Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gory home-invasion horror has violence, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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The Owners
What's the Story?
In THE OWNERS, a group of friends break into the home of a wealthy couple in a bid to rob their safe, dragging one of their girlfriend's, Mary (Maisie Williams) along with them. However, the owners return unexpectedly. The intruders take the couple hostage. But tempers flare and tension rises when the invaders clash over how far to take the attack. As they start to turn on each other, it looks like the owners may survive the ordeal after all. But are they the helpless elderly couple they appear to be, or is there something more sinister beneath their well-dressed facade?
Is It Any Good?
This is a gritty home invasion horror with a twist, though the idea of the tables being turned on invaders is not entirely new -- think 2016's Don't Breathe, for a start. In French director Julius Berg's debut feature, the elderly couple and initial "victims" -- Dr. Huggins (Sylvester McCoy) and Ellen Huggins (Rita Tushingham) -- seem a little off from the start. So it's no great surprise when events take a turn. But the extent to which all the elements tie together at the end is certainly an impressive feat.
Williams is carving out an interesting career, taking on some edgy roles. As Mary, she is nuanced and flawed, and ultimately likable in a movie where it is difficult to root for anyone else. Jake Curran's Gaz is truly disturbing, strolling into the home all Clockwork Orange -- an off-kilter mix off emotionless determination and a manic desire for chaos. The violence comes suddenly and intensely, and the tension cranks up nicely as the film reaches its climax. Yet there is little to elevate The Owners above its contemporaries. It's a solid first feature that fits comfortably into the genre but, in terms of a unique take, it never quite owns it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Owners. Do the blood and gore seem over the top? Do the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Is it shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Is the movie scary? What's the appeal of scary movies?
Discuss the strong language in the movie. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
How does the movie depict drinking, smoking, and drug use? Are they glamorized? What are the consequences?
The invaders make assumptions about the owners that turn out to be wrong. Can you think of other movies where assumptions have been made based on stereotypes that have been flipped on their head?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 4, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : October 20, 2020
- Cast : Maisie Williams , Sylvester McCoy , Rita Tushingham
- Director : Julius Berg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : RLJE Films
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 25, 2022
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