Like Misery or Monkey Shines, the terror of being unable to escape drives this film. Adding a unique tweak to standard thriller plots can really work (ex. Hush). I did really appreciate the use of an actress, Kiera Allen, who uses a wheelchair for the lead and she does strong work. Her terror and struggle is palpable, which drives the film. The juxtaposition of her fear set against the steely calm of the usually excellent Sarah Paulson is greatly effective. Getting into the duel between these two women is decisive.
Their relationship is the core of conflict and the film, but unfortunately there isn’t much depth or time for plunging what would be. This probably too-tight thriller rolls right through any back & forth or dwelling in the mysterious limbo of unknowing. It briskly slams A to B to C without many frills. This pace would be to its advantage if the ending wasn’t so lackluster and out of character. Without the swishing around in the mouth to savor the suspenseful flavor, the last swallow comes off as bitter and almost spoils the whole thing.
