Movie review: Curve

Mallory is headed to her wedding, driving through some desolate countryside, when her car breaks down. Hitchhiker Christian offers to help fix the car and she offers him a ride as reward, but it doesn't take long to realize Christian is a psychopath.

Julianne Hough (Mallory), Teddy Sears (Christian), Penelope Mitchell (Ella), Madalyn Horcher (Katie).

Curve begins well enough with some good backstory before things go absolutely sideways. Now with a fixed car and hitchhiker Christian riding along, Mallory realizes he is a psychopath and her only solution as he holds her at knifepoint may be to run off the road. Unfortunately that only makes things worse when they both survive and she is trapped in the car at Christian's mercy. Toss in a couple of intersecting storylines and things get fairly interesting.

Hough was pretty good in this one delivering multiple emotions as her character morphed and had to deal with new situations. Sears was absolutely and wonderfully creepy, and seemed to work well with Hough. The remainder of the supporting cast, in very minor roles, did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with extensive use of natural scenery. Action scenes, particularly the intensity around Mallory being trapped in the car, were nicely done. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Curve is a nicely done thriller that holds attention pretty well and delivers some heart-pounding action despite the somewhat familiar plot. Those who enjoy a good thriller or action flick without the need for enlightenment should like this one.

With violence, blood, foul language, sexual references, and graphic nudity, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.5.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Action Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel