The Boy Behind The Door (2021) – Review/Summary (with Spoilers)

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While immensely frustrating sometimes, it is because The Boy Behind The Door gets you so invested that you hope for the best but expect the worst.

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Director(s)	David Charbonier, Justin Powell
Screenplay By	David Charbonier, Justin Powell
Date Released	7/30/2021
Where Can You Watch?	Shudder
Genre(s)	Action, Crime, Drama, Horror, Young Adult
Duration	1 Hour 28 Minutes
MPAA Rating	NR
Noted Cast
Kevin	Ezra Dewey
Bobby	Lonnie Chavis

Film Summary

Kevin and Bobby are best friends, and together the dream is to head out to California. However, they both get kidnapped, and while Kevin ends up the target for heinous acts, Bobby does get the chance to escape on his own. But, rather than run, he tries to save Kevin, despite the numerous adults he’ll have to face if he wants to live to see morning.

Things To Note | Question(s) Left Unanswered

Reason(s) for Film Rating

1. Body horror: See someone’s nail get taken off, and we see a finger cut off
2. Blood is shown, but not gushing out like a fountain or anything
3. Scenes of torture: Multiple people get electrocuted
4. Pedophilia: It’s implied far enough for you to know it has happened in the house Kevin is trapped in.

Review

Highlights

The Kidnapper Was Unexpected

When it comes to people who harm and kidnap kids, we all have assumptions of what type of person does that. So, when you learn who has arranged this weird little child sex ring, it’s shocking! Add in it’s a familiar face, and then everything that happens after the reveal? Oh, it makes you wonder how is this going to end?

The Amount Of Frustration It Develops

Let me begin by saying, props to Bobby for going back to his friend and keeping his promise. But, watching him take on the two adults in the film is so frustrating, in the best way. For with every time he gets the upper hand but doesn’t finish the adult off, it worries you. After all, being pushed into a branch is what led Bobby to being knocked out the first time, and with Kevin not really much help for most of the movie, Bobby’s decisions determine if they will live, die, or be abused until they get too old or discovered. And because you are so invested in Bobby, due to Chavis’ performance, it’s hard to not get frustrated and a bit of anxiety.

Lonnie Chavis Is A Movie Star – Period

As noted in The Water Man, he is a leading man in the making, and The Boy Behind The Door shows he can be consistent. For whether it is building a bond with Ezra Dewey, his chemistry with the two adults he faces off with, It’s his charisma, his screen presence, the investment you have in what he does that keeps you engaged.

I’d even say he is the reason you forgive Bobby for not going to the extremes to defend himself or save Kevin. Granted, are these two kids? Yes. However, it’s because of Bobby you are forced to remind yourself that Kevin and Bobby aren’t your typical kids in movies who often are little grown-ups. Kevin is terrified and expecting to be saved, and Bobby is trying to step up, but, as shown by him apologizing when forced to defend himself, he isn’t ready or mentally prepared to hurt anyone. He just wants to get his friend and go home, as if this was all one HUGE mistake.

Overall

Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing) – Recommended

The selling point, rightfully so, is Lonnie Chavis. Little dude, twice now, has proved he is a star, and with him building the trust that he can be consistent, I’d say he might be one of the few actors who, just because their name is attached, we’ll go see it. This can’t be said for many since a lot of people seem to be focused on the paycheck, keeping their name out there, or doing things that not only challenge them but their fanbase.

However, The Boy Behind The Door, with its small cast, moments that inspire anxiety and frustration, definitely is worth seeing and recommended.