Twisted
The brief
Bousman trades his usual gore-fest approach for a slow-burn cat-and-mouse game that builds genuine dread through paranoia rather than blood splatter. Hounsou commands every scene he's in with quiet menace, while LaVera and Healey nail the entitled millennial energy without making their characters completely unlikable. The apartment setting becomes increasingly claustrophobic as the power dynamics shift, turning familiar spaces into something sinister. Perfect for fans of Don't Breathe or anyone who wants their scammer protagonists to get properly terrorized.
The verdict
If you love psychological horror that builds tension through paranoia and shifting power dynamics rather than gore, this is a must-watch showcase for Hounsou's menacing presence. If you're expecting Bousman's usual blood-soaked mayhem or have zero tolerance for morally questionable protagonists getting their comeuppance, skip this slow-burn approach.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for maximum tension
- 👥 Friends who love psychological horror
- ⚠️ Skip if you're sensitive to scammer schemes
Heads up
- Psychological manipulation and threats (moderate)
- Claustrophobic apartment confinement (moderate)
- Likely jump scares and sudden violence (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Darren Lynn Bousman
- Cast
- Djimon Hounsou, Lauren LaVera, Mia Healey, Neal McDonough, Alicia Witt, Gina Philips, David Call
Official synopsis
Two millennials make quick money by leasing incredible New York City apartments they don’t own to people who
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both feature psychological cat-and-mouse games with violent, unpredictable antagonists.
