Just when you thought it was OK to take a breath again, the highly-anticipated sequel to 2016’s Don’t Breathe is coming to cinemas.
Landing on August 26, Don’t Breathe 2 is the second instalment to the critically-acclaimed original horror-slash-thriller — which managed to sufficiently freak me out five years ago — and if you’re still having nightmares from the first one, I’m warning you, you’re about to double down.
The first flick starred 13 Reasons Why actor Dylan Minette, City of Angels’ Daniel Zovatto and Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist’s star Jane Levy, however round two will shift the limelight to a certain blind man who you may recall from the original.
So, what do we actually know about this new film? Well, apart from being heart-attack-inducing and freaky as fuck, here’s everything you need to know about Don’t Breathe 2.
What Is It About?
In the first movie, three Detroit thieves break into a home of a blind veteran, Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang), who won a major cash settlement following the death of his only child. Figuring he’s an easy target, the trio invades the man’s secluded home which happens to be in a spooky abandoned (dah) neighbourhood. Finding themselves trapped inside, they enter the fight of their lives after underestimating their “helpless” captor.
Don’t Breathe 2 is set eight years after the events of the first flick and now Nordstrom, trying to recreate the family that was stolen from him, lives with an 11-year-old named Phoenix (Madelyn Grace). When intruders once again come to his home, Norman will reveal for a second time what’s truly hidden inside him. Spoiler alert: it’s not sunshine and rainbows. Cool, cool, cool.
So is this a redemption story? According to creators Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues, Norman is “definitely not an anti-hero or hero” and speaking during a sneak peek Q&A in June, Alvarez said he wanted fans to figure it out on their own.
“It’s tricky and it is difficult to navigate a character like this. We have to, as writers, show empathy in a way to anybody,” he said. And anybody? Even deranged psycho murderers?
“He has more of a protagonist place in the story, but the story is us putting it out there and letting you decide how you feel about it,” he said.
Who’s In Don’t Breathe 2?
You can’t have a great slasher movie sequel without a great…slasher-er (?), so returning to defend his home is Lang as Norman alongside his new ward, Grace as Phoenix. Rounding out the leads is Brendan Sexton III — or as I like to call him, that guy who is in a lot of things that I recognise (Empire Records, anyone?).
When Can You See It?
Don’t Breathe 2 is in cinemas from August 26 and for fans of horror, you’re going to want to watch it at the movies because frankly, nothing beats a dark room full of strangers you know nothing about, epic surround-sound to hear every footstep and a large bucket of popcorn to hide behind.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
Don’t Breathe 2 will be hitting cinemas on August 26.
