Background

Acclaimed 83-Minute Psychological Thriller to Depart Netflix

Article arrow_drop_down

Renowned Uruguayan Director Fede Álvarez’s ‘Don’t Breathe’ Set to Exit Streaming Platform on July 1

A highly acclaimed psychological thriller of 83 minutes, regarded as one of the best suspense films in recent years, is soon to leave Netflix, much to the disappointment of its fans. This film not only captivated audiences but also solidified its Uruguayan director’s place as a key figure in contemporary genre cinema. As it exits the streaming platform, it marks the end of an era for a movie that has left an indelible mark on the thriller genre.

The journey of Fede Álvarez, the Uruguayan director, began with ‘El cojonudo’ (2005), a macabre short film that he co-created with his inseparable screenwriter, Rodo Sayagues. This project gained significant attention within the Hispanic film circuit, setting the stage for their future endeavors. In 2009, they caught the eye of the American film industry with ‘Panic Attack!’, a short film notable for its impressive yet budget-friendly special effects. This depiction of a supposed alien invasion in Montevideo showcased their talent and innovation, leading to interest from Hollywood, which is always on the lookout for fresh and promising talent.

Their big break came when Sam Raimi, a legend in the horror genre, offered them the daunting task of remaking his classic horror film, ‘The Evil Dead’ (1981). This opportunity was both a challenge and a testament to Raimi’s belief in their potential. Remarkably, Álvarez and Sayagues rose to the occasion, delivering ‘Evil Dead’ (2013), a film that was both a critical and commercial success. This remake retained the original’s brutal and relentless spirit while adding Álvarez’s unique touch, earning them accolades and establishing Álvarez as a director to watch.

Following the success of ‘Evil Dead’, Álvarez embarked on creating his own project, ‘Don’t Breathe’ (2016). This film tells the gripping story of a group of young thieves (played by Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, and Sergej Onopko) who believe they have found the perfect heist target: a blind man with a fortune hidden in his house. However, they soon discover that this seemingly helpless victim is a ruthless and resourceful adversary with dark secrets of his own. The blind man, portrayed by Stephen Lang, turns the tables on the intruders, leading to a tense and terrifying cat-and-mouse game.

Stephen Lang, reflecting on his role, remarked, “In the end, the important thing is to achieve something as authentic and simple as you can.” His portrayal of the blind man was both menacing and sympathetic, adding depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

Critics lauded ‘Don’t Breathe’ for its innovative approach to the home invasion genre. Jordi Costa noted in his review, “In his shorts, Fede Álvarez had proven to belong to the lineage of formalists. Besides joining the claim of Detroit as the new capital of despair in modern horror, it shifts the traditional point of view of the home invasion subgenre and breathes new stylistic vitality into one of the fundamentals of horror cinema, understood as the relationship between a vulnerable subject and a predatory space brought to life by camera movements.”

The film’s success led to a sequel, ‘Don’t Breathe 2’ (2021), directed by Rodo Sayagues. In this continuation, Stephen Lang’s character evolves from villain to antihero, further exploring the complex nature of his character.

Álvarez’s subsequent projects included ‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’ (2018), a new installment in the ‘Millennium’ series, and the Apple TV+ series ‘Calls’, showcasing his versatility and ability to handle different genres and formats.

Looking ahead, Fede Álvarez is set to venture into the realm of science fiction with ‘Alien: Romulus’. This highly anticipated film aims to continue the legacy of the iconic ‘Alien’ series, a franchise built on the foundations laid by Ridley Scott, Dan O’Bannon, H.R. Giger, Jerry Goldsmith, and Sigourney Weaver. ‘Alien: Romulus’ promises to bring Álvarez’s distinctive style and vision to one of the most beloved and enduring series in cinematic history.

As ‘Don’t Breathe’ prepares to leave Netflix on July 1, fans of Álvarez’s work can look forward to his upcoming projects, confident in his ability to deliver compelling and innovative films across various genres. His journey from Montevideo to Hollywood exemplifies the power of creativity, determination, and the pursuit of authenticity in filmmaking.

