Malicious

Right from the beginning you know the husband is a creep. The wife furiously chops brussels sprouts whilst he harangues her about her daughter's lack of respect for him, whilst all the while said daughter cries in the shower. Who chops brussels sprouts??? First red flag.

Enter the stranger, who we first meet downing straight whiskies in a nearby bar. Next minute he is knocking on their door, they let him in, and things escalate from there.

Who are the two thugs who show up looking for the husband? Were they just thrown in to add to the "suspense"? We will never know... Jesse does a good job of eating with a knife and fork, rather politely I thought at first, especially given the circumstances - until he started eating the steak directly from the point of his extremely sharp pocket knife - and who cooked the steak? He never even touched the brussels sprouts, and they were whole and not chopped either.

From there on it was a fairly predictable outcome.

Very predictable. First of all a random person finds their location. While on the lake, Erin appears to be looking for something. Erin randomly looks out of the window, why? Erin appears to smile in front of the ransom man , gives up her phone. Really. This doesn't happen. Gives him a cigarette in front of her stepdad and mom. What folk drink mind altering alcohol to strangers and let a stranger prepare drinks even for young girl. Set up. The mother and daughter are in on this, initially why does she asks her daughter, are you alright?

Why is Lauren and erin seems so over the top friendly toward this random man.

It was ok, but totally predictable. They needed to better female actors who can act to make this believable.

No pun intended - this is not Dirty Harry - actually I forgot the name of the character I reckon would be the one to say this. He also asks questions and he very well knows that the ... person who has to answer will not feel lucky ... though he knows he will feel something, if he does not answer honest (and right).

That said, we get to a family and they are quite dysfunctional - or whatever you would call it. The acting is not the best, there is some very obvious implications (no brownie points for guessing certain things right - dynamic and ... let's call it "relationships") ... you can not be too sensitive about things. And you may find it hard to root for a certain ... guy (again no pun intended) ... but even if certain things are questionable ... they may feel justified! Of course only in movies - as in do not try this at home. This is ... escapism (well not literally, although maybe that too at one point or another) ...

I agree with you, Jesse's performance was truly the highlight of the movie; he brought an intensity that elevated the entire story. However, the plot made me reflect on how no man should ever get involved with a single mother or a divorced woman, let alone bring her past into his life or home. Furthermore, it's important to remember: don't get involved with women who already have children from other men. These complicated situations only bring problems and disrespect the value a man should hold for himself. The movie was great in many aspects, but it serves as a reminder about the choices we make in real life.

I really enjoyed this movie. It started out a bit blah and it seemed like the acting wasn't too good at first. I almost stopped watching and then Jesse (the bad guy) shows up. He was phenomenal and the movie literally flew by after that. The other actors seemed to pick up as well. I loved the ending. Absolutely recommend this movie and I would definitely watch it again. A few plot holes but the rest was so good that I am not bothered by it. I thought the actor who played Jesse was outstanding and I would love to see him in other movies. Take what you will from this review but give this movie a try and I do not think you will be disappointed.