‘Whatever you do, don’t lose the rope.’
Tethered is a 2022 American horror drama film about a blind teenager and the hunter he befriends who is tormented by a mysterious creature.
Directed by Daniel Robinette from a screenplay co-written with Aaron Sorgius, based on a story co-written with Jeff Cox, Michael Scott, Kayla Stuhr, Jeremy Tassone and Cooper Thorton based on their 2017 short of the same name.
The 4 Leagues Media production stars Alexandra Paul, Kareem Ferguson, Jared Laufree, Brody Bett and Chris Demm.
Plot:
Deep within the woods of North Carolina, miles from civilisation, a blind teenager and the hunter he befriends are tormented by a mysterious creature…
Our review:
Although its story is slight, Tethered presents a dark and touching tale that builds gradually to a crescendo of fear and desperation. Blind teenager Solomon’s loneliness is certainly tangible. How he manages to fend for himself completely on his own stretches credulity. Nonetheless, when a hunter named Hank shows up a bond with Solomon develops that seems inevitably doomed yet creates the oppressive tension the film needed the plot needs it.
Director Daniel Robinette captures the woodlands at their most forbidding and if the ultimate reveal is perhaps predictable, the journey is one worth taking. Meanwhile, Matt Vucic’s percussive and strings heavy score – his first feature work – is superb, adding to the ominous soundscape.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES & MANIA
Other reviews:
“It is a stretch more taut than Solomon’s rope to even call this a horror movie […] as it is more of a psychological drama with a slow pace that would make an A24 movie blush. That said, if that’s what you’re in the mood for, Tethered delivers. There’s enough there for an interesting movie that makes good on its premise.” All Horror
” …lacks a good story and suspense […] It’s a tough film to get into because it requires a suspension of disbelief, and not much happens that is appealing. But if you believe its strange story is conceivable, you might like it better than I did.” Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
“Combining psychological horror with an unnatural amount of suspense, Tethered brings the viewer into a world of remarkable isolation. To an extent, you begin to feel what Solomon feels […] With a mix of grief and angst, this film makes you feel young again in the most morbid of ways. Worth a watch!” Hollywood Insider
“It’s a thought-provoking, spellbinding film packed with emotion that’s brought to life by the contrasting minimal dialogue and wild location, powerful yet sensitive use of music, and enough mystery to keep the viewer’s attention without leaving them frustrated.” 8.5 out of 10, Horror Buzz
“Aside from some makeup, Solomon’s contacts, some sounds, and a few dead animals, there are no big special effects scenes, and I think that was a good choice. Not every horror film needs big special effects. The story is something new, but it fails to grab you and pull you in. It feels shallow and it lacks heart and passion.” Horror Fuel
“Despite the horror trappings, it’s in its most surprisingly wholesome moments that Tethered engages the viewer most effectively. Some horror movies have managed to marry these more tender elements to a narrative that still delivers visceral, pulse-raising chills, but despite its admirable ambitions, Tethered sadly doesn’t manage to thread that needle and access the few great ideas at its core.” Horror Obsessive
“The environment we are presented is empty except for a small cast (which helps the budget enormously; no complaint, just observing) and whatever mysterious supernatural cryptid is out there, just in the shadows of the dark, scary woods […] I was expecting a different direction, but found the conclusion both rewarding and a bit confusing about the “how.” Indie Horror Films
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