We Need to Do Something

We Need to Do Something is a 2021 American horror movie that is borderline claustrophobic and packed full of suspenseful moments that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Directed by Sean King O'Grady and penned by Max Booth III, the film stars Sierra McCormick, Vinessa Shaw, and Pat Healy in the lead roles. The film was premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where its unique storytelling methods and bone-chilling sequences were met with praise.

The film is rooted in one location—a dark, eerie bathroom where a suburban family is forced to take refuge during a seemingly never-ending, violent storm. The leads include young actress Sierra McCormick, who delivers an extraordinary performance as Melissa, a teen navigating the confusion and angst that come with adolescence, further amplified by the unusual and frightening circumstance she finds herself in. Vinessa Shaw, who plays the role of mother, Diane, presents a multi-layered portrayal of a woman trying to hold her family together under extreme stress, while working through her own personal dilemmas. Pat Healy assumes the role of Robert, the father, whose drastically changing dynamic with his wife and children underlies the tension in the story.

We Need to Do Something provides an engrossing exploration of how fear and confinement can drive a family to the brink. More than just a tale of supernatural horror, the film touches on themes of identity, mental health, and family dynamics under duress, making the story not only terrifying but also deeply relatable. O'Grady’s smart direction, combined with the powerful script by Booth III, both work to present audiences with a narrative that stirs their imaginations and rouses their deepest fears.

Also worthy of mention are the exceptional performances given by the young actors in the film, including John James Cronin, who plays the role of Bobby, Melissa's younger brother. The kids' performances stand out, making the audience feel for their characters' predicament, as they display an enviable range of emotions. The children’s interactions, set against the backdrop of the chaotic presence the storm brings, are also crucial in revealing the-cracks that are developing within the family structure.

The cinematography and sound design of We Need to Do Something effectively contribute to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the story. The contained space where the story unfolds is shot in a manner that amplifies the sense of dread and looming danger. Every scratching sound from beyond the bathroom door and every lighting flash outside the small window seems to warn the viewer that something dreadful is happening outside, nudging the film into a thrilling exploration of the unknown.

Despite being primarily set in a single location, the film is far from visually monotonous. The narrative includes occasional flashbacks and momentary breaks from the confinement, to amplify the story’s creeping tension and provide context about the family's life prior to the storm. As the plot gradually unfurls, these fragments of the past further heighten the intrigue and offer the audience additional pieces to the sinister puzzle created by Booth III and O'Grady.

We Need to Do Something is a true psychological horror story that presents an unsettling and ominous look into a family’s battle with fear, isolation, and an encroaching unknown threat. The creators artfully employ the horror genre to explore heavy, real-life themes and experiences that resonate with the audience. The combination of superb acting performances, tight directing, and an ingenious script make We Need to Do Something a film worth watching for horror enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

The film’s conclusion, left deliberately ambiguous, will definitely spark discussions among viewers. Whether you are a fan of traditional horror or you prefer stories that weave psychological terror with elements of the supernatural, We Need to Do Something proves to be an unnerving journey that you will remember long after the credits roll. The movie's power lies not only in its obvious shocks and scares but also in its pressing and unrelenting atmosphere of suspense, fear, and uncertainty. The film boldly tackles important themes and uses horror as a vehicle to examine family relationships and dynamics under extraordinary circumstances.