Cornered!

Cornered! is a gripping psychological horror film from 2009 that stars Steve Guttenberg, James Duval, and Liz Nicole Abrams. Directed by Daniel Maze, this thrilling whirlwind of suspense follows an unlikely group of characters through an edge-of-your-seat journey of terror and suspense.

The movie's story revolves around a serial killer with a peculiar signature: instead of hunting his victims, he targets them in convenience stores. This unnerving premise sets the backdrop for the compelling character narratives, while keeping the audience engrossed with the ongoing, suspenseful mystery. From the moment it starts, Cornered! sucks you into its world of darkness and danger, playing with the expectations of horror movie enthusiasts.

Steve Guttenberg of Police Academy fame surprises the audience with a new outlook as Morty, a convenience store owner. Known for his comedic roles, he shows off his range in this film by playing a serious character. Guttenberg's Morty is stubborn, unlikeable, and suspicious, making audiences uneasy every time he's on screen, not knowing what he's up to. Guttenberg's performance brings a palpable tension to the film and aids in crafting an unpredictable ambiance.

James Duval plays the drug addict Jimmy. Typically cast in roles that capitalize on his offbeat charm, Duval displays his capability to delve into darker waters with his role in Cornered! Through his nuanced performance, he presents audiences with an unpredictable character that strategically blurs the line between a potential victim and a suspect, thus enriching the movie's suspenseful narrative. Liz Nicole Abrams portrays Mona, Morty's niece. Abrams plays her character with enough subtlety and vulnerability that makes the audience invested in her character's survival.

Despite its seemingly slim premise, Cornered! delivers the fright factor in ample dosage. The director, Daniel Maze, doesn't rely on jump-scares alone to terrify the audience - although there are plenty of those - but instead uses cinematography, lighting, and a hauntingly suspenseful score to create the unnerving atmosphere. The uncertainty and tension are consistent throughout the movie, with the eerie quiet of the convenience store creating an especially intense backdrop for the unfolding horror.

What distinguishes Cornered! from a plethora of other horror films, is its exploration of human behavior under threat. It's a crucible showing how regular people can gruesomely turn against each other. As the paranoia grows, characters' ugly sides are unveiled, friendships crumble, and trust disappears, creating a sense of claustrophobia that is perhaps scarier than the threat lurking outside the convenience store.

The screenplay by Darrin Grimwood and Daniel Maze develops a tightly wound narrative that keeps the audience on their toes. The writers have made an attempt here to address typical horror clichés and stereotypes, often subverting them to deliver unexpected scares. The dialogue is sharp and witty, weaving in dark humor amid the tension.

Cornered! does not merely rely on classic horror tropes but planners them against a backdrop of riveting plot and captivating performances. It's a psychological backdrop more than anything, with the convenience store and the characters serving as a mirror reflecting the anxieties, paranoia, suspicions, and fragility of human life.

The movie takes an unexpected approach to the horror genre by blending suspense, thriller, and a dash of dark comedy elements, displaying an apt understanding of filmmaking techniques that make a horror film successful. Gritty, brutal, and suspenseful, Cornered! is sure to entertain horror fans with its unique narrative, engaging performances, and the compelling question it leaves you with: What would you do if you were cornered?

While it may not revolutionize the genre, Cornered! is an enjoyable genre affair that will leave you scared and thoughtful, delivering a horror viewing experience that is both entertaining and unsettling in equal measure. For those who appreciate horror movies that are suspense-heavy and filled with twists, Cornered! is not one to miss.