About the author

Its Name Was Mormo - SUPERSCARED
trending_flat
‘Its Name Was Mormo’ Review: Fear-filled Hearts & Close Encounters

In Mark Bower’s staggering handmade visionary tale, his first movie has drawn the attention of nine international film distributors. A Haunting Tale Mark Bower's handmade visionary performance, "Its Name Was Mormo," is a haunting exploration of fear and the supernatural, capturing audiences with its raw and immersive storytelling which delves into the realm of psyche horror, evoking a sense of dread that lingers long after the camera battery dies. Plot and Atmosphere Set in a desolate, rural town, Its Name Was Mormo > follows the unsettling experiences of a family who encounter an evil entity known as Mormo. The film masterfully builds tension through its eerie landscapes, unsettling silence, and the palpable fear of its characters. Bower’s attention to detail in creating a chilling atmosphere is evident, as each scene is infused with an impending sense of doom. The narrative is […]

"The Legend of the Alley – Midnight’s Revenge" Horror Stories
trending_flat
“The Legend of the Alley – Midnight’s Revenge” Horror Stories

"The Legend of the Alley – Midnight’s Revenge" Horror Tales My name is Daniel, and to be honest, I never believed in ghosts or urban legends. However, what happened to me in that small Colombian town at midnight on a Wednesday changed my perspective radically. I will never forget that night, an experience that, to this day, makes me question what I thought I knew about reality. It was a rainy summer night in the tiny town where I was staying. The place, with its dark alleys and dilapidated houses, seemed straight out of a Gothic novel. The rain fell persistently, creating puddles on the ground and generating a constant sound of drops hitting the pavement. I was walking down a narrow alley, my head bowed under the hood of my coat, trying to avoid getting wet more than necessary. […]

"The Woman Behind the Curtain" Horror Stories
trending_flat
“The Woman Behind the Curtain” Horror Stories

"The Woman Behind the Curtain" Melisa, a 34-year-old woman who is elegant, serious, and preoccupied with her work, finds herself in the hospital. The sterile smell of antiseptic floats in the air as Melisa settles into the hospital bed, her eyes fixed on her phone screen. Work emails, updates, and endless tasks pile up in her digital world. Despite her kidney problems that brought her to the hospital, Melisa couldn’t stop immersing herself in work. It was the only thing that mattered, the only constant in her life that she could control. Melisa remained sitting in the hospital bed, occasionally writhing in pain but not paying much attention to it. The day passed uneventfully, with nurses coming in and out to administer medication and check her vital signs. Melisa noticed that the bed next to hers was separated by a […]

''Evil Dead: The Game'' - Two New ‘Halloween’ Video Games in Development
trending_flat
”Evil Dead: The Game” – Two New ‘Halloween’ Video Games in Development from ‘Evil Dead’

‘Evil Dead: The Game’ - Spooky Surprises Ahead: ‘Evil Dead: The Game’ Creators Crafting Two New Halloween Video Games Michael Myers is gearing up for a grand return to video games. IGN has unveiled exciting news that Boss Team Games, the studio renowned for Evil Dead: The Game, is working on not one but two new video games based on John Carpenter’s seminal slasher film, Halloween. The news is even more thrilling given that Carpenter himself is involved in at least one of these projects. While precise details about the games remain limited, it has been confirmed that both titles are being developed in close collaboration with the producers behind the Halloween franchise. Notably, one of the games will be powered by the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, promising a visually immersive and high-fidelity experience that will bring the terror of […]

‘'Hell Hole’' Review – A Gritty Creature Feature with Dark Humor
trending_flat
‘’Hell Hole’’ Review – A Gritty Creature Feature with Dark Humor

“Hell Hole” A Thrilling Fusion of Heavy Metal, Creature Feature Excitement, and Sharp-Witted Humor The Adams Family—comprising father John Adams, mother Tobey Poser, and their daughters—has become synonymous with a distinct punk rock, DIY filmmaking ethos. Their previous works, including The Deeper You Dig, Hellbender, and last year’s Where the Devil Roams, showcase their knack for blending creativity with a raw, hands-on approach. Their latest project, Hell Hole, continues this tradition with an inventive homage to classic creature features. It’s not just the gory monster effects that make this film stand out; it’s the Adams Family's ability to push creative boundaries, infusing the film with a playful, heavy metal vibe and a healthy dose of dark humor. ''Hell Hole'' begins in an unusual setting: Serbian territory in 1814. French soldiers, battling for Napoleon Bonaparte and led by a character played […]

