Hidden Movie Review – A Unique Twist on the Zombie Flick

Runtime: 84 minutes

Release Date: September 15, 2015

Rating: R

Director: The Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer)

Ray, his wife Claire and their daughter Zoe are forced to live underground in a fallout shelter at an old school. When Hidden first opens, the three are already living their lives underground and fearing the monsters that walk above. Though they seemingly have everything, Zoe seems especially worried about what goes on above ground and clings to an old doll.

As the movie unfolds, we learn what happened prior to the opening of the film. While planning a day of fun between Zoe and a neighbor boy, Zoe came home and told her parents that the boy and his family were leaving. The other couple refused to say much expect to warn them that they needed to get out of town as soon as possible. When they tried to leave, they found that the government blocked off all access and refused to let anyone leave because of an outbreak in their city. The military then bombed the city, leaving the family to seek shelter underground.

After briefly arguing over whether to eat beans or peaches for dinner, Zoe reveals that there are no peaches. Closer inspection reveals that something punctured their canned goods and ate the food inside. Though Zoe instantly assumes it was one of the monsters they call breathers, her parents claim it was just a rat. As Hidden continues on, we eventually learn more about the breathers and the infection that struck the town.

I have mixed feelings about Hidden. While it's a good movie and really does bring something new to the zombie genre, I can't imagine myself watching it again. It seems like one of those movies that you might recommend to others and one you can appreciate but not one that will become one of your new favorites.

The movie has an unsettling feel, mainly because it surrounds just three people stuck in a small space for most of its runtime. It almost reminded me of The Descent because of its creepy vibe. Except for a few scenes that take place at the very end and some scenes set in the past, the movie takes place entirely in the fallout shelter. It takes strong acting to keep your attention, and Hidden definitely has some strong acting.

While some reviews focus on Alexander Skarsgard, I want to give it up for Andrea Riseborough as Claire and Emily Alyn Lind as Zoe. Riseborough is phenomenal as a woman who knows more than she lets on and as a woman trapped between her husband and child. While she wants to protect her daughter from the dangers outside, she still wants to be a good wife. Lind also does a really good job for someone of her age. Though she's a bit annoying at times, she shows a lot of depth.

Hidden is one of the more unique films I've watched this year and especially this month. It's a dark and unsettling movie that will leave you wondering what you would do in a similar situation, and it features some great acting. Hidden definitely stuck in my mind and is one that I'll remember for awhile, but it's also not the type of horror movie I could see myself watching again and again.