It’s sterling cinema.
InPsycho’swake lies a vast swathe of films that have been directly inspired by the former’s flair and verve.
Later, Antal would direct the underratedAdrien Brody-ledPredatorsand the well-receivedMetallica: Through the Never.
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
Antal also directed 2023’sRetribution, starringLiam Neeson,Noma Dumezweni, andMatthew Modine.
What Is ‘Vacancy’ About?
As far as opening title designs go, it’s a winner.
Vacancy: A young married couple becomes stranded at an isolated motel where they discover hidden cameras in their room. As the unsettling reality of their situation unfolds, they must find a way to escape, realizing they are targeted to become the next victims of a sinister scheme.
They bicker and allude to a tragedy from the past, as well as their fast-unraveling marriage.
They trade many a passive-aggressive barb, especially when David swerves violently to avoid an audacious raccoon.
The charismatic actor became Hitchcock’s most important collaborator.
When their Sedan starts to make worrying sounds, they cruise into an ancient gas station to seek help.
Looming beyond the refilling relic is the flashing neon edifice belonging to the Pinewood Motel.
The motel inVacancyhas all the trappings of a great horror movie locale.
To the average traveler, the place could be any run-of-the-mill pitstop.
Wilson is well-cast in the role.
His initial frustration and fatigue ultimately give way to adrenaline-driven strategizing.
Likewise, Kate Beckinsale is solid as Amy.
Initially quarrelsome, her pain manifests in her defensiveness.
Ultimately, she and her husband are forced to become indomitable again in spite of their problems.
Without each other, in their given circumstance, the terrifying threat outside prevails.
And what a threat it is.
But it’s not long after the initial disturbance thatthe couple realizes something seriously sinister is afoot.
The master of suspense would surely applaud some of the sequences threaded into the plot.
There’s perhaps another quick little nod toPsychoas well later on.
Perhaps it was a swamp not unlike Marion Crane’s vehicle’s final resting place?
The roving camerawork inVacancyvery much harnesses the terror of such a scenario.
And in a most welcome move that truly effective score is reintroduced as the morning light fades.
Vacancyis now streaming on Starz in the U.S.
WATCH ON STARZ