''The Bench'' A Scottish Horror Film: The 17-Year Odyssey to Release
trending_flat
”The Bench” A Scottish Horror Film: The 17-Year Odyssey to Release

''The Bench'' - From Idea to Cult Classic: The 17-Year Saga of a Scottish Horror Film ''The Bench'' A Scottish horror film that has been in the making for nearly 17 years has finally emerged from its protracted journey. The Bench is a suspenseful slasher film revolving around a group of friends who, while staying at a remote cabin in Renfrewshire, encounter a series of terrifying events as they mysteriously disappear one by one. Although the concept seemed promising, the film’s production faced numerous hurdles, from Scotland's erratic weather to financial shortages that brought progress to a halt. Sean Wilkie, the film's writer and director, spoke candidly to BBC Scotland News about the emotional rollercoaster of seeing The Bench finally come to fruition. A Coatbridge native, Wilkie transitioned from short films to this full-length horror venture, drawing inspiration from horror […]

trending_flat
“Hold Your Breath” – New Horror Flick Landing on Hulu This October

“Hold Your Breath” A Spine-Chilling Dive into Fear and Suspense Searchlight Pictures has unveiled a series of haunting first-look images from their highly anticipated horror-thriller, Hold Your Breath. This spine-chilling film is set to make its exclusive debut on Hulu on October 3, 2024, just in time to inject a dose of terror into the Halloween festivities. Check our article "Its Name Was Mormo" The Influence of Found Footage in Horror > Starring the formidable Sarah Paulson, Hold Your Breath features an exceptional ensemble cast including Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Amiah Miller, and Annaleigh Ashford. With the directorial expertise of Karrie Crouse and William Joines, the film is poised to captivate and disturb audiences with its gripping narrative. The film’s setting is as ominous as its plot: 1930s Oklahoma, a landscape ravaged by relentless dust storms and an atmosphere thick with dread. […]

Related

''The Bench'' A Scottish Horror Film: The 17-Year Odyssey to Release
trending_flat
”The Bench” A Scottish Horror Film: The 17-Year Odyssey to Release

''The Bench'' - From Idea to Cult Classic: The 17-Year Saga of a Scottish Horror Film ''The Bench'' A Scottish horror film that has been in the making for nearly 17 years has finally emerged from its protracted journey. The Bench is a suspenseful slasher film revolving around a group of friends who, while staying at a remote cabin in Renfrewshire, encounter a series of terrifying events as they mysteriously disappear one by one. Although the concept seemed promising, the film’s production faced numerous hurdles, from Scotland's erratic weather to financial shortages that brought progress to a halt. Sean Wilkie, the film's writer and director, spoke candidly to BBC Scotland News about the emotional rollercoaster of seeing The Bench finally come to fruition. A Coatbridge native, Wilkie transitioned from short films to this full-length horror venture, drawing inspiration from horror […]

trending_flat
“Hold Your Breath” – New Horror Flick Landing on Hulu This October

“Hold Your Breath” A Spine-Chilling Dive into Fear and Suspense Searchlight Pictures has unveiled a series of haunting first-look images from their highly anticipated horror-thriller, Hold Your Breath. This spine-chilling film is set to make its exclusive debut on Hulu on October 3, 2024, just in time to inject a dose of terror into the Halloween festivities. Check our article "Its Name Was Mormo" The Influence of Found Footage in Horror > Starring the formidable Sarah Paulson, Hold Your Breath features an exceptional ensemble cast including Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Amiah Miller, and Annaleigh Ashford. With the directorial expertise of Karrie Crouse and William Joines, the film is poised to captivate and disturb audiences with its gripping narrative. The film’s setting is as ominous as its plot: 1930s Oklahoma, a landscape ravaged by relentless dust storms and an atmosphere thick with dread. […]

Review of "Trap" – M. Night Shyamalan's Thrilling Game of Deception
trending_flat
Review of “Trap” – M. Night Shyamalan’s Thrilling Game of Deception

''Trap'' Unraveling the Mystery - How Shyamalan’s Latest Film Keeps You Guessing Until the Very End M. Night Shyamalan's latest venture into the world of suspense, "Trap," is far from the straightforward thriller one might expect. Although the marketing hints at a predictable twist, Shyamalan’s approach to this Hitchcockian-inspired film is anything but conventional. The plot, which reveals early on that a pop concert is a trap designed to ensnare a serial killer, may initially appear to give away the film's central twist. However, this revelation is merely a starting point for a deeper, intricately woven narrative of psychological games and suspense. Josh Hartnett stars as Cooper, a seemingly affable and well-meaning father whose dedication to his teenage daughter, Riley (played by Ariel Donoghue), is marked by his endearing array of dad jokes. Riley’s excitement for the concert of the […]

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" – New Posters, Featurette and Tickets
trending_flat
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” – New Posters, Featurette and Tickets

Get the Scoop on the Latest Beetlejuice Betlejuice Tim Burton’s eagerly awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is making its theatrical debut on September 6. Warner Bros. has officially launched ticket sales today, so fans can grab their seats immediately! In addition to the ticket release, Warner Bros. has rolled out a series of eye-catching new posters to promote the film. These vibrant visuals tease the quirky and supernatural elements fans can expect. Furthermore, a 22-minute featurette has been released, offering an exclusive look behind the scenes. The featurette includes interviews with the cast and crew, shedding light on the creative process and the challenges of bringing this sequel to life. ''The Becomers''> coming soon The film is rated "PG-13," reflecting its blend of “violent content, macabre and graphic imagery, strong language, some suggestive themes, and brief drug references.” This rating ensures […]

Hong Won-Ki to Direct K-Pop Thriller ‘'Unnie’' Evoking 'Black Swan'
trending_flat
Hong Won-Ki to Direct K-Pop Thriller ‘’Unnie’’ Evoking ‘Black Swan’

''Unnie'' Channeling the Intensity of Black Swan Hong Won-Ki, a filmmaker renowned for his contributions to the horror genre with Goedam and Zombie Hunter, is set to direct an exhilarating new thriller titled ''Unnie''. This film is poised to delve deep into the competitive and often dark corners of the K-pop industry, offering a narrative that echoes the intensity and psychological complexity of Black Swan. According to Deadline, ''Unnie'' will explore the high-stakes world of K-pop, capturing both the glamorous facade and the hidden turmoil that drives the industry's intense rivalries and personal sacrifices. Adapted from a 2023 Black List script by Lynn Q. Yu, ''Unnie'' promises to bring a fresh perspective to the thriller genre. The film is currently in the casting phase, with production slated to begin in January in both Seoul and Los Angeles. The project is […]

trending_flat
‘’The Man in the White Van’’ Unveils Chilling New Poster for Serial Killer Thriller

Relativity Media has secured the rights to Warren Skeels' true crime thriller, ''The Man in the White Van'', for a wide theatrical release on October 11. Produced in collaboration with Garrison Film and the fan-supported entertainment company Legion M, we are excited to reveal the eerie new poster for the film. Drawing from a series of true events that gripped the nation in the 1970s, the film portrays a spine-tingling tale of a young girl's harrowing ordeal, embodying every parent's worst fears. These real-life incidents have forever linked unmarked cargo vans with terror for countless young people, reinforcing the chilling legacy of 'the man in the white van.' The cast features Sean Astin (''The Lord of the Rings trilogy'', ''Stranger Things''), Ali Larter (''ABC’s The Rookie'', ''Final Destination''), Madison Wolfe (''The Conjuring 2''), Brec Bassinger (''CW’s Stargirl''), Gavin Warren (''Night […]

Navigation

Immerse yourself in the world of horror with Superscared. From classic scares to innovative found footage, we deliver the fear you crave. Our curated selection ensures you’ll find the perfect story to haunt your dreams, a premier destination for horror.

Copyright Superscared 2024.

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation