The Den (2013) Directed by Zachary Donohue




Well, I sort of like these 'modern take on the "Rear Window" concept' type of movies but at the same time, they also still always seem and feel to be lacking something.

All I can say is that I hope that these type of movies don't become a trend. There are good as a novelty but it seems that there is only so much you can do with the genre. It's kind of like the found footage genre in that regard; once you have seen one of them you have seen them all. Guess you can say that these type of movies are part of the found footage movies as well, only with a more modern twist to them. Perhaps it's part of the evolution of the genre and we are starting to see a shift but like I said; I just don't hope this will become the new and next big trend in horror.

But having said all of that; this movie is still pretty good and enjoyable for what it is. It does a good job building some good mystery and suspense, though at the same time, it's still somewhat disappointing that the movie isn't providing some more answers at times as well. Sometimes it's fine for a movie that not everything gets ever totally revealed and explained but that's only when the story is providing the movie with plenty of other interesting plot lines, twists and developments. Other than its one main mystery, there isn't much else to the story of this particular movie though in my opinion.

And despite the fact that it's only about 75 minutes short, the movie still feels overlong. Guess that's just one of the problems with genre; there is only so much you can do with it before things start to drag and the movie starts to repeat itself with its themes and occurrences.

There is still plenty of creativity in this movie as well though. It does surprise at times and it does bring you to the edge of your seat at parts. It all makes this a perfectly watchable movie, especially if you haven't seen any type of movies like this already.

The acting is also pretty good. Certainly convincing enough and the movie in general also has a sort of realistic and authentic feeling to it. They certainly took some time to research their subject and didn't just come up with a bunch of technical nonsense that would be impossible in real life.

A pretty good little horror/thriller despite its limitations.

6/10

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