Tone-Deaf

Tone-Deaf is a 2019 horror-comedy film directed by Richard Bates Jr. The movie stars Kim Delaney, Ray Wise, and Amanda Crew.

The plot revolves around Olive (Amanda Crew), a young woman struggling with her life. She decides to leave her dead-end job and her cheating boyfriend to spend a weekend in the country at her late grandfather's home. Meanwhile, Harvey (Ray Wise), a bitter and disturbed widower, hits rock bottom when he loses his job and his home. He decides to embark on a killing spree, blaming the younger generation for all his problems.

Olive arrives at her grandfather's house, which turns out to be a little more than she bargained for. The place is in disrepair, and Olive has to clean up before she can settle in. While she is trying to relax and unwind, Harvey comes knocking at her door. Hoping to find peace and quiet, Olive is instead confronted with a dangerous and insane stranger.

As the two characters face off, a disturbing game of cat and mouse ensues. Olive soon realizes that she has to fight to survive, using all her wits and strength to outsmart Harvey. What follows is a terrifying struggle for survival, with Olive having to confront her deepest fears and her darkest emotions.

At its heart, Tone-Deaf is a commentary on contemporary society, with the film bringing to light issues of ageism, sexism, and generational conflict. The movie takes on both sides of the argument, with Harvey representing an older generation disenfranchised with the modern world, while Olive symbolizes young people struggling to find their place in society.

The film also plays with horror tropes, with Bates Jr. known for his innovative twists on the genre. Tone-Deaf features both gruesome and comedic moments, with the contrast between the two serving to heighten the suspense and tension.

The performances are solid across the board, with Amanda Crew delivering a nuanced portrayal of a young woman pushed to the brink. Ray Wise, who has long been associated with horror films, brings gravitas and menace to the role of a disillusioned and unhinged man.

Overall, Tone-Deaf is a satisfying horror-comedy that brings a fresh perspective to the genre. It offers a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society, while also delivering enough scares and laughs to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.