Alex McAulay (Flower) makes his directorial debut with the film that centers on two brothers (Fionn Whitehead, Jack Dylan Grazer) who are struggling with life. Their father has passed away and their mother (Mena Suvari) is gravely ill. When the brothers break into a home and steal a large sum of money they think it will make their lives easier but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Moments after leaving the house they are spotted by a security guard (Rainn Wilson) who gives chase. When the man falls into a hidden well the brothers have a choice to make, but they both have their own ideas about what to do with him.
The main focus of the film is relationships between family members and the young man’s budding relationship with the stranger in the hole. Like most siblings, there is a complex relationship between the brothers. The eldest brother, Matt (Whitehead) is a domineering, abusive boy who uses his age, popularity, size, and the family’s situation to push and manipulate his younger brother Joey. Joey is a kind, gentle, soft-spoken, and confused young man. Because of his situation, he is so desperate for attention and approval that he makes friends with a killer. Think about that for a second.
Jack Dylan Grazer does a fantastic job playing Joey. He captures his character’s sadness and desperation so well. Even though this character is doing bad things like robbing an old lady and helping a killer, you can’t help but find empathy for him and that is key.
As for our other main character, Mr. Hamby, played by Rainn Wilson, even though he’s a bad man you almost feel for him. While at first his relationship with Joey appears to be a matter of survival, in the end, they seem to have a genuine bond. And as always, Wilson doesn’t disappoint.
Besides being interesting, unique, and clever, Don’t Tell a Soul looks good. The cinematography is great. And I really appreciate that special effects are kept simple and realistic. The film is laid out simply and tells a good story without making things over complicated. It builds tension well and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.
Don’t Tell a Soul is a great watch. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy on DVD or Blu-ray on March 16, 2021, from Lionsgate.
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