Held

Held is a thought-provoking horror-thriller film released in 2020 that provides a distinct approach to the home invasion sub-genre. Co-scripted by Jill Awbrey who also plays the lead role, the film is directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing, known for their groundbreaking work in The Gallows series. Apart from Awbrey, Bart Johnson, Rez Kempton and Zack Gold grace the screen with their captivating performances.

The plot revolves around a cis married couple named Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry (Bart Johnson), who plan to spend some quality time together in a luxurious, ultra-modern and somewhat isolated vacation rental property to work on their unstable relationship. In their endeavour to reconnect, they put their phones away, commit to quality time and attempt to rediscover their love and commitment for each other. However, tranquillity makes way for morbid fear as unexpected and chilling events begin to unfold.

On the first morning of their supposed serene getaway, both of them wake up to find themselves unable to escape the house, and their attempts to communicate with the outside world are impeded by the lack of signal in their phones. The couple discovers that they are, in fact, not alone in the house when an unseen manipulative force starts controlling their movements through unknown technology, giving the movie an eerily futuristic feel.

Reminiscent of classics like Saw and Paranormal Activity, and newer innovators like Black Mirror, Held is an amalgamation of suspense, survival, and attempts to retain sanity while the lurking terror gradually intensifies. The horror element is subtle yet potent, underpinned by the fear of an unseen antagonist and a sense of impending doom.

Emma's character is well-crafted and richly layered, playing an essential part in setting the mood of the film. As the story unravels, her past traumas are touched upon, allowing audiences to understand her reactions and resilience better in the face of danger. Jill Awbrey delivers a gripping performance, lending credibility, and emotional depth to the character of Emma.

On the other hand, Henry embodies the archetypical male lead in a horror-thriller movie. Struggling to keep up with the unusual circumstances, he attempts to protect Emma, played convincingly by Bart Johnson. The dynamics between Emma and Henry, their strained relationship, and the contrasting personalities add another layer of complexity to the harrowing situation they find themselves in.

One of the strengths of Held lies in its low-key, tension-laden atmosphere created by the contained, sterile environment of the house that becomes their prison. Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing skillfully use eerie silences, clever camera angles, and sinister lighting to establish the claustrophobia and escalating paranoia faced by the protagonists.

While the audience might expect a standard home invasion thriller, they are instead treated to something much more intricate and impactful. The movie takes a serious look at expectations placed on couples in marriages, norms and stereotypes of relationships, and how these might evolve or be manipulated under extreme circumstances. It explores the themes of patriarchy, subordination, and subversion, employing a feminist lens to the home invasion genre.

Held also features seamless technology, a high-stakes plot, and a narrative style that non-linearly unveils the backstory. Its high-concept storyline, combined with the raw performances of the lead actors, makes for a chilling viewing experience. Additionally, it features stellar sound design that enhances the eerie atmosphere inherent in the plot and fantastic cinematography which aids in amplifying the suspense.

In conclusion, Held pulls the audience into a psychologically intimidating environment with its chilling atmosphere, gripping performances, and a sinister plot twist. Whether viewers are fans of suspense, horror, or thought-provoking social commentary, this movie promises to keep them on the edge of their seats. It successfully captures the heart-pounding dread and lingering suspense associated with the genre while also pushing the boundaries and delivering an insightful social critique.