A couple’s dream vacation turns into a nightmare when they become trapped in a smart house controlled by an unknown entity.
The house becomes their prison.
They are held captive in luxury.
Secrets are revealed as the truth comes to light.
Their marriage is put to the ultimate test.
Escaping seems impossible until they uncover the mastermind behind it all.
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Review
As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This sentiment rings true when it comes to the new movie “Held”, a thriller that takes hold of your emotions and doesn’t let go until the very end.
Directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing, “Held” tells the story of Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry Barrett (Bart Johnson), a married couple who decide to take a weekend vacation in a luxury rental home in the middle of nowhere. But their romantic getaway turns into a nightmare when they realize that their every move is being monitored and controlled by an unknown entity.
The film is intense from the very beginning, as the couple tries to navigate their strange surroundings while being unable to leave. As the audience, we feel their fear and confusion as they begin to discover more about their captor’s motives. It’s not just about physical confinement; it’s also about psychological torture as Emma and Henry are forced to confront hidden truths about themselves and their relationship.
The chemistry between Awbrey and Johnson is electric, making us root for them even as we wonder if they’ll make it out alive. They’re not your typical horror movie protagonists – they’re flawed and complex, which only adds to the tension of the film.
It’s worth noting that “Held” is also a commentary on gender roles and societal expectations within marriage. The couple’s dynamic shifts throughout the movie, with Emma taking charge in ways she never has before while Henry struggles with his masculinity being called into question. It’s a fascinating exploration of power dynamics within relationships.
One of the standout aspects of “Held” is its score by Nate Kohrs. The music perfectly captures the mood of each scene, whether it’s heart-pumping suspense or quiet introspection. It’s the kind of score that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Despite being an indie film with a relatively unknown cast, “Held” has garnered critical acclaim and buzz in the horror community. It’s not hard to see why – it’s a smart and thrilling movie that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The film also tackles issues such as surveillance culture, privacy, and control. Its message lingers long after the credits stop rolling, making it more than just an entertaining horror flick.
It’s also worth noting the impressive cinematography by Kyle Gentz and editing by Travis Cluff. The film is visually stunning, with shots that are both beautiful and haunting. The editing is seamless, adding to the suspense of the film.
There have been some criticisms of “Held”, particularly regarding its predictability. While there are certainly some elements of the plot that can be guessed at beforehand, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience of watching the movie.
It’s also worth mentioning that “Held” has been mired in controversy due to director Chris Lofing’s past behavior on social media. While this is a valid concern, it shouldn’t overshadow the hard work that went into making this movie by numerous talented individuals.
Overall, “Held” is a must-see for horror fans looking for something fresh and thought-provoking. Its themes are timeless, its performances are captivating, and its scares are genuine. As Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” “Held” tells its story loud and clear – an untold story about relationships stripped down to their rawest form – leaving audiences shocked and delighted.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 94
- Release : 2020-10-21
- Genre : Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Cast : Jill Awbrey as Emma, Bart Johnson as Henry, Travis Cluff as The Voice / Nathan, Zack Gold as Ryan Sullivan, Rez Kempton as Joe
- Crew : Brandon Jones as Sound Designer, Travis Cluff as Director, Travis Cluff as Producer, Chris Lofing as Director, Chris Lofing as Producer
- Popularity 6.049
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Tremendum Pictures
- Summary : A couple’s ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey.
- Tagline : To survive, they must obey.
