Held is distributed by Bulldog Distribution, directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing and stars Jill Awbrey and Bart Johnson. Held is set for digital and DVD release 25th April 2022.
Synopsis
A couple’s ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey.
Review
Held is a chilling thriller which sets out to flood the mind with questions of “whodunnit” right from the outset. The film centres around a married couple, Emma and Henry Barrett (Jill Awbrey and Bart Johnson), who plan to spend their anniversary together in a secluded house in peace and tranquility. But quickly things begin to happen that makes them feel uncomfortable. The house is being watched by a mysterious being who has complete control over the house and in turn the Barretts.
The Barretts must perform set tasks that make them the “perfect couple” some of which are less savoury than the others and if these tasks aren’t completed or they refuse then they feel the consequences in the form of high pitched frequencies sent to an implant behind the ear with crippling effects. As the film goes along you see that the Barretts are far from the perfect couple as skeletons start coming out the closet in the form of dark secrets.
This is the first time I’ve seen a film directed by Travis Cluff and I felt overall the film was a decent watch, the direction was gritty and the story was dark which blends together making a good all round thriller. The many twists and turns of the film will literally have you second guessing throughout the film with an ending you definitely won’t expect (no spoilers).
I felt the combination of Jill Awbrey and Bart Johnson as the disfunctional couple was a perfect casting, they had plenty of on screen chemistry that made the story feel more relatable and looked believable.
Verdict
A dark and twisty tale which certainly keeps the audience guessing. Held deals with some hard hitting content but all in service of its story. A must-watch for thriller fans.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
