Hold Your Breath is a psychological horror movie centered around one woman’s need to protect her family. Set in 1930’s Oklahoma, Margaret (Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story) is left at home alone to care for her daughters while her husband is away for work. She soon realizes that a sinister force is threatening her family.
Paulson has done amazing work in genre cinema and is one of the highlights here. Margaret is a loving mother who is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her kids safe. But it is Margaret’s exasperation and desperation that are the best moments of Hold Your Breath. Paulson is able to continually get over the fear and paranoia of the situation even when the writing falters.
The setting is important in setting the mood. Along with the scares and tension, there is a sense of isolation that is integral to Hold Your Breath. The American Dust Bowl adds a dirty and sickly hue that enhances the fear. The horror of creatures that can creep into people’s homes is only part of the danger.
Regrettably, the story is unable to keep up with Paulson’s fine performance. All the good work done in creating atmosphere is often undone by repetitive writing. This is seen most in jump scares involving sudden LOUD noises. The pacing is also off due to some unnecessary subplots. In the end, Hold Your Breath ends up being a decent movie with noticeable flaws. Sarah Paulson is her usual great self and the mood brings together a number of elements to make for a suspenseful watch.
Hold Your Breath premieres on Hulu October 3.
