Not What You Expect

Rating: 10/10 (15 April 2007)

In the opening scene of the thriller "Disturbia", Kale Brecht (Shia LaBeouf) and his father Daniel (Matt Craven) enjoy trout fishing in the mountains, spending some great father-son time. Kale's father is killed in a horrifying accident on the trip back home. A year later Kale punches his Spanish teacher, who goads him about his late father. Being still a minor, Kale is placed under literal house arrest for 3 months shackled with ankle bracelet tracking device. Yes, Kale is doing Martha Stewart time without the privileges. He is imprisoned in "Disturbia". His Mom Julie (Carrie-Anne Moss) is none too pleased. Julie is also dealing with the tragic loss; however, her compassion and patience are wearing. Director D.J. Caruso is an expert in providing relevant context, setting the rules of the game, and building menace and tension. Shia LaBeouf gives a spirited and captivating performance as Kale. LaBeouf breathes an authenticity in troubled teenager Kale. His Kale harbors a deep seeded guilt, and at the same time is smart, possessing a sense of humor. Caruso and his writers Christopher Landon and Carl Ellsworth keep this thriller noir fresh set in the tech world of XBox games, picture phones, and wireless access. "Disturbia" is understated, and an amazingly executed thriller.
Caruso effectively creates the confines of "Disturbia". Kale is on a short leash in his house arrest. If he travels outside tracking bracelet's perimeter, he has 30 seconds to get back or the police are summoned. In his slacker seclusion, Kale becomes a casual voyeur of the neighborhood. One of the objects of his attention is his stunningly beautiful neighbor, Ashley (Sarah Roemer). After all, he is a teenage boy, and Ashley is his age. Joining Kale in his voyeuristic pursuits is his bud Ronnie (Aaron Yoo). In his observations Kale becomes convinced that the mysterious Mr. Taylor (David Morse) is a serial killer. Kale soon enrolls Ashley and Ronnie in this obsession. Or is there some truth in this premise? Director Caruso brilliantly navigates the creepiness line of this apparent voyeurism. In a surprisingly touching scene, Kale comes clean with Ashley (Roemer). He says that when he sees Ashley looking at herself in the mirror he knows it is not out of vanity, but that she is really asking, "Who am I?"
"Disturbia" is smart and populated by smart characters. David Morse brings a quiet visceral menace to Mr. Turner. This also works that Morse is a towering and powerful presence. Sarah Roemer does a star turn as Ashley. Roemer is beautiful and charismatic. She wonderfully leverages her character's intelligence and charm. Carrie-Anne Moss is great, and is so believable as Kale's suffering mother. As Julie, Moss embodies both strength and exasperation. Ultimately, "Disturbia" works because of Shia LaBeouf. LaBeouf's Kale comes across as a real teenager just dealing with all that comes along with growing up. At times he is brash, and other times he is vulnerable. LaBeouf also masterfully hints at the strength and character that reside within Kale.
"Disturbia" is an engrossing thriller, and a surprising hero's tale. D.J. Caruso effectively lays the context for his story and fleshes out his characters. Shia LaBeouf gives a wonderful performance along with the rest of the cast in this smart and taut thriller. Amazingly, "Disturbia" is not what you would expect.