Interested in knowing my thoughts on DON'T LOOK BACK? Read on!
From Jeffery Reddick, creator of the FINAL DESTINATION franchise, comes another captivating ride! DON'T LOOK BACK is daunting, reminding us of something we love when it's good but hate when it's bad. The ultimate notion that you can't escape karma.
Caitlin Kramer (Kourtney Bell) is one of six people who stood by and hesitated to intervene when local philanthropist Douglas Helton was murdered. This incident attains major news coverage, and once Douglas's brother outs the six witnesses of the murder, the public and media begin an onslaught of relentless criticism and humiliation. To deepen their torment, one-by-one, the six start to die in unexplained "accidents." Caitlin, feeling death's presence in every second and around every corner, is forced to uncover if she and the others are being targeted by a killer--or by something more sinister. Added to this is Caitlin's hallucinations, results of her own assault.
As the viewer, we definitely feel for Caitlin, especially how her traumatic past has left her with survivor's guilt. Any sane person would try to piece some sort of life back together, which is why we root for Caitlin throughout the film. But the constant visions of Douglas's bloody body leave little hope for peace to take root. Furthermore, Caitlin believes the deaths of the other witnesses are not coincidences, which gives us to reason to follow her investigation into the unknown.
Overall, DON'T LOOK BACK is truly original. The plot resonates with honesty, hitting the nail right on the head with how many people rush to take out a camera and film an unjust altercation rather than become involved. I respect the stance this film takes, showing us in this age of technological acceleration alongside societal deceleration. And though the message is deep and necessary, the film still retains the elements genre fans anticipate from a horror legend. For example, there's a reappearing theme involving the number 27, and a crow often appears to warn of death nearby. These tease of other ominous occurrences that lead up to a finale that will leave you satisfied with the fictional horror of the film, but unsatisfied with the true horrors of the world.
In my opinion, the best horror movies are the ones that stick with you, and that's exactly what DON'T LOOK BACK achieves. Weeks after watching this film, like me, you may continue to question your own reactions to both real and fictional horror situations. Would you remain a bystander or stand up to injustice? Would you hesitate at the whispers of death coming closer to you, or would you welcome them as a comforting end to your own traumas?
As creator the FINAL DESTINATION series, Mr. Reddick has already proven that he knows how to deliver ominous and chilling thrills. With his directorial debut DON'T LOOK BACK, he reassures us that his skillset has only improved with time. I recommend giving this film a watch with friends, especially if you are ready to have an interesting conversation when the credits start to roll.
Synopsis: When a young woman overcoming her traumatic past is among several witnesses who see a man fatally assaulted and don't intervene, they find themselves targeted by someone, or something, out for revenge.
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