven's The People Under The Stairs" Dude I was thinking the same thing, that movie's awesome.

[@sabrinakrisb4672]

5:20 "contrived logic aside, how does a blind man follow them" I lost it

[@Largentina.]

I love how Ryan adds like a dozen or so extra vowels to the word "safe"

[@flibbernodgets7018]

When I saw the trailer, I thought it was a reversal of Wait Until Dark, where a blind lady has to survive a murderer in her house. I love that movie.

[@Hanatatami]

I was about to ask the name of that funky song you always use, but I checked the description and you had it written down there. Bless you, man

[@BG_NC]

I completely forgot about this movie! I watched it with my sister. We used to watch tons of horror movies together. Thank you for reminding me of it!

[@lozzimusprime]

This film is so underrated I think. It was so disturbing and you didnt know who the fuck to root for! And those scenes in the dark were incredible. I kept holding my breath so many times watching it. And Jesus, Stephen Lang is terrifying.

[@Tynamiitti]

I loved the fact that this movie did not have good characters and I especially loved the twist. Hollywood almost always gives you easy movies with protagonists who are easy to root for. This seemed to do that with the sad blind man, then does a 180 and you don't anymore have anyone to automatically root for. Loved it.

[@jasongordon460]

Him intentionally hunting them down would've been morally ambiguous enough. The whole kidnapping and raping thing really should've been dropped as the only thing it does is paint him as the bad guy. And in typical hollywood fashion, if you're against the bad guy, you're the good guy. Regardless of how bad you may be yourself. This is the reason why Rocky manages to escape the entire situation scot free; she's the hero.

[@Naradis_]

I had trouble enjoying it because of all the plot holes in the movie. There were way too many for me to just ignore. That and Alex. He deserved better in my opinion.

[@Naradis_]

Death Omen That and the fact that he almost died so many times in the movie, to the point his actual death was like “oh come on! Really?! After all that?!”

[@jesusstaccato8448]

Alex was a simp, simps get the bullet.

[@LoveEatingBricks]

I really don't like it when someone gets something in fiction just because they "deserve it". It's just to fairytale-like. I mean, it's cool in some films, mostly auperhero ones or those meant for kids, but come on

@@jesusstaccato8448 You’re a unfulfilled person.

[@FAIRYGIRL911]

@@jesusstaccato8448 what a watertight analysis, thank you for your in depth insight

[@taliatrini2925]

Love these long videos Ryan

[@Syurtpiutha]

Glad I'm not the only person that was annoyed by that scene where the blind man misses the other guy when he passes him in the hallway. I work with blind people on a daily basis and aside from the inconsistency in how well his hearing works scriptwise, considering how close they were the blind man would have felt it (and very likely smelt him, based on how much cologne people tend to wear).

[@ilovecodemonkeys]

It was a cool movie with a sick twist, but it wasn't that rememberable or rewatchable They should let Netflix/Amazon take the reigns and get even more graphic

[@boglin]

agreed, mediocrity at its best

[@rahhhbkdx1]

Please do a video on the Wailing. I remember seeing it for the first time last year and was so blown away by the end of it that I immediately purchased the blu ray afterwards. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too

[@kurtallen12]

This helped me more fully realize why I felt the way I did about the film, which is that it was well executed and ambitious, but a lot of the issues mentioned in this video made me disappointed by it, especially given its reception when it came out. Excellent work man, keep em coming!

[@TheGreatDevlin]

Your critique of Rocky was the exact opposite issue I had with the Grudge 2020. The protagonist (and almost every character in the movie) didn't deserve the punishment of the curse.

[@martinthompson262]

I'd argue Alex is not the most sympathetic character as his motives are seemingly more fixated on liking Rocky. He didn't need the money. Stealing wasn't about survival. He just wanted the girl and threw out his morality to get her. He contemplates doing the right thing which could be construed as sympathetic, but does the bad thing anyway due to... peer pressure? I like all of your analyses, but I don't think Rocky is somehow worse for exploiting him. He just pushes the "nice guy" trope to a new level, and in terms of morality horror logic, this seals his fate.

