DON’T LOOK AWAY ** Canada 2023 Dir: Micheal Bafaro. 84 mins
Following the accidental release of a supernatural entity by a group of criminals, a young woman named Frankie becomes convinced that she is being pursued by a malevolent mannequin. As Frankie delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that her friends are also at risk. Determined to protect them, she sets out to locate the individual who possesses the knowledge needed to halt the string of murders. However, Frankie is aware that once the mannequin is spotted, there may be no escape from the terror it brings, except through one’s demise.
As Frankie’s search intensifies, she finds herself grappling with the realization that the sinister mannequin is not just a figment of her imagination, but a very real threat. With each passing moment, the danger to her and her friends grows more palpable, driving her to confront her fears head-on. Despite the looming sense of dread, Frankie remains resolute in her mission to uncover the truth behind the malevolent force and put an end to its reign of terror. The race against time becomes a battle for survival as Frankie navigates a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, leading her to a final showdown that will test her courage and resilience to the core.
The concept of a malevolent mannequin that remains motionless and harmless when under scrutiny, but springs to life to carry out its nefarious deeds when unattended, offers a unique and captivating storyline for a low-budget movie. This premise effectively circumvents the need for elaborate special effects or costly set designs, making it an ideal choice for a film with limited resources. Additionally, the filmmakers adeptly maintain a sense of tension and anticipation by promptly revealing the mannequin’s deadly nature to the audience, ensuring that the narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and suspense.
The film’s use of practical effects is truly remarkable, as it greatly enhances the authenticity and impact of the movie, ultimately enriching the audience’s cinematic experience. The practical effects play a vital role in elevating the overall quality of the film, making it more immersive and engaging for the viewers. While the actors’ performances may not have been exceptional, I was completely captivated from the very beginning of the movie until the end. Despite any shortcomings in the acting, the film’s compelling use of practical effects and storytelling kept me fully engrossed throughout the entire duration. I rate this film 2 out of 5.
Review by Andrew Schisas (aka Cujo the Conqueror)
DON’T LOOK AWAY is available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and USA
Also available on DVD in the USA