Directed By: Christopher Landon 

Written By: Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach

Cinematography: Marc Spicer 

Editor: Ben Baudhuin

Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violet Beane, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Sarah McCormack, Jeffrey Self, Ed Weeks

A widowed mother on her first date in years, who arrives at an upscale restaurant where she is relieved that her date, Henry is more charming and handsome than she expected. But their chemistry begins to curdle as Violet begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of anonymous drops to her phone.

————————————————————————

This film was a major disappointment. As from the trailer It looked like it could be a little exciting, but more like kind of an event film that might be better seen on the big screen and maybe that’s true. Watching it at home on a regular screen, though I was willing to give it a chance as quite a few friends whose opinion I trusted recommended the film saying that it was fun seeing that it also got surprisingly really good reviews peaked my interest so I was excited to finally watch it

I could just never get into this film. I’ll admit the film kept me guessing as to who was behind it all that was through most of it while there were some fun twist the first half left me board and then it seems in the second half to go gonzo and go all over the top. 

Some of said that it’s like a modern day, Hitchcock thriller only with modern technology, and while I admit, using the technology in this thriller was original one of the things that didn’t work was, didn’t really care about the characters. There’s nothing wrong in their performances, even though the male lead played by  Brandon Sklenar was very boring And not that romantic or truly appealing

What was interesting about the film was the dynamic of not only the thriller element but also the power to control how an evening or date goes knowing what to reveal or how to behave to truly attract the other when usually most of us can be guarded in that first date as it is truly getting to know you, though there must be some kind of appeal I got you there in the first place.

Coming from Director Christopher Landon at this point he’s a filmmaker who feels a little late as most of his films come across as great high concept projects that for the most part Work but also seem to have a Debt to 80s and 90s films played in more modern times That sometimes work to their advantage as they are interesting stories, but the follow-through isn’t always as magical or appealing. He didn’t write this one either. 

As one loves a HAPPY DEATH DAY franchise, but his other films freaky in this film are good enough, but never quite when you over as much as freaky was violent horror that had a camping to it. This film tries to be more adult as a thriller, and tries to stay in the realm of reality, but it gets so ridiculous and never quite lean into that camping factor that it just comes off as silly and ridiculous at times not quite as Sterling as it is aiming for.

I think it’s a fine one time watch but it is very disposable and forgettable. Wish it had a stronger script, but then it might not be as loose for the audience is a popcorn movie through and through. That wasn’t for me, but I can see many enjoying. I just didn’t drink the Kool-Aid as the flavor was not to my liking.

Grade: C