Be careful who you let in.|Jul. 27, 2021|United States|90 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Mystery;Thriller
Description: “Hostage House” is a 2021 thriller with an ending that feels unoriginal and unsurprising. The film’s conclusion includes cringe-worthy moments, such as an overly dramatic “thank you” scene, making it one of the most formulaic thrillers ever. While the acting could have salvaged some of the movie, it falls short, failing to elevate the story.
Despite its flaws, the very last scene does manage to deliver a strong, albeit unrelated, moment that stands out. The overall acting, however, is disappointing, even from seasoned actors like Jennifer Taylor, who plays the main protagonist, Susan. Emily Sweet and Justin C. Schilling also struggle to bring depth to their roles, with Schilling’s exaggerated “pain face” becoming an unintentional highlight.
Patrick Cronen, on the other hand, gives the film’s most believable and standout performance. Directed by David Benullo, known for his work on various thriller films, “Hostage House” is only his second feature film since 2007. While it has its moments, the movie ultimately fails to break free from its predictable and uninspired narrative.
Cast director: David Benullo
Cast actor: Jennifer Taylor, Julia Terranova, Emily Sweet, Justin C. Schilling, Patrick Cronen
Original name: Hostage House