Bad Impulse

Bad Impulse is a thriller-horror film released in 2019, helmed by renowned French-Russian director, Michelle Danner. It stars Sonya Walger, Stephanie Cayo, and the iconic veteran actor, Paul Sorvino. This film encapsulates the idea of unrevealed predilections and suppressed desires when an ideal suburban family goes into a disturbing and alarming tailspin.

The central premise of Bad Impulse engages the audience with the story of a regular, middle-class suburban family, the Shaws. Following a random attacked faced by the Shaw family in their home that seemingly leads them into a situation of unguarded vulnerability, which, in a steady manner extends to engulf their entire life. The lead characters, Henry and Christine Shaw, portrayed by the talented Grant Bowler and Sonya Walger, find themselves at odds dealing with the aftermath of the home invasion on their family; their children, Jessica and Thomas played by Stephanie Cayo and Danube Hermosillo.

Determined to retain a sense of security and normality, Henry Shaw takes the unusual decision of installing a high-tech security system, suggested by a curious and somewhat skeptic salesman played by Paul Sorvino. It comes as a surprise and questions the audience to think - is he just a run-of-the-mill salesman, or is there something more sinister lurking behind his genial exterior?

The film starts to gear up when the said security system begins to bring latent desires and sinister urges to the surface. Every member of the Shaw family find themselves succumbing to their darkest impulses, laying bare their undisclosed lusts and partnered with an anarchy that threatens to obliterate their unity as a family, experiencing a significant change in their behavioral patterns. This strange turn of events gradually starts to dismantle the seemingly flawless family facade.

The side characters in the film also add color and liven the narrative invites further intrigue and suspense. Certain external influences strangely heighten the somber mood of the film, adding more tension to the plot.

Michelle Danner, an acclaimed acting coach turned director, crafts this tale seamlessly by infusing elements of thriller and psychological horror. Her direction is commendable as she manages to encapsulate these deeply embedded human traits into a story of an ordinary suburban family.

The acting performances are of course worth mentioning. Each actor demonstrates immense skill showcasing the transition from normal people to those consumed by their latent desires and fears. Grant Bowler and Sonya Walger command the screen as the patriarch and matriarch of the Shaws. Their performances precisely essay the emotions of middle-aged parents scared for their family's safety while dealing with personal deep-seated desires. Paul Sorvino, with his seasoned acting prowess, gives an interesting twist to the character of an ordinary salesman.

Moreover, the cinematography and the visual design of the film play extensive roles, creating fascinating contrasts between a pristine suburban environment and the dark, looming despair and chaos unfolding inside the home. Another dramatic element is added by the spot-on score, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the scary and foreboding surroundings in the film.

Given the film's multidimensional plot, the screenplay does a commendable job of tying the narrative's loose ends towards the film’s ending. It keeps the viewing audience at the edge of their seats, reeling from the behavioural changes and the chaos that unfolds.

In summary, Bad Impulse embraces audacity in its narrative, relentlessly challenging its characters, meticulously fracturing the idyllic suburban illusion, and examining the profound effect unleashed desires can have upon the fabric of a family. Marked by intense performances, intriguing character arcs, and a deeply unsettling exploration of concealed human impulses, the film presents a chilling portrayal of domestic horror, promising to engage viewers who appreciate dark and chilling thrillers.