Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror
Director: The Master of Mind Games (Michael Polish)
Starring: A Cast That’ll Haunt Your Dreams
Some movies surprise you, stay with you, and make you question everything. Alarum (2025) is one of them. It’s disturbing, unpredictable, and a psychological thriller that doesn’t depend on jump scares—it plays games with your mind in the best way possible.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers):
The story is about Evelyn, a woman who wakes up in a strange house with alarms blaring at random times. There is no phone, no way out, and no idea how she got there. Every time the alarm blares, something shifts—things move, doors lock, shadows stretch. As she tries to unravel cryptic clues left behind, she realizes she is not alone… and whatever it is in the house with her is not human.
Performances:
The lead actress really drives this movie with a strong, tense performance. You experience all of her confusion, fear, and growing paranoia. The supporting cast is limited, but the few additions bring an eerie tone—especially one creepy performance I won’t mention, but be sure it will stick with you.
Direction & Cinematography:
The director creates a feeling of dread so tangible you can almost feel the walls closing in. The cinematography tricks you out—long tracking shots, silent movements off-screen, and warped reflections that lead you to question if you actually saw what you think you saw. It’s a style of visual storytelling that rewards close attention from viewers who enjoy finding hidden details.
Sound Design & Score:
The sound design is itself impressive. The alarms aren’t just noise—they’re alive, evolving as the mystery grows. The score is hauntingly minimalist, depending on creepy silences that make every little sound sound threatening.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- A wonderfully unique spin on psychological horror
- Excellent lead performance
- Clever, multi-layered plot with red herrings sprinkled throughout
Cons:
- Gradual burn pace may not be for everyone
- Leaves certain questions unanswered (some will adore it, some will despise it)
Trailer:
Verdict:
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that don’t give away the solution and leave you feeling suitably uneasy, Alarum (2025) is a must-see. It’s the sort of movie that’ll have you double-locking doors and side-glancing alarm clocks for days. Just be warned—you may not be sleeping soundly after this film.