Sometimes, it’s better to understand what you’re getting yourself into rather than dealing with the conscientious consequences of having decided to watch it. I’ve watched my fair share of controversial films like Cannibal Holocaust, which is infamous for its scenes depicting animal abuse, as well as Victor Salva’s notorious Clownhouse, where the director was accused of sexual abuse by the film’s young stars during post-production then later convicted of the crime. Now, I am not the type to tell anyone what they can and can’t do. And though the trailer looks harrowing, before you decide to see Shut In, it may be best that you know there are also plenty of reasons not to. Controversy has surrounded this production since it started. Caruso, who brought us Eagle Eye, Disturbia, Taking Lives, and The Salton Sea. Shut In‘s trailer tell us that the film is directed by D.J. Hell, the movie even looks like it has potential, but as I started researching the film to write up, various red flags surrounding the film began to pop up. Shut In looks like a low-budget indie film but has all the markers of a much larger Hollywood production. This week, Shut In kept rearing its head in my search for the Trailer of the Week. Or maybe it’s something written in the synopsis of the trailer on YouTube. Maybe it’s a big-name Hollywood actor, actress, or director in a low-budget production. Caruso masterfully orchestrates this symphony of suspense, albeit a twenty-piece symphony, but a symphony nonetheless.Have you ever watched a trailer, and though the plot seemed clear, you didn’t understand something. But, as small as this is, you’re in for an engaging ride, and it sets a good standard for any indie filmmaker wanting to try this genre. I prefer my thrillers to be much bigger in scope with car chases, computer hacking, and ticking timebombs. Shut In is a good start for a very new production company. The highlight is the non-verbal glances between a few grams of meth and her mother’s Bible. But, unfortunately, she’s trapped by those demons in her past. She hits the right note as a woman struggling to get beyond her mistakes and better her family’s life. There’s more to her role than just acting scared and yelling through a door. The entire movie rests on the fantastic performance of Rainey Qualley. Considering the budget and that this is the first feature from Daily Wire, it’s loaded with a lot of formerly disillusioned production talent grateful for a chance to make a high-quality film outside the Hollywood system, and it shows. Everything from composition to camera movement to lighting is top-notch. Though it doesn’t have the feel of a big cinematic thriller, Caruso manages to build a high level of suspense in such a small space, as the action is beautifully shot. The fact that the entire thing is shot in a single location and that for seventy percent of the runtime, it takes place in a pantry is more than enough of a tip-off. But, there’s an even worse problem, as he brought his friend Sammy (Vincent Gallo) along, who everyone suspects is a child molester. Unfortunately, Rob shows up to let her out. As the house is secluded, little Lainey is unable to help. While preparing to move, Jessica gets stuck in the large kitchen pantry (I would kill for it) and can’t get out. She’s currently living in the dilapidated home of her deceased mother and getting ready to sell the house, cash out, and get as far away from her drug-addict ex-husband Rob (Jake Horowitz) as possible. Jessica (Rainey Qualley) is a recently separated mother of toddler Lainey (Luciana VanDette) and her infant son. So let’s save the politics for the comments section and dive right into this thriller. I will say the trailer makes it look like a Christian thriller, but it’s not (thank God!). After watching this, I can claim that it has very little to do with the site’s main content. I personally don’t read it, but it’s not hard to figure out their bent. Caruso and writer Melanie Toast’s Shut In is the first feature film coming out of the infamous website Daily Wire.
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