Horror movies typically stick with terrifying their audiences with blood or paranormal activities, and this works for most people– at least until those overused storylines start to get stale and people begin searching for uniquely horrible sources of fright. Don’t Breathe incorporates many different plot lines and concepts from other movies and combines them together to flow into one picture. Although some parts are predictable, there are enough extra twists to keep you pretty much glued to your seat.

Don’t Breathe tweaks the stereotypical horror movie genre. The first scene, during which the main characters are introduced, is not what I expected. I walked in planning to be terrified, but was instead intrigued at the opposite approach the director took.  From there, the director, Fede Alvarez, tells the story of three teenagers trying to obtain a massive fortune in order to move away from their home in Detroit. They attempt to rob an old blind man, all the while thinking that it won’t be a difficult task. Wrong. Through a series of unfortunate events, as Rocky (Jane Levy), Money (Daniel Zovatto), and Alex (Dylan Minnette) attempt to make their way into the man’s basement, they encounter a very hostile force, and the trio of thieves have to decide whether they value $300,000 more than their lives and freedom.

The movie delves deeper into horror than the audience may expect. During certain scenes, the lights go out and all you can hear is the sound of the characters panting in fear, adding a chilling effect. The mood is dark and twisted, something only a talented director with an altered sense of reality could accurately display to an audience. Jumping at scary scenes in scary movies is, of course, predictable, but Don’t Breathe had meet jumping during the majority of its scenes. Occasional gasps from the rest of the audience assured me that I was not the only one trembling in fear.

The soundtrack is subtle, to the point where unless you stop breathing, you might not recognize there is one. Every movement, mumble, scream of fear, is magnified so it feels like the characters are performing live in the movie theater. Don’t Breathe expands the horror genre into a realm of realistic psychopathic behavior.

I’d give Don’t Breathe 4 out of 5 stars. It was exceptional for a horror movie, but I thought there were some areas the plot could have been developed a little differently. It is rated R, so think twice before bringing along anyone 15 or younger to see it. There is some explicit language, but the main fear factor has to do with the actions of the characters, the blood, and the aggressiveness of certain scenes. If you’re looking for a terrifying thrill, this movie is the way to go.