While the film manages to smartly get back on its feet, it is clear Alvarez got greedy and extended Don’t Breathe past its ideal running time. The thing is — and here is what makes Don’t Breathe the standout horror of this year — you may be holding your breath till the last.

Suffice to say that within the first few minutes of the movie, you’ll find out why it’s called Don’t Breathe. It’s fantastic. Go watch it.

The idea of a Hotel California-like situation – you can check in, but never check out – makes for a tense, horror-filled film. More so, since the frights are provided by a flesh-and-blood monster and not a ghost or ghoul.

It’s a largely on-set exercise in terror and it’s played out in real time with a never ending series of challenges thrown-up for survival against all odds -so the increase in heart rate is quite palpable.

Overall the film succeeds in offering something special and original. And, Fede Alvarez is a director to watch out for.

Overall the film succeeds in offering something special and original. And, Fede Alvarez is a director to watch out for.

Your nerves will be ridiculously frayed by the end of this terrifying movie experience. But since that’s the very goal of any horror/thriller movie, you’ll walk away satisfied, reminding yourself that it’s okay to breathe again.