Panic Room - A Movie Review

Hurry, get inside the panic room! You’ll be safe there!

Panic Room was released into theaters in 2002. A mother and daughter move into a new house equipped with a panic room in a townhouse in Manhattan. One night, three burglars trespass. In the fight of their lives, Meg and Sarah must fight to protect themselves inside the locked doors of the panic room.

Panic Room is the right suspenseful movie to make you feel on the edge of your seat. It is a well-acted thriller that hits the mark with subtle nuances. Movies have to learn that you don’t have to tell the audience everything. Based on reactions and behavior, Panic Room succeeds at a terrific story and outstanding characterization.

Jodie Foster is the core of this film. She puts in every act of courage, love, and determination. Foster inhabits her part. Her character inspired audiences to keep fighting when all hope is deemed lost. My favorite scene of all is when she is having a serious talk with a police officer. Acting through acting is a challenge in itself, but we have to test our abilities.

As Foster’s daughter, Kristin Stewart impressed me. You cannot judge an actor based on their history in film. Stewart is incredible and I admire how she constantly supports and helps her mother through this frightening dilemma.

Foster and Stewart captured a meaningful mother-daughter relationship. Their relationship is a central part of the film. A child supporting their parent is something that needs to be recognized more in entertainment. Their trust and sarcasm were great to watch and grow.

Panic Room is also a great example of those with medical conditions. Don’t let illness get in your way. As Stewart does in the film, putting yourself in a different mindset will help you fight.

Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, and Jared Leto’s interactions as the burglars were hilarious, and at the same time disturbing. I was most impressed by Yoakam. All three actors delivered outstanding performances and are easily memorable.

At times, I felt like I was watching a new rendition of Home Alone. Getting into the panic room proves to be difficult. The burglars use a variety of approaches to try to get in. Unfortunately, they don’t have their luck leading to more bickering. Overall, it made the film more entertaining giving audiences a break from the suspense.

The cinematography and editing were constructed very well. I loved the camera angles especially when the camera would move through little cracks of a house that you are incapable of looking into.

One of my favorite scenes took place when the burglars are distracted, arguing at the bottom of a staircase, while Foster manages to sneak out of the panic room. If this is not a scene-stealer, I don’t know what is.

David Fincher excelled in the story, characterization and flawless direction. I am impressed by his concentration, engaging the terror of a well-paced original story. However, some characters don’t feel necessary to the film. And a big question that has sparked discussion is why a recently divorced woman would buy a gigantic house for herself and her daughter.

If you have not seen Panic Room just be aware that it is an intense film to sit through. I think that this is a highly underrated movie because I was surprised that there wasn’t more hype when I came across it. The first time I watched Panic Room I actually wanted to stand up and applaud for the terrific acting and story. If you have a night to yourself, watch Panic Room. You won’t regret it.