Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2008)

What would you do if you believed your next-door neighbor was a serial killer? Disturbia (2007) takes this question to an intense new level. After being put on house arrest for the entire three months of summer, 17-year-old Kale Brecht (Shia LeBeouf) has resorted to spying on his neighbors to pass the time. This is all very entertaining at first, but when reports of missing girls appear on the news, Kale begins to suspect his next-door neighbor is the serial killer. Kale has no hard evidence, and the only people who believe him are his two friends. Not being able to leave his house without setting off an alarm, Kale and his friends must feverishly work to find the proof they need in a race for time against a cold blooded killer.
This action-packed thriller will have you gripping the edge of your seat, as well as laughing at the comedic personalities of Kale and his friends. The characters alter the mood of the movie by adding a surprising comic relief in key parts, making this movie as much of a romantic comedy as it is a horror film. But don't be fooled, the terrifying sequence of events, enhanced by a key selection of music and sound will keep you on your toes and constantly guessing. The director, D.J. Caruso, gives the audience a unique perspective into Kales' thoughts by means of his camera and his binoculars, which he is cleverly using to spy on his neighbor. The camera adds symbolic meaning by allowing the viewer to see the situation through Kales' eyes. Along with the entertaining character personalities, the setting really does a lot to draw the viewer in. Low lighting enhances the disturbing mood, and paired with a mixture of close up shots, this really shows the fear within the characters. Medium shots are also used, especially during the scene where Kale decides to break into his neighbors house in search of his friend who goes missing, to allow for the possibility of surprise to jump out from around every corner: this movie will leave the viewer in a constant state of suspense. Set in the suburbs, this movie really makes you wonder; "Could there be a killer living next to me?" making this film a nail-biting horror must see.
I would give this movie five stars, for the captivating performance of the lead actors, as well as the action packed, mind gripping plot. D.J. Caruso did an amazing job at updating the classic Rear Window. By adding a few modern elements such as cameras, an updated plot, and a talented cast of young actors; Disturbia has set new standards for the chilling "serial killer neighbor" movie. Anyone who is in need of a suspenseful, action packed, yet witty movie, look no farther. Disturbia will have you jumping out of your seat. Just remember "Every killer lives next to someone."