In a time where we are saturated with horror movies caring more about elaborate deaths that are painstakingly painful to watch, it is refreshing to have the pleasure of watching a movie that leaves you on the edge of your seat and proves less is more. Director Antti Jokinen and legendary film studio Hammer have made a pulse-pounding thriller that reminds us that it isn’t the amount of blood spilled that matters, but the chills that make us afraid to be alone. “The Resident,” while not without its flaws, is able to channel its inner Hitchcock.
The story centers on Juliet Devereau (Hilary Swank), a Brooklyn doctor trying to move past her failed marriage. Unable to stay in the house she once shared with her adulterous husband (Lee Pace), Juliet searches for a new place to live and, after a long search, finds a seemingly perfect apartment with a very gentlemanly landlord, Max (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Unfortunately, Juliet learns the hard way that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. After Max misconstrues friendship for something more, Juliet finds that she isn’t alone in her new apartment.
“The Resident” is a very chilling thriller that goes back to its roots and uses suspense that ultimately makes your skin crawl. Swank’s performance is pretty good. She is able to play a strong woman who is still a little frail, a much different role from her beefed-up self in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby.” Morgan steals the show with his portrayal of Max, playing someone with whom you would really want to hang out and have a beer but who would stab you in the back if you bought the wrong brand.
The plot is definitely nothing new — girl is jaded by cheating husband and moves into a new place alone, charming landlord is really bats-in-the-belfry crazy, and suspiciously creepy old guy isn’t really as creepy as he looks. The performances are what raise this rehashed story to new heights. It is a little sad that Hammer legend Christopher Lee is wasted in such a small part, but he still has such a presence that it isn’t hard for him to steal away the spotlight. The other problem is that Max’s backstory is so utterly clichéd and quickly glossed over that it is more boring than sympathetic.
Flaws and all, “The Resident” will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you with goose bumps. So if you’re a fan of old-school thrillers, definitely add this movie to your collection.
One of the most disappointing parts is that the Blu ray and DVD include only the trailer. I was hoping that with a movie coming from Hammer, there would be a plethora of special features. I would have at least been happy with a behind-the-scenes look or interview with some of the actors. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little more to his Blu ray or DVD, then you may be disappointed but should still be happy overall.
Film: 3.5 Yaps Special Features: .5 Yap