Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)

Director: Rodo Sayagues

Starring: Stephen Lang, Madelyn Grace

The sequel is set in the years following the initial deadly home invasion, where Norman Nordstrom lives in quiet solace until his past sins catch up to him.

‘Don’t Breathe 2’ is an ok film in its own right. As a sequel, though, it is disappointing. ‘Don’t Breathe 2’ is not nearly as original, fresh, suspenseful or memorable as ‘Don’t Breathe’.

Set entirely inside Norman (Stephen Lang)’s home in the first film, the confines of the house made for a nerve-wrecking suspenseful ride. In this sequel, three perpetrators once again enter Norman’s home, but lacks the mystery and suspense of the original.

This time around Norman has a daughter. Knowing how the first film ends, you’re bound to ask yourself where this daughter comes from, and I won’t spoil it for you. This was the only real mystery this time around, and not nearly as captivating.

I was happy to see Stephen Lang reprising his role, and he is in top form. Sadly, after a promising start, the film becomes much slower paced, and less interesting, with Norman and his daughter also relocating to another location. ‘Don’t Breathe 2’ is more horror-driven than its predecessor, with a bigger body count. The film is also not always believable, and dishes up quite a few credibility issues… more than one can chew, actually – especially when the twist reveal was followed by yet another twist reveal…

Had this not been a sequel with nothing to compare it to, I’d probably have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, I doubt I’m going to remember it, as it felt like just another home invasion horror film among the myriad of home invasion films out there…

‘Don’t Breathe 2’ feels like a franchise in the making that’s going to spiral out of control with unbelievable characters and events, and becoming supernatural – like ‘Friday the 13th’ and ‘Halloween’.

Would I watch it again? No.