[@krys0ll218]

Well, I guess everyone else's should be too if we're going by that then . Which isn't the case here even in the alternate ending. This is why I tend to share Ryan's sentiments too and perhaps also the reason for not being so sympathetic or rooting for Rocky's victory/escape either.

[@simplicitylost]

I know it wasn't in 2016, but your list of movies made me think of another great somewhat original film around that time called _It Follows_ and I don't think you've ever talked about it.

[@TopCat0601]

I was so shocked by this film. For once, the trailer didn't give the entire film away.

[@peathyyy]

Don't breathe was... something. I remember watching it during a break in school. In an IT class. With 11 year olds outside.

[@BSR-zy2so]

This film really upset me when I saw it in the theater because it felt like the filmmakers were using the abhorrent actions of the blind man to criticize atheism. I mean, there are bad people in every religious and non-religious group, but it felt like the filmmakers were trying to use his lack of belief in a god as motivation for the brutal rape and imprisonment of a young woman. It’s brought up out of nowhere, and no one in the film tries to argue that there are reasons other than a deity’s existence to care about the rights and autonomy of others, as any rational person would do if their freedom and safety depended on persuading someone to do the right thing. It definitely felt like a quality that was tacked onto the character to make people like him less while theism was tacked onto the main character to make people like her more, which has problematic implications for people in the real world. That aside, I really thought the movie was going to try to deconstruct the mentality of movies like Home Alone, where the robbers are seen as irredeemable and deserving of life-threatening torture because they attempted to rob a wealthy person. I think this would have been an interesting angle to pursue. For me, the most heart-wrenching moment of the film is when the main character escapes and the news reporters are talking about how great it was that the blind guy was able to kill several of the robbers. After following the robbers for most of the film, we (the audience) know that it’s more complicated than that. I think you could argue that what the main characters did was morally questionable or wrong, but they didn’t deserve to die because they stole something from someone. At the end of the day, they were still people with their own lives and goals, and they’re more important than any physical item someone owns. Of course, no one wants to be stolen from, but when we’re at the point where we’re cheering for the torture of a thief (as we do in Home Alone), I’d argue that we’ve lost the empathy for others that makes us human. I wish the film would have focused on that rather than the weird tangent of the girl in the basement that is being forcefully impregnated. It seemed like an odd direction to me.

[@JoshMartin123]

I remember seeing this in the theater, only know about the premise and the poster. I didn’t see any trailers for this. So, when I went in to see it, I truly didn’t know what to expect. And honestly, I think it really helped as I was surprised from beginning to end.

[@JebeckyGranjola]

Huh, I only heard negative reviews of this when it came out and assumed it was a flop. I liked it more than most, which wasnt much. I have never heard anyone talk about it since. Im surprised to know it apparently was well liked.

[@bonk4199]

I would love to see a video about the wailing or Noroi. Both under appreciated movies in my opinion.

[@Quirky_Robo]

Please watch "No One Lives" it's free on KZbin and it's a great movie with a semi-similar premise

[@tylergallardo7192]

In response to the suggestion of lovecraftian thematics in the movie, Lovecraft did have a short story called The Terrible Old Man in which three robbers try to break into his home and two of which are captured and held prisoner by the Old Man, and it's implied that he has done this before. Although, as it is actual lovecraftian horror, it's not the kind of creepy sex dungeon kind of prison.

[@DarkCaedus]

“Or..get someone to read it to you?” Laughed despite myself.

[@LoZander]

I remember watching it but not thinking much about it. I just thought it was another movie that played on that whole sensory theme. It didn't find it bad or anything, just not particularly amazing or anything. That whole rape thing did catch me off guard though, so that was well played.

[@UziNineMillomeetah]

This movie is one of those solid one-time watches like A Quiet Place. Not necessarily a modern classic, but a very good watch the first time.

[@faz6877]

I agree with you. Simply solid films, which we don't always get in the genre. I think modern classics are in rare company. I didn't realize many horror fans considered a Quite Place or Don't Breath modern classics.

