Last night, the Horror Channel showcased the premiere of a new home invasion thriller, “Wired Shut.” The storyline revolves around an author named Reed, now past his prime, who suffers from a wired jaw due to an accident. As his daughter Emmy drops in for a brief visit before heading off to London for college, viewers are privy to the strained relationship between the two.
The unique aspect of this movie is its quiet nature, stemming from Reed’s inability to speak. However, the silence becomes more complicated when Emmy’s boyfriend unexpectedly arrives. Viewers soon discover that Emmy’s return isn’t just a simple visit; she and her boyfriend have ulterior motives, plotting to rob her father. The plot thickens when things spiral out of control, leading the boyfriend to hold both Emmy and Reed captive. Unfortunately, “Wired Shut” struggles to hold the audience’s attention. Its main flaw is the dearth of suspense, essential for any thriller. Those who endured it might find the little dialogue poorly penned and the storyline dragging. The repetitive musical score, meant to compensate for the silence, unfortunately adds to the monotony rather than alleviating it.
While silent films can be intriguing, “Wired Shut” misses the mark, making it seem more like an experiment gone wrong rather than a well-thought-out masterpiece. It’s a tedious journey leading to a less than fulfilling end. This movie sadly falls into the category of films that might be best left unwatched.
Expanding upon the initial overview, the film tries to tap into the psychological horror genre. It employs a unique narrative tool: a protagonist who cannot verbalize his emotions or thoughts. Reed, the once-acclaimed author, is rendered speechless, both literally and metaphorically. This, in theory, should create an intense atmosphere of suspense, with viewers leaning in to decipher his silent screams.
However, the film’s potential is hamstrung by its execution. While silence can be golden and powerful in cinema, here it feels more like a void than a tool. The story, though peppered with promising twists, seems to meander without a clear direction. Emmy’s complex relationship with her father, which could have been the emotional core of the story, is unfortunately left underdeveloped. This lack of depth in their relationship makes the boyfriend’s interference and the subsequent conflict feel forced rather than organic.
Furthermore, the supporting characters fail to add layers to the narrative. Instead of enhancing the storyline, they seem to muddle it, leaving more questions than answers. In a world where cinematic content is abundant, “Wired Shut” unfortunately doesn’t rise to the occasion. It’s a classic case of a great idea that got lost in its execution, leaving viewers yearning for what could have been.