This film starts with Jason Segel as a man who seems to be enjoying his beautiful home and property. When the real owners return (Jesse Plemons & Lily Collins), things go expectedly wrong. However, this is not a gripping home invasion thriller. Although there are a few mildly tense moments early on, the film turns into a civilized, somewhat intellectual political talkfest. The actors can handle the dialogue and the conflict, but this drains any hope of tension. The overwrought, heavy-handed music harkens back to suspense dramas from the 50s, but it distracts, instead of adding to the apprehension. Things pick up when something finally happens and it’s not what’s expected, but the talky tour to get there dilutes the film’s hoped-for compelling effect. 
(2.5 / 5)
