Knock Knock, a 2015 psychological thriller directed by Eli Roth, has been a topic of discussion among horror fans and critics alike. The film, starring Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas, tells the story of two young women who seduce a married man, only to unleash a dark and sinister game of cat and mouse. But is Knock Knock worth watching? In this article, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, themes, and reception to help you decide.
The Plot: A Sinister Game of Seduction
Knock Knock begins with Evan Webber (Keanu Reeves), a successful architect and family man, who is left alone on Father’s Day while his wife and children are away. Two young women, Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas), appear at his doorstep, seeking refuge from a rainstorm. As the night progresses, the women seduce Evan, and he eventually gives in to their advances.
However, the next morning, Evan discovers that the women have no intention of leaving. They begin to manipulate and torment him, using his infidelity against him. As the situation escalates, Evan realizes that he is trapped in a desperate game of survival.
A Descent into Madness
As the film progresses, Evan’s world begins to unravel. The women’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, pushing Evan to his limits. The film’s tension builds slowly, creating a sense of unease and discomfort in the viewer.
One of the standout aspects of Knock Knock is its exploration of themes such as guilt, shame, and the consequences of one’s actions. Evan’s infidelity sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to his downfall. The film raises questions about the nature of morality and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
The Performances: A Mixed Bag
The performances in Knock Knock are a mixed bag. Keanu Reeves delivers a solid performance as Evan, bringing a sense of vulnerability and desperation to the role. Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas are also impressive as the two women, bringing a sense of unpredictability and menace to their characters.
However, the chemistry between the leads is sometimes lacking, which can make it difficult to fully invest in the story. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, which can detract from the overall impact of the film.
Reception: A Divided Critical Response
Knock Knock received a divided critical response upon its release. Some critics praised the film’s tense atmosphere and performances, while others found it to be predictable and lacking in originality.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 36% approval rating, based on 63 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/10. The critical consensus reads: “Knock Knock brings a pair of wickedly fun performances to the table, but they’re not enough to elevate a rote, predictable thriller.”
On Metacritic, the film has a score of 36 out of 100, based on 15 reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews”.
Audience Response: A Different Story
Despite the mixed critical response, Knock Knock has developed a loyal following among horror fans. The film’s tense atmosphere and shocking twists have made it a favorite among those who enjoy a good thriller.
On IMDB, the film has a rating of 5.5/10, based on over 22,000 user reviews. While this may not seem impressive, it’s worth noting that the film has a dedicated fan base, with many viewers praising its originality and unpredictability.
Comparisons to Other Films
Knock Knock has drawn comparisons to other films in the psychological thriller genre, including The Strangers and Funny Games. While it may not be as polished as some of these films, it shares a similar sense of tension and unease.
One of the standout aspects of Knock Knock is its use of long takes, which adds to the sense of realism and immediacy. This technique is reminiscent of films like Rope and Birdman, which also use long takes to create a sense of tension and unease.
Is Knock Knock Worth Watching?
So, is Knock Knock worth watching? The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a sense of tension and unease, then Knock Knock may be the film for you.
However, if you’re looking for a more polished or original film, you may want to look elsewhere. Knock Knock is a flawed but entertaining film that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Knock Knock is a tense and unpredictable thriller that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. While it may be flawed in some areas, its use of long takes and exploration of themes such as guilt and shame make it a compelling watch.
If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Knock Knock is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a wild and unpredictable ride.
Final Thoughts
Knock Knock is a film that will leave you feeling uneasy and uncomfortable. Its exploration of themes such as guilt and shame is thought-provoking, and its use of long takes adds to the sense of tension and immediacy.
While it may not be the most polished or original film, Knock Knock is a compelling watch that is sure to appeal to fans of the psychological thriller genre. So, if you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Knock Knock is definitely worth checking out.
| Rating | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 36% | Rotten Tomatoes | Based on 63 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/10 |
| 36/100 | Metacritic | Based on 15 reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews” |
| 5.5/10 | IMDB | Based on over 22,000 user reviews |
In conclusion, Knock Knock is a tense and unpredictable thriller that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. While it may be flawed in some areas, its use of long takes and exploration of themes such as guilt and shame make it a compelling watch.
What is Knock Knock, and what is it about?
