Neighborhood Watch is a gripping and addictive film from start to finish

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Initially, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate when offered the chance to preview Neighborhood Watch. With Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Malin Akerman in the lineup (known from The Boys, The Walking Dead, and Watchmen respectively), one might assume a highly likeable and skilled cast, implying a decent movie, wouldn’t you agree?

The movie was fantastic – captivating from start to finish, just as suggested by the title of this article. Not once did I feel even the slightest bit restless or drawn away by other diversions; indeed, it was the sort of movie that’s truly great!

The movie’s storyline is simple initially, but later becomes complex. The character portrayed by Quaid, named Simon, struggles with what appears to be paranoid schizophrenia, possibly due to past mistreatment by his now-deceased father.

In the aftermath of living in a psychiatric facility for numerous years with his elder sister DeeDee (Akerman), he encounters a distressing situation where he sees a woman being abducted. Unfortunately, when he tries to reach out to the authorities, they are unresponsive due to his past mental health issues and prior altercations with law enforcement officers.

In desperation, he turns to his elderly neighbor, Mr. Deerman (Morgan), a former campus security officer, now presumed to be a widower. The two of them embark on a quest to discover the identity of this young girl, uncover her kidnapping motive, and identify her captor.

Since the movie depends greatly on subtle visual cues and hidden details, if you’re an attentive viewer, you’ll find this film particularly rewarding, just as I did.

In my perspective as a film critic, allow me to clarify what I meant in the following manner: I, as a viewer, found myself haunted by an ominous and malevolent male voice, which quickly became apparent that it belonged to none other than the protagonist’s deceased father.

Despite the film not explicitly confirming that Simon was physically abused by his father, numerous clues strongly suggest this. For instance, there is no mention of Mr. Deerman’s wife or family, but a fleeting shot of a picture frame with a young couple hints at a possible truth.

The movie, set in Alabama, is brimming with distinctly American symbolism. For instance, one of DeeDee’s clients carries a handbag adorned with an actual American flag design, and Mr. Deerman’s house is literally decorated in red, white, and blue. Additionally, the female characters significantly contribute to the narrative throughout the entire film.

In this household, DeeDee is the one who provides for everyone while balancing her job, attending night classes to become a nurse, and caring for her brother. Instead of the typical male pimp, it’s a woman – either a madam or a female pimp – who confronts Simon and Mr. Deerman when they suspect DeeDee might be an escort.

As a cinephile, I won’t ruin the climax for you, but here’s a hint: Another female character seems to hold the key to the mystery surrounding the missing woman. From start to finish, this movie masterfully dissects each scene with an almost flawless execution.

Upon being introduced, Mr. Deerman’s Magic 8 Ball proves very useful. Similarly, his hand sanitizer and secret safe concealed within a wall clock also come in handy immediately.

Above all else, it’s his constant clicking of the pen that stands out. The chemistry between Quaid and Morgan is exceptional; they thrive on screen together, with their contrasting personalities serving as the foundation for a strong bond of friendship.

If it came down to picking between Quaid and Morgan, I was utterly impressed by Quaid’s acting abilities. There’s no denying that you instantly empathize with and want to shield Simon.

The movie unflinchingly portrays the intense agony of his mental affliction, depicting episodes of violent anxiety, disjointed exclamations, and relentless internal battles against an oppressive voice in his mind. Furthermore, it doesn’t shy away from reflecting societal perceptions regarding mental illness as well.

Two standout moments in the story featured Quaid: one instance involved Mr. Deerman questioning about his condition, accompanied by Simon repeatedly adjusting Mr. Deerman’s car radio, increasing the volume and changing stations; another memorable scene was at the film’s end, when a police officer patted him on the back and said “good job”.

Literal waterworks. Simon probably never heard those words a day in his life.

In summary, although the movie’s conclusion doesn’t involve a miraculous cure for Simon’s illness, it remains authentic because Simon discovers a companion and means to deal with the spectral presence of his deceased father. Similarly, Mr. Deerman, who is now retired, may find that life at home and neglecting his health issues isn’t enough, but he too finds companionship and someone to assist him.

If this review fails to convince you, I’m at a loss for what could. Regardless of your preference for thriller genres, Neighborhood Watch is a film worth watching.

You won’t have someone holding your hand throughout, but rest assured, you won’t find yourself puzzled at the end. A big thank you goes out to Tiffical Public Relations and IFC for providing the screening of Neighborhood Watch.

Neighborhood Watch arrives in theaters April 25.

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2025-04-25 16:14