Don't Breathe

Don't Breathe

Year: 2016

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Fede Alvarez

ThrillerHorrorCrime

In this chilling thriller, Norman Nordstrom's peaceful existence is shattered when his dark past comes back to haunt him. Years after a brutal home invasion, the notorious Norman must confront the demons he thought he'd left behind.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Don't Breathe yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Don't Breathe (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Don't Breathe (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, allowing the characters to interact with modern technology and social issues such as crime and poverty. The characters' struggles are reflective of current societal themes, emphasizing their desperation to escape their troubled circumstances.

Location

Detroit, a rundown neighborhood

The movie takes place in Detroit, a city known for its rich history and decline in population and economic downturn. Within this backdrop, the specific focus is on a rundown neighborhood, characterized by condemned houses and a stark atmosphere. The Blind Man's house, the only occupied residence, embodies the eerie essence of isolation amidst desolation.

🏙️ City 🏚️ Abandoned

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Main Characters – Don't Breathe (2016)
Meet the key characters of Don't Breathe (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rocky (Jane Levy)

Rocky is a determined young woman driven by her desire to escape her abusive home life for a better future with her sister. Her character showcases resilience, resourcefulness, and vulnerability as she navigates the high-stakes situation. She transforms from a petty thief into a fierce survivor, grappling with intense trauma and moral dilemmas.

👧 Young 🔗 Survivor

Alex (Dylan Minnette)

Alex is a sensitive and conflicted character torn between his feelings for Rocky and the moral implications of their heist. He initially hesitates to rob the Blind Man, highlighting his internal struggle with ethics amidst pressure from Money and Rocky. His journey ultimately leads to tragic repercussions.

👦 Moral Dilemma ❤️ Conflicted

Money (Daniel Zovatto)

Money serves as the catalyst for the heist, embodying the reckless pursuit of wealth. He is impulsive and courageous but ultimately becomes a victim of his own hubris and underestimates the Blind Man. His character arc illustrates the risks of criminal ambition and the consequences of underestimating adversaries.

💵 Ambitious 🏴‍☠️ Reckless

Blind Man (Stephen Lang)

The Blind Man is a complex antagonist, a war veteran whose tragic past drives his brutal actions. Though physically vulnerable due to his blindness, he proves to be resourceful and cunning, turning the tides on his would-be robbers. His character serves as a chilling reminder of how trauma can manifest and impact others.

🧔 Veteran ⚔️ Ruthless

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Major Themes – Don't Breathe (2016)
Explore the central themes of Don't Breathe (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💸 Desperation

The theme of desperation runs throughout the film, as the characters resort to crime in hopes of improving their dire situations. Rocky's determination to create a better life for her sister exemplifies this craving for escape. However, their choices lead to unexpected consequences that culminate in a dangerous confrontation.

👀 Morality

Morality is heavily questioned in the storyline, especially as the protagonists plot to rob a blind veteran. The film challenges the audience to consider whether they can justify their actions against the supposed vulnerability of their target. It showcases how ethical lines blur when desperation sets in.

👥 Survival

Survival becomes a prominent theme as Rocky and Alex fight for their lives while being hunted by the Blind Man. Their struggle highlights the instinctual drive to escape dire predicaments, ultimately transforming Rocky into a figure of resilience. This theme also explores the emotional scars left by their traumatic encounter.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Similar Movies to Don't Breathe
Discover movies like Don't Breathe that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.