[@ezrablock3218]

Mentioning the Lovecraftian nature of the film is interesting. There is a short story by Lovecraft about three men breaking into an old sea captain's house to steal his gold, only to discover that he has command of dark spirits and easily overpowers them. In that vein then, I think it is bad to compliment the film for depicting the hardship of class divide and the enormity of urban decay while simultaneously disliking it for portraying the amoral nature of our universe. That's what lovecraftianism is about. Having Rocky actually beat the old man and escape with the proverbial gold is a reversal of the original story, where Lovecraft was railing against stereotypical immigrant criminals. In Don't Breath, we see that the Old Man got revenge on the rich white lady and we see that Rocky gets revenge on the old man and breaks the cycle of class oppression by saving her sister and herself. It isn't about her reciprocating this guy who is in love with her, it is about her doing what is necessary to survive. I think there is something inspiring in that. Sometimes the only way to save yourself is to screw over someone else, life doesn't offer "redeemable" solutions to most people...

[@dzesskujo61]

I liked this movie, but I have a question - How a blind guy managed to kidnap rich girl(probably from some sort of big mansion or big flat - an unknown place for a BLIND man) and no one noticed

[@canyonfox45thisismygoodsid68]

No they did show a frame of the captive girl in the trailer, when she scares the kids.maybe it was just in the American trailers?but whatever trailer house did spoil it.always so annoying!

[@cnashford2]

Thanks for your comment. I was wondering why he said that, and now I know why.

[@rociomiranda5684]

Ryan, you explain the blind man's psychology the way the movie never does. I think he would have been more effective if he hadn't had any dialogue and of course no girl in the basement. Just this menacing force defending his territory.

[@vickerypentz7938]

Good luck with the writing!

[@efnfen]

Great work on the video, Ryan. I may disagree with the binary thinking that a flawed character must get some sort of comeuppance by the end of the film and the need to compare to 70's exploitation films isn't readily apparent or apt in my mind, I still find your unique perspective interesting. Your commentary always draws me in. Also, thank you for keeping the ads until the end. It makes your videos so much easier to watch.

[@Ty-cz6ei]

Counter to your 5:35 point . If we perceive danger or better yet prey we typically will have tunnel vision. I personally think this movie goes about itself as an instinctual parody of modern horror

[@No1WillMakeItOutAlive]

A sample of “there’s nothing a man cant do when he accepts the fact that there is no god” has been used by at least two deathcore bands before breakdowns (because of course it has)

[@kaydenjones3183]

i wish this film was good. it should've just been him defending his home in a brutal way. the shots of him randomly opening doors and quickly walking down hallways are so good. the whole rape thing was so unnecesary.

[@MarioBario]

Similar to near and far sighted, you could also be able to hear things depending on whether something is closer or further away. Hence why the villain has trouble hearing things depending on distance

[@jav3134]

My city finally made it to a Ryan Hollinger retrospective. At least he tried not to completely shit on Detroit lol. Thanks homie.

[@lolcompany4u]

8:16 You could say "Justice is Blind"

[@lolno6975]

Can you make a video on The Lighthouse? (My favourite horror movie of 2019)

[@irishjoe2941]

L Franco I want a fucking steak!

[@LucyLioness100]

Agreed about my favorite horror of last year. I had to be borderline blitzed to watch that and was still blindsided worth its insanity

[@Yoshimitsu4prez]

The lighthouse was a horror movie?

[@fruitcake6372]

Yoshimitsu4prez kinda depends on your perspective, I always saw it as a thriller/suspense film, but genre lines are kinda flexible and you could probably make the case that it’s horror

[@brodyc4114]

MONKEY PUMP

[@tibs8721]

I’m so hyped that he’s working on the next Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie (my favorite horror franchise). I really think he can breathe new life into the franchise even if he’s only producing

[@andrear7550]

It's always nice to see when your favor youtube posts a new video.

[@lonellfletcher]

For me, the fact that none of the main characters are "good guys" is part of what is so fascinating about Don't Breathe; I don't feel the need to sympathize with anyone but can't help but keep watching to see where this mad ride goes thanks to the twists, turns, and character motivations and revelations. Nothing feels settled or guaranteed in this movie so there's no predictability, the number one killer of horror movies.

[@justine4376]

'... or maybe get someone to read it to you?' IS SO SAVAGE LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@platypusbunneh]

Oooo... This'll be an interesting video, I look forward to what you have to say about *this* particular film.

