Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Horrible home-invasion thriller from Eli Roth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Knock Knock
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say the film evokes strong reactions, with many viewers expressing discomfort due to its themes of sexual coercion and unrealistic plot elements, particularly the portrayal of a man being overpowered. While some appreciate its dark and twisted nature, the overwhelming consensus is that the film fails to deliver a coherent message and often leans into absurdity, leaving audiences feeling frustrated and disappointed.
- uncomfortable themes
- unrealistic plot
- failed message
- evoke strong reactions
- disappointing overall
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 9 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Architect Evan (Keanu Reeves) is a happy family man who has been in some kind of trouble in the past, but his artist wife and their two kids appear to have forgiven him. One weekend, he stays home to work while they go to the beach. But during a rainstorm, two young women who claim to be lost knock on his door. Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas) seem nice at first, and Evan lets them dry off and warm up while they wait for an Uber. Eventually the women get flirty, and the trio tumbles into bed together -- but the next morning, Genesis and Bel act crazy and won't leave. Things turn dark when they attack Evan, tie him up, and torment him. At first Evan thinks only of saving his marriage, but soon he becomes invested in saving his life.
Is It Any Good?
Director Eli Roth returns with another loathsome movie, this time gleefully playing around with a home invasion, torture, pedophilia, and revenge but never seeming to know what he wants to say. Details of Evan's supposed pedophilia are kept from viewers, so we have no idea just how bad his crime was -- only that his wife and kids seem to have forgiven him. He does make a big mistake by jumping into bed with Genesis and Bel, but he more or less earns our sympathies.
This brings up the question of why the two women would degrade themselves by sleeping with someone they intended to torture. Other inconsistencies come up, too, but eventually it all collapses into a dumb torture show with characters acting, by turns, vicious and stupid. KNOCK KNOCK is a huge waste of time and effort for Reeves (what was he thinking?); at least cinematographer Antonio Quercia chooses smooth, fluid camerawork over his usual jerky stuff.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Knock Knock's violence. Does the violence directed toward woman seem stronger than the rest? What message does that send? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Why would Evan choose to have sex with his female visitors? What does he risk? How is sex portrayed in the movie?
Who has our sympathies in this movie? Why? Are any of the characters at all admirable?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 9, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : December 8, 2015
- Cast : Keanu Reeves , Lorenza Izzo , Ana de Armas
- Director : Eli Roth
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing violent behavior, strong sexual content, nudity and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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