MOVIE REVIEW: YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT

Strange events plague a couple and their young daughter when they rent a secluded countryside house that has a dark past.

Director: David Koepp

Cast: Kevin Bacon, Amanda Seyfried, Avery Essex, Geoff Bell, Lowri-Ann Richards

Release Date: June 18, 2020

Genres: Horror, Mystery

Rated R for some violence, disturbing images, sexual content and language

Runtime: 1h 33min

Review:

You Should Have Left is the definition of a forgettable horror thriller.  David Koepp’s film is interesting enough but it always hints at bigger idea and themes but it never follows through on its promise.  Koepp’s visual style is striking enough to keep things engaging especially once the house starts opening up.  Kevin Bacon is more than capable in the lead but there are weird tonal shifts that pop up throughout the film which makes maintaining any sort of tension a Herculean task.  Amanda Seyfried does what she can but it’s a thinly written role that leaves her feeling more like a plot tool than a fully realized character.   Avery Essex is a surprisingly effective child actress which is to the film’s benefit.  Sadly, the film itself is a mixed bag of clichés and unrealized ideas which leave you with the impression that there is a better film in there somewhere. 

C