Review: Don't Breathe 2 (2021)

In 2016, 'Don't Breathe' took audiences by surprise with its gripping take on the horror-thriller genre. It featured a chilling story about a group of friends who find themselves trapped in the house of a blind man with sinister secrets. Fast forward to 2021, and we find ourselves revisiting this unnerving world with 'Don't Breathe 2'. As a sequel, it sets out to expand on the small, intense universe created in the first film, shifting perspectives and introducing new elements to keep viewers on their toes.

Plot Summary

'In Don't Breathe 2', we catch up with Norman Nordstrom, the blind man portrayed by Stephen Lang, who has retreated into a more isolated life with a young girl he has taken under his wing. This sequel flips the script a bit, casting Norman not just as a villain but also as a protector. Without giving too much away, the story quickly escalates when intruders break into his home, forcing Norman to once again rely on his survival instincts. The plot thickens as past actions come back to haunt him, and the audience is drawn into a tense game of cat and mouse, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Performances

Stephen Lang returns as Norman Nordstrom, and his performance remains one of the film's strongest elements. Lang has a knack for balancing the character’s menacing aura with a newfound layer of complexity. This time, we see more depth in Norman’s character, which Lang handles with a subtle mix of vulnerability and intensity. The young Madelyn Grace joins the cast as Phoenix, a girl caught in the crossfire of Norman's dark world. Grace delivers a convincing performance that adds emotional weight to the film, offering a fresh dynamic to Lang's character. The cast of intruders, while perhaps not as memorable as Lang or Grace, provides sufficient tension and threat to keep the stakes high.

Direction and Craft

Directed by Rodo Sayagues, who co-wrote the original film, 'Don't Breathe 2' employs a similar style that made the first film so effective. Sayagues manages to maintain a taut atmosphere, using silence and darkness to amplify the suspense. The pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of stillness to build tension before unleashing bursts of action that keep you on the edge of your seat. The film's cinematography complements this style well, with dimly lit scenes that add to the oppressive atmosphere. The use of sound, or sometimes the lack of it, plays a crucial role in creating a heightened sense of unease, drawing audiences deeper into Norman's unsettling world.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, 'Don't Breathe 2' is a solid sequel that maintains the suspense and intensity of the original. The film is widely available, so picking up a copy shouldn't be too difficult. While digital formats are convenient, owning a physical copy, particularly on Blu-ray, can enhance the experience. The Blu-ray edition provides a crisp visual and audio quality that captures the film's unique atmospheric tension. As for rarity, it's common enough that you won't have to hunt too hard, but it’s still a worthy addition to a horror or thriller collection. It's particularly recommended for those who appreciate the original film's blend of suspense and horror.

Overall, 'Don't Breathe 2' might not break new ground in the genre, but it effectively builds upon its predecessor's foundation. It offers enough thrills to satisfy fans of the original while introducing new elements that keep the story fresh. Lang's performance, combined with Sayagues' direction, ensures that the film remains engaging throughout its runtime. Collectors who value high-quality presentation and enjoy a tense, atmospheric thriller will find this sequel a fitting piece for their shelves.

With a star rating of 3.5 out of 5, 'Don't Breathe 2' successfully delivers a gripping continuation of Norman Nordstrom's story, making it a worthwhile watch for both fans of the first film and newcomers alike.