Actually wanted to like 'Don't Leave Home', and yes there was the intention to judge the film for myself after watching it and even more intention to judge it fairly. Both have always been the case with me when it comes to reviewing a film. The idea was attention-grabbing and it didn't look too bad, so there was potential.
Potential that was not lived up to very well at all. 'Don't Leave Home' was not a waste of time but it is a long way from a must watch from personal opinion. Didn't regret watching it and didn't find that my intelligence was insulted, something that cannot be said for some other films seen recently, it just didn't compel let alone unsettle me which is a primary factor as to why 'Don't Leave Home' as an overall film doesn't work.
Lets start with the good things. 'Don't Leave Home' started off very well, it does draw one right in, sets things up promisingly and has an eerie vibe. It's a decent looking film, with the setting giving off the right amount of unease and the photography has atmosphere. The music is haunting and not too obvious or intrusive.
Generally the acting was better than average, very good actually with the three leads. Nobody over-compensates and nobody looks uncomfortable or robotic.
However, while the characters don't annoy or there could have been much more development to them. The script is an overload of cheese and awkwardness and the direction is at best lethargic.
'Don't Leave Home's' biggest issue is the story. There is very little tension, suspense or dread, with the scares infrequent and being going-through-the-motions-like and obvious when they appear. It is dull too often despite starting off so well and is very predictable from the excessive over-familiarity of a lot of scenes, while it becomes increasingly far-fetched and confused. Not enough is explained properly either, too much is left vague and leaves one scratching their heads.
Not a waste of time but doesn't scare or compel enough. 4/10 Bethany Cox
