Push (2025) - Movie Review
What if I told you a movie could have the lamest, lazy poster/thumbnail and still be a rockin’ good time?
It also has very few special effects, essentially only 2 performers, and much of the film lacks dialogue.
Intrigued?
Let’s discuss,
Push is a 2025 single-location thriller brought to us by the writing/directing duo of David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell. These two have been building quite a portfolio in a brief amount of time, having been responsible for 2020’s The Boy Behind the Door and 2023’s Monster. And while most of their films haven’t drawn a ton of acclaim, and reviews have been pretty brutal to scroll through, I think these guys have the goods. Are they the next Carpenter/Hill? No, but they could put out decent, engaging horror for the small screen.
Push centers on Natalie, a young real estate agent eager to make her first sale. Unfortunately, her managers tasked her with an unmarketable house that has a sinister history. The 14,000 square foot mansion, isolated in rural Michigan, was the scene of several murders. Natalie is in dire need of a success, as she recently lost her husband in a tragic car accident and is currently nine months pregnant. She battles her anxiety and depression by striving to make the best of her situation, but the open house turns into a fiasco. So when a BMW arrives and the driver requests a tour, Natalie seizes the opportunity. However, as the man seems unusually familiar with the property and starts talking about the murders, Natalie realizes she may have made a grave error. Can she outwit this unhinged individual, or will she become another victim of the house's grim legacy? Discover the answer in tonight's feature: Push.
It’s a simple premise, but so hard to sum up without spoiling the experience.
The simpler the premise, the more flawless the execution is expected to be.. While this film stumbles in places, its strengths ultimately outweigh its weaknesses. Chief among these strengths is its brisk 89-minute runtime. Despite my initial concerns that the deliberately paced opening act might signal a tedious experience ahead, the narrative shifts into high gear once that foundation is laid.
This film is gorgeous.
The script is sparing on spoken dialogue, instead focusing on environmental storytelling. The house is a fantastic set-piece, and the camera work and direction are incredible for a lower-budget production. There’s an obvious Kubrick influence throughout, including a gorgeous helicopter tracking shot of Natalie’s car driving up to the house. This cultural touchstone gives the viewer a subconscious hint at the dark path the film will tread. It was a nice touch.
None of this would have mattered without the right leading lady, and they cast the perfect actress for the job. Alicia Sanz is pretty, but organic. Her face isn’t full of fillers, and her buccal fat is right where nature intended it to be. She’s a relatable protagonist. And no, I’m not belittling her looks. Anyone who has seen her on the cover of Cosmopolitan can attest to how stunning she is. Her character frustrated me at the beginning of the film, because she just seemed to do everything wrong. However, I realized this was intended, as her character is almost crippled by the codependency she has on others. Initially, with her family in Spain, and then with her husband, who died. As the film progresses, she learns to fight for herself, to scrape and claw for survival. She’s not a girlboss, or a final girl, she’s just a woman trying to make the best life for her child following horrible circumstances outside of her control.
This movie understands the heart of horror cinema.
Raul Castillo delivers a strong performance as the foil in the film. Horror fans will likely recognize him, as he has been a constant presence in the genre for years. His roles in major films like 2021's Army of the Dead and the exceptional 2024 hit, Smile 2, among others, showcase his talent. Despite being a great actor, he is underused here. While he exudes menace, the role doesn't offer much to develop. Unlike iconic slasher villains like Jason with his hockey mask or Freddy with his bladed glove, Raul's character lacks a distinctive accessory or weapon, leaving him at a disadvantage. The most threatening aspect of his character ends up being the unfortunate haircut he's given. It feels as though he wasn’t provided with enough dialogue or screen time to fully develop what could have been a captivating character. The other major drawback is that the story hints at a supernatural element, but the film avoids embracing it. If it wasn’t going to be an actual factor in the movie, then why waste multiple scenes setting it up for zero payoff?
This is a great film to watch with friends.
I saw it with a bunch of people, and everyone was shouting at the screen, tossing popcorn, and generally having a blast. In an era where movies are often divided by the politics involved, it's a breath of fresh air to enjoy a horror film that's under 90 minutes and lets you escape reality.
You should check this one out on Prime Video, Shudder/AMC+ when you have a boring night. It’s a fun ride.
