Review of Lakeview Terrace (2008) by Fergus S — 21 Aug 2011

A deeply disturbing suspenser charged with all sorts of tension. It'll leave you somewhat haunted after the end credits while your mind is left stimulated.

An interracial couple moves to SoCal suburbia, where their neighbor is a police officer. Problem is, he pushes their buttons, which soon turns to hostility towards the couple. Man and wife are scared, but it seems they are powerless in their situation. Unless...

Samuel L. Jackson delivers a powerhouse performance, which makes his character the modern essence of evil. The other actors do very well. This movie is intense, with many shocking moments and a twist on the racism trope. The score adds to the mood, more towards both ends of the film. Interesting how the wildfires a'ragin' are being used as a backdrop to the drama going about. Stellar writing and excellent direction help spark the emotion, even if it's mostly fear and anger. Makes you think about the implications of the subject matter though.

However, it lacks subtlety. It just throws the brutality all over, which makes it feel not as devastating as it could be. Just a little more would blow everyone away. And, yes, it goes into conventional Hollywood thriller mode in the last act. But it's fine as is.

This is great as both a gut-wrenching drama and a black comedy. Sadly, it's rather underrated. It's a must-see nonetheless, especially if you like movies about human nature.