‘The Divide’ star Milo Ventimiglia and Sarah Shahi play husband and wife Jonathan and Addie who are dealing with the loss of their son. Shut away from the world author Jonathan has finally completed his latest book but the couple barely has time to celebrate the milestone before their evening is interrupted by a mysterious blonde named Rachel (played by the gorgeous Sara Paxton). Her car has seemingly broke down nearby and there appear to be figures running around outside in the dark. Soon after a number of intruders enter the premises and its all out survival for the 3 trapped inside.
Writer/director Todd Levin’s first feature debut ‘Static’ is the chilling home invasion tale of Jonathan and Addie Dade. The movie trundles along with a slow and almost hypnotic pace which almost begs to be broken by the approaching and apparent malevolence lurking outside. Sadly, however, even when ‘they’ manage to get inside the action is still a tad ordinary.
The overwhelming mystery of the tale was quickly apparent to myself which I’m sure removed much of the tension and unknowing that I felt. Others may not be as responsive but it is perhaps the movie’s biggest flaw where there seems to be a major oversight from the opening sequence which exposes much more than it probably should. Any surprises then are completely negated almost instantly from the start making the feature more of an expectant thriller than a terrifying horror.
OVERALL SUMMARY
The ending will not please all and comparisons to other like minded genre offerings will be made in abundance. However, for what it’s worth ‘Static’ is accomplished enough to appease the majority of horror lovers out there. And the movie itself certainly paves hope for future projects from the clearly talented filmmaker.
