What a gem of a film! I went into this one blind other than reading the short description on Netflix.
Be patient with the beginning - it's a required element to set the scene and introduce us to the character John Taylor who it is intended that we don't want to 'root for'. It's a familiar ploy to ensure we don't connect to his character and instead sympathise with Pierce's character, Warwick, who initially appears to be the unfortunate victim as Taylor convinces him to let him into his home. And how the tables turn! Pierce is utterly brilliant as the disturbed Warwick, and is entirely convincing in his role as a mentally disturbed host. This film holds itself together mostly through his quirky, dark and psychotic performance. From the obsessive compulsiveness and disturbing facial expressions, to the strange walk, he builds the audience into a frenzy of anticipation as the full extent of his odd character becomes clear.
Clayne Crawford is less convincing as Taylor although does shift his character nicely from hard criminal to scared prisoner in a consistent, though expected, way.
The film does tell a story but, for me, that's really a catalyst for the 'performance' film that it actually is. It's ultimately a character study, an insight into psychopathy.
The storyline, therefore, is relatively weak and flawed in places. If you can get past that, and a predictable climax, then I would recommend this film purely on Pierce's performance. Enjoy!
Be patient with the beginning - it's a required element to set the scene and introduce us to the character John Taylor who it is intended that we don't want to 'root for'. It's a familiar ploy to ensure we don't connect to his character and instead sympathise with Pierce's character, Warwick, who initially appears to be the unfortunate victim as Taylor convinces him to let him into his home. And how the tables turn! Pierce is utterly brilliant as the disturbed Warwick, and is entirely convincing in his role as a mentally disturbed host. This film holds itself together mostly through his quirky, dark and psychotic performance. From the obsessive compulsiveness and disturbing facial expressions, to the strange walk, he builds the audience into a frenzy of anticipation as the full extent of his odd character becomes clear.
Clayne Crawford is less convincing as Taylor although does shift his character nicely from hard criminal to scared prisoner in a consistent, though expected, way.
The film does tell a story but, for me, that's really a catalyst for the 'performance' film that it actually is. It's ultimately a character study, an insight into psychopathy.
The storyline, therefore, is relatively weak and flawed in places. If you can get past that, and a predictable climax, then I would recommend this film purely on Pierce's performance. Enjoy!