Disturbia film review

certificate_15

DISTURBIA

At nineteen, Shia LaBeouf already has an impressive resume, but Disturbia is set to establish him as a star. His performance as a troubled teen convinced his neighbour is a serial killer is the best feature of this absorbing if flawed thriller. There are truly chilling moments that conjure comparisons with Silence Of The Lambs, but the meticulous detailing that rendered Lambs a classic is missing here. And though the terrific David Morse is suitably scary as the suspected murderer, his character lacks the unnerving intellect of Hannibal Lecter.

Although it builds to a tense climax, Disturbia is not in thrall to thrills. It takes its time to develop the central character of Kyle (LaBeouf), a whip smart, cocky and rebellious teenager who is having a hard time coming to terms with the recent death of his father. LaBeouf's eyes suggest a bright flame within, and as edgy as Kyle is, LaBeouf has a relaxed, assured and naturalistic presence.

Things begin with Kyle enjoying a bonding fishing trip with his dad. The idyllic setting and jocular banter is an all too clear portent of impending disaster. On the way home, the pair is involved in a horrific car accident. A year later, the loss has made Kyle angry and sullen. When a teacher makes a comment about Kyle's father, Kyle punches him, resulting in his house arrest for three months.

Terminally bored and at constant odds with his mother (Carrie-Ann Moss), Kyle takes to watching his neighbours, often with his hyper kinetic friend Ronnie (Aaron Yoo). The two teens are entranced by a disarmingly beautiful young girl, Ashley (Sarah Roemer), who moves in next door. When she catches them spying on her, she knocks on the tongue-tied Kyle's door. Kyle tells Ashley of the suspicious Mr Turner (David Morse), who he suspects is involved in the disappearance of a local girl. Ashley joins them in their surveillance of Turner, leading to her and Kyle's romantic involvement and a run in with their menacing neighbour.

Director D.J. Caruso keeps things purposeful, switching deftly between the varying tones, which range from the light and romantic to the dark and gruesome. One failing is the reckless behavior of Turner, which is at odds with someone who has much to hide. The flippant end is also incongruous with what had just transpired, but its faults aside, Disturbia is, unlike suburbia, never dull.

Kevin Murphy