Knock Knock is a 2015 American erotic horror-thriller film directed by Eli Roth. The movie revolves around Evan Webber, a devoted husband and father who is left alone on Father’s Day weekend when his family goes out of town. Two beautiful and seductive women, Genesis and Bel, appear at his doorstep, seeking refuge from the rain. As the night progresses, Evan’s life takes a dark and unexpected turn, leading to a thrilling and chilling experience.
The film explores themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of one’s actions. It delves into the psychological aspects of Evan’s character, making the audience question his decisions and the events that unfold. With its unique blend of horror, thriller, and erotic elements, Knock Knock keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Is Knock Knock a good movie, and is it worth watching?
Whether or not Knock Knock is a good movie is subjective and depends on individual tastes. However, the film has received praise for its original storyline, clever plot twists, and the performances of its cast, particularly Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas. The movie’s ability to balance horror and thriller elements with erotic tension makes it a unique and captivating watch.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of horror, Knock Knock is definitely worth watching. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and unexpected turns will keep you engaged and invested in the story. However, if you’re sensitive to graphic content or prefer more conventional horror movies, you might want to approach with caution. Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether Knock Knock is the right movie for you.
What are the themes explored in Knock Knock?
Knock Knock explores several themes, including temptation, desire, and the consequences of one’s actions. The film delves into the psychological aspects of its characters, particularly Evan, and examines how they respond to challenging situations. It also touches on the idea of masculinity and the expectations placed on men, as well as the objectification of women and the dangers of toxic masculinity.
The movie also explores the theme of marriage and relationships, highlighting the complexities and challenges that come with commitment. Through Evan’s character, the film shows how even the most well-intentioned individuals can be tempted and led astray, leading to devastating consequences. By exploring these themes, Knock Knock creates a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience.
Is Knock Knock a horror movie, and how scary is it?
Knock Knock is a horror-thriller film that combines elements of both genres. While it’s not a traditional horror movie, it contains some graphic and disturbing content, including violence, gore, and erotic scenes. The film’s horror elements are more psychological than supernatural, focusing on the tension and suspense created by the characters’ actions and decisions.
The scare factor in Knock Knock is moderate, with some scenes being more intense than others. The film’s ability to create a sense of unease and uncertainty makes it unsettling, but it’s not excessively gory or reliant on jump scares. If you’re sensitive to horror movies or prefer more subtle scares, you might find Knock Knock to be a more manageable watch. However, if you’re a fan of intense horror, you might find it less frightening than other movies in the genre.
Who is in the cast of Knock Knock, and what are their roles?
The cast of Knock Knock includes Keanu Reeves as Evan Webber, a devoted husband and father who becomes embroiled in a dark and unexpected situation. Lorenza Izzo plays Genesis, one of the two mysterious women who appear at Evan’s doorstep, while Ana de Armas plays Bel, the other woman. The cast also includes Ignacia Allamand, Colleen Camp, and Aaron Burns in supporting roles.
The performances of the cast, particularly Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas, have been praised for their intensity and nuance. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making the film’s tense and suspenseful moments even more believable and engaging. The cast’s performances are a significant factor in what makes Knock Knock a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
Is Knock Knock based on a true story or a book?
Knock Knock is not based on a true story, but it’s loosely inspired by the 1977 film “Death Game,” which was directed by Peter S. Traynor. The movie’s script was written by Eli Roth, Guillermo Amoedo, and Nicolás López, and it’s an original work rather than an adaptation of a book or a true story.
While Knock Knock is not based on real events, it explores themes and ideas that are relevant to contemporary society. The film’s use of suspense, tension, and psychological horror elements makes it a unique and captivating watch, even if it’s not rooted in reality. By creating a fictional narrative, the filmmakers were able to craft a story that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining.
What is the reception of Knock Knock, and what do critics say about it?
The reception of Knock Knock has been mixed, with some critics praising the film’s originality and performances, while others have criticized its graphic content and pacing. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a 37% approval rating, based on 82 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/10. On Metacritic, it has a score of 36 out of 100, based on 17 reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.”
Despite the mixed critical reception, Knock Knock has developed a cult following and is widely regarded as a hidden gem in the horror-thriller genre. Many critics have praised the film’s ability to balance horror and thriller elements with erotic tension, creating a unique and captivating viewing experience. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, Knock Knock is a film that’s definitely worth watching, especially for fans of psychological thrillers and horror movies.