Chloe and Jack, a newlywed couple, embark on their honeymoon to Miami, seeking to strengthen their bond. Amidst the dazzling neon lights and sun-soaked beaches, they decide to enhance their connection through a psychedelic experience after a strange man gives them all of his drugs. They take some peyote, but their journey takes a dark turn when they continue to ingest a rare and potent strain of the hallucinogenic plant.
As the intoxicating effects take hold day after day, the couple's deepest desires and resentments come to the forefront. Confronting the toxicity of their relationship, their luxurious suite transforms into a battleground of love, lust, and simmering resentment. Chloe, realizing the depth of her emotional abuse, discovers a disturbing truth—the rare peyote strand has awakened a twisted desire within her to consume human flesh. Trapped in a surreal and nightmarish reality, Chloe must navigate her way through the hallucinogenic haze to confront the abusive husband she once loved.
Do Not Disturb starts off as a simple drama and crescendoes into an intense psychological thriller. Those who aren’t in for the long haul may find the pacing slow at first, but the slow change from a typical yet drug-tinged drama into pure horror is one of this film’s greatest strengths: It makes the horrors to come feel all the more horrific. The entire film is well-shot, with everything from camera placement to actor staging manipulated with almost Hitchcockian attention to detail. This is not a film for the faint of heart, but it isn’t a pure gorefest.
Do Not Disturb would pair well with titles dealing with similar topics, such as Jennifer’s Body. Creative footage and non-linear storytelling are used to portray the warped sense of reality one experiences while under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Do Not Disturb is a perfect choice for those who enjoy films like Misery, Fargo, or No Country for Old Men: The characters drive the action, providing just enough comic relief and drama to expertly fill the spaces between tense moments. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Do Not Disturb would find its place on public library shelves within the horror and violent thriller film section. Its suspenseful and thrilling nature makes it a suitable addition to collections that cater to audiences seeking intense and chilling cinematic experiences.
What kind of film series could use this film?
If you’re ever organizing a film series that explores dark and captivating narratives, pairing Do Not Disturb with movies like Jennifer's Body could create an excellent double feature. This combination would offer audiences a cohesive and engaging experience with a thematic link, enhancing their overall viewing enjoyment. Consider curating a series that delves into the realm of intense and mysterious storytelling for a more immersive cinematic journey.