‘You might be next’
Don’t Blink – aka Last Stop – is a 2010 American psychological horror film written and directed by Travis Oates. It stars Mena Suvari, Brian Austin Green, Joanne Kelly, and Zack Ward, who also produced.
The concept grew out of Oates’ desire to write a horror film with no villain, no blood, and no deaths. As an avowed fan of Hitchcock, Oates incorporated homage into the film. The snow was unplanned and was worked into the script during production.
A group of ten friends visit a remote resort, which they subsequently find empty. As they attempt to find out what happened to the other guests, they are horrified to find that they too are disappearing…
Reviews [may contain spoilers]:
“All in all, Don’t Blink is a refreshing take on a brainy thriller that is certainly worth a watch. While it may leave more questions than it answers, its star talent and fresh approach to the horror genre make this a worthwhile addition in a market flooded with remakes and reboots. A superb debut from Oates who has certainly put his mark on our radar.” Martyn Wakefield, Bloodguts
“There will be those out there that will slate this film for being nothing more than an unfinished mess that is trying to be clever but without any real substance. There will also be those that will hail it as an intelligent and thoughtful meditation on the futility of existence. As with anything that divides opinion in such an extreme way the truth sits somewhere in the middle…” Chris Ward, Gore in the Store
“Some may be frustrated with the lack of answers here, but if you’re willing to look a little outside of the box in terms of movie monsters, this one is going to be a pleaser.” Mark L. Miller, Ain’t It Cool News
“Oates plays with formula and audience expectations just enough to make the film interesting. His unwillingness to spoon feed either the characters, or the audience, creates an unsettling movie with a deepening mystery. Trying to solve that mystery is ultimately what carried me through the film.” Lewayne L White, UK Horror Scene
Buy DVD: Amazon.co.uk
“If, by the final reel, there was anything of substance to cling onto, it soon dissipates, veering wildly across the intersection like a driver in the midst of an epileptic fit. There’s ambiguity, and then there’s just poorly written vagueness. This feels firmly the latter.” Dave Wain, The Schlock Pit
“It’s an okay little supernatural mystery, but those looking for a quick ride or a tight plot might be disappointed.” Gordon Sullivan, DVD Verdict
“Is Don’t Blink creepy? Yes? Interesting story? Yes. Good Acting? Definitely. My favourite of the bunch being the lovely Joanne Kelly (Warehouse 13). But is it worth watching if nothing is really revealed at the end and you are just left to wonder forever more? I don’t know. I guess that’s for you to decide.” Richard Axtell, Nerdly
Cast and characters:
- Mena Suvari as Tracy – Apparition; American Horror Story; Day of the Dead; Trauma
- Zack Ward as Alex – Restoration; Circus Kane; Bethany; Blood Lake
- Brian Austin Green as Jack – Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2; Monster Heroes
- Joanne Kelly as Claire
- Fiona Gubelmann as Ella – iZombie; Horror High
- David de Lautour as Noah
- Leif Gantvoort as Sam
- Emelie O’Hara as Amelia
- Curtiss Frisle as Lucas
- Samantha Jacober as Charlotte
- Robert Picardo as Man in Black
Release:
In the US, Don’t Blink received a belated limited theatrical release by Vertical Entertainment on September 18, 2014.
Filming locations:
Shooting took place in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It lasted from January 9 until February 1, 2010.
Film Facts:
The film was initially known as Last Stop and was also released with this title in some territories, such as the UK.
Related: Don’t Read This!!! – Movies that use Don’t in their title – article
