Shook

I was looking forward to Shook thinking that it would be another addition to the Skype/Cam subgenre, but in the end it is a classic thriller that doesn't really stand out. It's not intelligent, suspenseful or brutal enough – it’s phone calls and conversations than anything else. The opening murder with a heel is solid and the main character is quite likeable, the denouement is okay, but unfortunately I wasn't really into it. I found the whole thing too light and made for TV. The 4.4 on IMDB is appropriate. Story***, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence*, Entertainment**, Music**, Visuals**, Atmosphere***, Suspense**. 4.5/10. (19.02.2021)

An Instagram beauty influencer is at her sister’s place looking after the dog and is being terrified by an unknown attacker who quite convincingly claims that if she doesn’t fulfil the tasks he gives her, he will murder her friends. Shook makes extensive use of social networks, but it’s filmed in a normal way, it isn’t a new addition to the Skype/Zoom subgenre (like for instance Unfriended or Host). The craftsmanship is good, but the heroine didn’t earn my sympathy – the way she behaves and how she’s always texting both with the attacker and other people (for instance, that she never makes a typo in such stressful situation :) – but that’s a detail) felt annoying and ridiculous. But I did like the resolution; the core conflict feels solid and it could be the basis for a much better film. Unfortunately, the potential was not exploited, but for an average rating it is enough. (19.02.2021)