[@heroicdorkgoop4850]

Great video again. I can’t think of any movies you should check out right now, but hopefully I can think of something next video. Keep up the good work though.

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

• 5:47 - Maybe the alarm came with the house. • If like Fede Álvarez, you too can't get enough of Jane Levy, you can catch her tonight in _Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist_ .

[@Kalimabw]

For me the scariest part of this movie was the end, when the blind man was on the news. The news made him sound like a complete victim who did absolutely nothing wrong. I get that the movies news, doesn't know everything that the audience knows about what happened, it just made me wonder how many other, kidnappers, abusers, rapist, are decorated veterans on the surface? That's whats scary to me, is when the world thinks someone is a great person but behind closed doors they're a horrible monster. Guess that stems from being raised by sociopaths in an abusive home, taught me, most people are fake as FUKE, and only pretend to be good around the world. Appearances are everything.

[@hellogoodbyegrl14]

I think the biggest question I ever had in that film was was has anybody ever looking for the girl in the basement? there was never missing posters to imply that they were looking for her or anything, you would think that if somebody got away with a murder and went missing his house would be the first place to look

[@rubybitesthedust]

I actually watched this movie for the first time some weeks ago. And I do resonate with the feeling that the ending feels kinda empty. I would have loved for a redemption arc or for the women to be like “you know? Maybe I don’t have money but at least I’m alive and have a daughter kinda stuff” I was deadass expecting the ending to be more like the police comes and obviously arrest both the blind man and the girl or smth and she serves her time and starts a new life of no crime or something. Not like a happy ending, more like a “my friends are dead and i will keep that burden to not make the same mistake” you know?

[@goblinzaku6211]

im glad you enjoyed the movie and im willing to agree with your points of how it was interesting but mannnn do i wish fede and sam stuck with their idea for a follow up to his version of evil dead. i enjoyed his vision of the universe more than i enjoyed his own personal creations

[@leonsmith3836]

This movie reminds me of the movie The People Under The Stairs, a horror movie from 1991 about a child who was trying to rob a house only to be trapped in it and discover the property owners dark secret.

[@WhaleManMan]

10:09 "Not to shit on Detroit" 9:20 "Detroit is a cesspit of despair."

[@yogzoth]

That year had so many cool horror movies set in basically one location. Don't Breathe, Green Room and The Invitation.

[@RavenousMedicine]

I think you summed it up perfectly. I was excited to see this movie because I was intrigued by this idea that horror would be built upon the concept that the protagonists would be out of their element most of the time, in darkness. There is a little bit of that but after the film was done, I remembered being a bit disappointed. like there were some missed opportunities to really explore the concept of building fear in a scenario where the hunter would have mastery of the element while the protagonists would be virtually blind. I think the movie kneecapped itself because instead of buckling down on this idea and making the blind man a relentless boogie man (like you mentioned), it swerves and introduces this wanna-be ethical dilemma that really doesn't produce anything of interest. If they wanted to have such a dilema then the boogeyman route would have still been much better because though the blind man is being victimized by these kids who break-in, the dilemma is already inherent because he's trapping them in and not letting them go so he can murder them. Like, that was enough to cause us to pause AND it's scarier because it doesnt need an explanation. As you can tell, I'm still salty about it, lol. It's just such a shame when a film with a really interesting idea shits the bed. Same thing happened with Jane Doe.

[@curvilinearcube8716]

I just love that somehow an alarm disables the blind man but a gunshot doesn't.

[@KevinRAAMAAAGE]

Don't Breath really does remind me of People Under the Stairs, I feel like no one remembers that one

[@bananamanchester4156]

I think it's really funny when the movie is trying to make the scenes with the Rottweiler scary, like look at this big bloodthirsty beast! But if you know dog body language, it's so easy to tell that dog is playing and having the time of it's life. It's hard to be scared when you see a big happy slobber monster bound towards you, and you know the biggest danger is that you will be licked to death

[@whowantswaffles]

I wouldn't have called it a theatrical ending without consequence, it was more that she could only keep the money if she never revealed the fact a murdered woman was in that house, hidden away. It still played on morality right until the end. Great film!