Knock Knock Movie Review

Knock Knock Movie Review

The world of horror films welcomes yet another addition to its roster with the release of ‘Knock Knock,’ a psychological thriller directed by Eli Roth.

The film stars Keanu Reeves as Evan Webber, an architect who finds himself in a dangerous game of seduction and manipulation when two young women unexpectedly arrive at his doorstep during a stormy night.

As with any movie within this genre, ‘Knock Knock’ offers its fair share of jump scares and tense moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

However, what sets this particular film apart is its exploration of themes such as morality, guilt, and the consequences of one’s actions.

With powerful performances from Reeves and co-stars Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas, ‘Knock Knock’ presents itself as more than just your typical horror flick and instead offers a thought-provoking commentary on human nature.

The Plot And Characters Of ‘Knock Knock’

The plot of ‘Knock Knock’ revolves around a middle-aged architect, Evan Webber (Keanu Reeves), who is left alone for the weekend when his wife and children go on a beach trip.

Two young women, Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas), knock on his door during a stormy night, seeking help to get to their destination.

Evan eventually invites them in, but what seems like an act of kindness turns into a twisted seduction game.

As the night progresses, the women engage in sexual activities with Evan, leaving him vulnerable to their manipulations.

The film’s central characters are well-portrayed by the actors, especially Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas.

Their performances as young women with ulterior motives are convincing and chilling.

The moral dilemma that arises from Evan’s actions adds depth to the story.

As he realizes that he has made a mistake by indulging in the women’s advances, it becomes clear that there will be consequences for his actions.

Overall, ‘Knock Knock’ presents a disturbing yet thought-provoking storyline that is sure to leave audiences on edge.

The Horror Elements Of The Film

Knock Knock is a horror film that utilizes various elements to create an atmosphere of fear and tension.

One of the most significant elements used in the movie is symbolism. Throughout the film, there are repeated images and symbols that have deeper meanings beyond their surface-level appearance.

For example, the house where the majority of the events take place represents safety and security at first glance, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this supposed safety is false, and danger lurks within. Additionally, one of the characters wears a necklace with a cross pendant, which initially represents her religious beliefs but later becomes symbolic of her hypocrisy.

Another vital element in creating a sense of horror in Knock Knock is its spine-chilling soundtrack. The music used in the movie plays a crucial role in heightening tension and fear throughout the narrative.

The sound design team effectively uses both silence and sound to create an eerie atmosphere that keeps audiences on edge. The use of unsettling noises such as creaking doors or footsteps adds to the suspenseful tone while jump-scares are also accompanied by sudden jarring sounds to increase their impact.

Overall, these audio elements work together seamlessly to contribute significantly to making Knock Knock a terrifying cinematic experience.

The use of symbolism and sound design make Knock Knock an excellent example of how horror movies can be crafted for maximum effect on viewers. These elements contribute significantly to building a sense of terror throughout its runtime, leaving audiences unsettled long after they’ve left the theater.

Themes Explored In The Movie

The movie Knock Knock explores the theme of morality and societal norms in a thought-provoking manner.

The plot revolves around the protagonist Evan, a seemingly happily married man who falls prey to the seduction of two young women. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the actions of these characters are morally questionable and challenge conventional societal norms.

One of the key themes explored in the film is the struggle between personal desires and moral values. Through Evan’s actions, we see how easy it is for individuals to be swayed by their primal urges, even if it means betraying their own values.

The film also delves into how societal norms can often stifle individuality and lead people to conform to expectations rather than follow their instincts. The contrasting worldviews of Evan and his wife Karen highlight this dichotomy, with Karen representing traditional values while Evan represents a more liberal outlook on life.

The consequences of immoral behavior and the role of guilt in shaping moral decisions are also explored in the film.

Breaking free from social constructs and the impact of societal expectations on behavior are additional themes present in the movie.

Acting Performances And Direction

The themes explored in “Knock Knock” were dark and disturbing, ranging from infidelity to revenge. However, the movie’s acting performances and direction were impressive enough to keep the viewers engaged throughout the duration of the film. The lead actors Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas did a phenomenal job in portraying their respective roles, bringing out the nuances of their characters with ease.

The director Eli Roth employed various cinematography techniques to add an element of suspense and create an eerie atmosphere. There were several close-up shots that highlighted the emotions of the characters during key scenes. The use of lighting was also commendable as it contributed to the overall mood of each scene. Moreover, there was a stark contrast between the bright exterior shots and dimly lit interior shots that added depth to the film’s visual appeal. Overall, while character development could have been better, the acting performances and cinematography techniques used in “Knock Knock” make it worth watching for fans of psychological thrillers.

Final Thoughts And Overall Rating

Overall, Knock Knock presents an intriguing concept with a thrilling premise that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s exploration of themes such as infidelity, obsession, and revenge adds depth to its plotline, making it more than just your average thriller.

Keanu Reeves delivers a solid performance as Evan Webber, the protagonist who falls prey to the seductive charms of two young women who later reveal their true intentions. Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo also shine in their respective roles as the femme fatales who turn Evan’s life upside down.

Additionally, the cinematography style used throughout the film serves as a visual treat for viewers. The camera work effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of Evan’s home while also highlighting the sensuality and danger that comes with his encounters with Genesis and Bel. The use of close-up shots intensifies the tension and suspense in key scenes while wide shots showcase the vastness of Evan’s surroundings, emphasizing his isolation from the outside world.

As a whole, Knock Knock provides a fresh take on traditional thriller films by introducing thought-provoking themes alongside an engaging storyline. While there are some predictable moments within its plotline, this does not detract from its overall appeal as an entertaining film. With strong performances from its cast and stunning cinematography style, it is definitely worth checking out for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

Conclusion

The psychological thriller ‘Knock Knock’ directed by Eli Roth follows the life of a family man, Evan Webber (Keanu Reeves), who falls victim to two seductive and vengeful women, Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas).

The film explores themes of infidelity, temptation, and consequences.

The horror elements of the movie are not particularly impressive as it relies more on suspenseful music and jump scares rather than a well-crafted storyline.

However, the performances of the actors provide some entertainment value.

Keanu Reeves delivers a decent performance while Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas deliver electrifying performances as they manipulate Evan’s emotions.

Overall, ‘Knock Knock’ is an average psychological thriller that can be enjoyed for its performances but lacks in its horror elements.

It raises interesting themes but fails to explore them in-depth.

As a film critic, I would rate this movie 2.5 out of 5 stars.