Don't Breathe 2 (2021) Movie Review

“Don’t Breathe 2” takes audiences on a wild ride through the unexpected story of Gulf War veteran Norman Nordstrom, who was first introduced in the 2016 original hit film, “Don’t Breathe”. The sequel takes place eight years after the events of the first movie, and this time, the story revolves around Norman’s relationship with a young girl named Phoenix whom he has raised as his own daughter. The film introduces new characters, new twists, and a new location, but it still maintains the thrilling, intense, and darkly humorous atmosphere that made the first film such a success.

The film's premise revolves around the idea of a second group of people attempting to break into Norman's home to steal something valuable from him. It's an unlikely scenario, but it sets the stage for an entertaining and suspenseful story. The script is co-written by Rodo Sayagues and Fede Alvarez, who also directed the first film. This time, Sayagues takes on the role of director, and the result is a film that expands on the universe of the first movie while still offering something new and exciting.

One of the most significant differences between the two films is that the first took place entirely in and around Norman's home, while the sequel takes audiences out of that familiar setting. Norman is no longer confined to the walls of his home, and this creates a more open and expansive feel for the film. The story is set in a dilapidated Detroit neighborhood, and while the setting is different, the filmmakers still manage to create an atmosphere that is just as intense and suspenseful as the original.

The film's opening scene is a long tracking shot through Norman's house at the start of the break-in. It's an impressive sequence that showcases the complicated choreography and camerawork that is present throughout the film. Lang's shock of white hair and sinewy frame create a formidable presence on screen, and his growls and physical steeliness create an air of menace that is hard to ignore.

The film's title, "Don't Breathe 2," might seem like an odd choice given the current pandemic, but it's a reference to the first film's tense atmosphere, where characters had to be silent in order to avoid detection. In the sequel, the tension is still present, but it's not as tight as in the original. While the film has its fair share of twists and turns, it never quite matches the novelty and thrills of the first movie.

The film's central relationship revolves around Norman and Phoenix, the young girl he has raised as his own daughter. Norman is a complex character who has a brutal past, and the film attempts to rehabilitate him by showing his good-hearted efforts to protect Phoenix. Lang delivers an impressive performance, and audiences will find themselves rooting for him even though they know about his dark past.

One of the film's subplots revolves around an organ trafficking ring, and while it feels wedged-in awkwardly, it does add a layer of intrigue and danger to the story. Additionally, there's a subplot involving a nearby children's shelter that ties into Phoenix's backstory. The film attempts to balance these subplots with the main storyline, but it occasionally feels like there are too many things going on at once.

The film's use of silence, creaking doors, and plodding footsteps in the first half creates a sense of dread and anticipation that leads to the gruesome, bloody violence and vivid sound design that dominate the second half. Through it all, Grace meets the physical demands of her role, but there's not much to her character otherwise. Phoenix is constantly reacting, either using the survival tools her "father" taught her or taking in new information about her true identity.

In conclusion, "Don't Breathe 2" is a worthy sequel to its predecessor, but it doesn't quite match up to the novelty and thrills of the original. While the film takes some risks by attempting to rehabilitate the character of Norman, played by Stephen Lang, it doesn't quite land the landing, and there is a lingering queasiness that remains despite his good-hearted efforts. The film does, however, have some style on display, including an impressive long tracking shot at the start of the break-in, and Lang delivers a formidable performance as always. The movie also takes a standard home-invasion thriller and turns it into something wilder and weirder, with twists that go from intriguing to insane. While there are some flaws in the film, such as the wedged-in subplots and the lack of depth in the character of Phoenix, the film is still an entertaining and engaging horror movie that fans of the genre will enjoy.