Don't Breathe (2016)
A group of teens break into a blind man's home thinking they'll get away with the perfect crime. They're wrong.
Details
Budget
$9,900,000
Rating
7/10 (7523 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Screen Gems, Stage 6 Films, Ghost House Pictures
About Don't Breathe
Fede Álvarez's 2016 thriller "Don't Breathe" reworks the home invasion premise, centering on a group of young thieves who target the isolated house of a blind war veteran. The film quickly subverts expectations as the tables turn, trapping the intruders in a tense cat-and-mouse game within the confined space. Its narrative leans on suspense and psychological tension, using the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of its characters to drive the horror elements.
The film's approach to horror relies less on jump scares and more on sustained dread, frequently utilizing silence and limited light to build an oppressive atmosphere. The contained setting amplifies the feeling of claustrophobia, a recurring element throughout the movie. As the situation escalates, "Don't Breathe" explores themes of morality and survival, blurring the lines between victim and aggressor, which contributes to its unsettling tone. The confined setting serves to intensify the escalating conflict and the desperate struggle for escape.
Why you might be searching for Don't Breathe
Search queries for "Don't Breathe" often reflect the film's core premise: a group of people trapped in a house by a blind man. Users frequently recall the detail of the homeowner's blindness and his unexpected ferocity. The movie's distinct, claustrophobic setting and the shift in dynamic from robbers to prey are also memorable elements that prompt searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the film predictable and unoriginal, suggesting it borrowed heavily from other thrillers and lacked genuine creativity.
Read the full reviewA critic praised the film for its organic tension and claustrophobic atmosphere, noting that it elevated the standard home invasion premise with stylish cruelty and cleverness.
Read the full reviewA horror fan highlighted the director's ability to subvert modern horror conventions, especially the use of silence for scares and the morally ambiguous characters.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer described the movie as a frightening slasher, noting that the blind man's ruthless savagery and the oppressive silence created intense, visceral suspense similar to "A Quiet Place."
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Don't Breathe" on Netflix, or rent/buy it on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray if you prefer a physical copy.
"Don't Breathe" is not based on a true story; it is a work of fiction. Director Fede Alvarez wanted to create an original horror film that focused on tension rather than gore, with the idea stemming from the concept of breaking into someone's house.
"Don't Breathe" has generally favorable reviews, with a Metascore of 71 out of 100 based on 39 critic reviews, and an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many find it to be a suspenseful and terrifying horror film.