You Should Have Left (2020) Movie Review

The horror genre has always been an interesting space for filmmakers to explore. The genre demands a certain level of creativity, imagination, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what audiences can handle. It's a genre that has given us some of the most iconic films of all time, from classics like "The Exorcist" and "The Shining" to modern masterpieces like "Get Out" and "Hereditary." Unfortunately, "You Should Have Left," the latest horror film from director David Koepp and starring Kevin Bacon, fails to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.

Despite the excitement that surrounded the film's release, there are few reasons to celebrate "You Should Have Left." Kevin Bacon's return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus is certainly a noteworthy event, as is his reunion with director David Koepp, who helmed the star's "Stir of Echoes" back in 1999. Koepp's previous directorial efforts like "The Trigger Effect" and "Premium Rush" have shown that he's more than capable of delivering genre thrills, but unfortunately, "You Should Have Left" falls short of expectations.

Based on a novella by Daniel Kehlmann, "You Should Have Left" follows screenwriter Theo Conroy (played by Kevin Bacon), who has become famous following the death of his wife. She died from an overdose, and Theo was accused of contributing to her death. He has always maintained his innocence, but the public's perception of him has been forever tarnished. Theo has since remarried to Susanna (played by Amanda Seyfried), an actress who is nothing more than a non-character. The film attempts to explore the dynamic between an older man and a younger woman, but fails to do so in any meaningful way.

Theo, Susanna, and Ella (played by Avery Tiiu Essex) decide to take a trip to a secluded home in Wales to escape the pressures of their everyday lives. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when they discover that the house is not what it seems. Doors lead to staircases that shouldn't exist, lights turn on and off on their own, and someone has written a cryptic message in Theo's notebook. The house is playing games with them, and they are powerless to stop it.

The concept of a house that plays with space and time is certainly an interesting one, but unfortunately, Koepp fails to deliver on the promise of the premise. The house lacks the personality and character of iconic horror settings like the Overlook Hotel from "The Shining" or the homes from Blumhouse hits like "Sinister" or "Paranormal Activity." The scares in "You Should Have Left" are too few and far between, and the film lacks the atmosphere and tension that is essential to any good horror film.

Even Kevin Bacon, a talented actor who has delivered some fantastic performances throughout his career, seems lost in this film. He's unable to sell the immediacy of the film's more intense moments, and his character is given little to do beyond wander around the house and look scared. The rest of the cast is equally underutilized, with Amanda Seyfried's character serving as little more than eye candy.

In conclusion, "You Should Have Left" is a disappointing addition to the horror genre. Despite the talent involved, the film fails to deliver on its promise and falls short of expectations. It might have worked better as a shorter episode of an anthology series, but as a feature-length film, it lacks the substance and scares needed to keep audiences engaged. If you're a die-hard horror fan, you might find something to enjoy here, but for everyone else, there are better horror films out there worth your time.