Shut In (2022) Review – A Tense but Preachy Redemption Thriller

Welcome to Knockout Horror. Today we are taking a look at the thriller movie Shut In from 2022.

A story of redemption

Shut In has a fairly simple premise that is based around the claustrophobic and desperate idea of being stuck in a very small space. Recovering drug addict Jessica gets stuck in a pantry. Her estranged husband, who is also a drug addict, lets her out only for her husband’s friend to manipulate him into putting her back in the pantry and boarding it up.

It is a really straightforward story and, as such, fairly self-contained. In fact, nearly the entire movie is spent in a claustrophobic room not much bigger than an en-suite bathroom. You can almost smell the piss and sweat. That might actually be the perfect segue depending on your view of the distributor.

Shut In is the first original movie to be distributed by The Daily Wire. The Daily Wire, for those who don’t know, is a conservative media and news site founded, in part, by Ben Shapiro. The controversial Shapiro has often pushed the narrative of Hollywood influencing people’s opinions, complaining about woke agendas and a left-leaning bias. It makes sense that the next logical step would be for them to try and do the same. Negative opinions on topics such as abortion, LGBTQ+ people and gun control aside, the influence of the right-leaning company isn’t overly stark here.

A controversial production company

Separating politics from media can be a difficult task. There will be people who want to avoid this movie. The thought of supporting such a problematic company will put people off which is totally understandable. There is some actual talent at work here, though. From acting to directing, this is a fairly well done movie. It seems, for the most part, as if the aforementioned media company stepped aside and let them get on with it.

“Some people will find the Christian themes too on the nose. Others may feel as though this is something of a Trojan horse – a subtle attempt at projecting the views of a controversial, right-wing media company.”

With the above being said, however, this does feel like a movie made with a specific subset of people in mind – a group of people that believe that all are worthy of redemption in God’s eyes… Well, nearly all. Jessica has been seeking her redemption. She finds some of it in a thick Bible she reads while trapped. Indeed, one specific psalm is read aloud bringing her to tears. This is very much a story about a woman trapped (literally) and finding God.

There is a distinct feeling that the movie was made to get this message across. The moralising does dull the tension, as well. For the most part, the message of recovery is a good one, be it through religion or self-improvement. It would be negligent of me, as a reviewer, to not mention it, though.

Some people will feel irked at the Christian themes here. Some will find them too on the nose. Others may feel as though this is something of a Trojan horse – a subtle attempt at projecting the views of a controversial, right-wing media company. Others will be able to overlook it and simply enjoy the film.

A pretty tense thriller

If we take all of the above and put it to one side for a bit, what we have here is a tense little thriller that is actually worth a watch. Rainey Qualley, as Jessica, is generally decent. A few of her earlier interactions with the children can feel awkward. She doesn’t have a particularly expressive face, either. Despite this, she does a pretty good job.

“Nearly the entire movie is spent in a claustrophobic room not much bigger than an en-suite bathroom. You can almost smell the piss and sweat.”

Luciana VanDette, as daughter Lainey, is fantastic. The pair come across as a believable little family. You thoroughly buy into the fact that Jessica is trying her best having, perhaps, not been there for her children in the past. She is learning how to be a mother and that is presented warts and all.

Taking place, for the most part, in a tiny room, Jessica spends much of her time attempting to find a way out. Her daughter, Lainey, does her best to provide tools for her, running outside to fetch a screwdriver, but she is of little help. The tension mounts as we realise that she, perhaps, forgot to lock the door. It’s fairly compelling stuff. The addition of the husband’s friend with a troubling history serves to up the tension. Played by Vincent Gallo in an absolute highlight of the film, Sammy is an unhinged character full of malice.

Decent directing but fairly dull

Sound use in this movie is fantastic. The footsteps of Lainey as she runs around the house echo through the room. You can hear doors being slammed, locks turning and Jessica’s young baby crying. This brings a surprising amount of tension to the movie. The sounds throughout the house work to almost extend the pantry into a bigger location. That is noteworthy as the pantry is very claustrophobic.

“The pantry is very claustrophobic, but well set up shots help to expand the limited space. A multitude of camera angles are used to keep things fresh.”

Well set up shots by director D.J. Caruso help to expand the limited space. Despite an ugly fish-eye lens style effect leading to tons of soft focus, a multitude of camera angles are used to keep things fresh. It is hard to imagine some people not finding this location too small, though. Even though the pacing is generally okay, many will likely get bored. The film can be dull, at times, and will struggle to keep your attention. That’s without mentioning the glaring plot holes. It is difficult not to be frustrated at Jessica for her inability to do the obvious.

An ending that feels a little problematic for its use of children wraps things up. It is, at times, uncomfortable viewing. I question the use of children in movies; the latter scenes of Shut In are no exception. Still, the film maintains some tension for its final stanza. As predictable as it is, it seeks to reinforce the movie’s religious message of redemption. Again, the moralising feels painfully on the nose, but given the movie’s theme it makes sense.

Our Scoring Philosophy: A Fair Fight

Horror is a genre that thrives thanks to indie film makers and low budget creators. At Knockout Horror, we firmly believe that every movie that we review deserves a fair fight. That's why we grade on a curve. Our star ratings are all about context, judging a film on what it achieves with the resources it has.

A 4-star rating for a scrappy indie horror made for $10,000 is a testament to its ingenuity and raw power. A 4-star rating for a $100 million blockbuster means it delivered on its epic promises. We don't compare them side-by-side; we celebrate success in every weight class, from the back-alley brawler to the heavyweight champion. Please keep this in mind when considering star ratings.

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