Watch Knuckleball

Knuckleball is a 2018 Canadian thriller film directed by Michael Peterson and starring Michael Ironside, Munro Chambers, and Luca Villacis. Set in the Canadian countryside, the film follows a 12-year-old boy named Henry who is sent to spend a weekend with his grandfather on a farm while his parents go on vacation. The grandfather, Dixon, is a gruff and solitary man who is at first cold and aloof towards his grandson.

As it turns out, Dixon is a former Major League Baseball player who was known for his legendary knuckleball pitch, a difficult-to-master technique where the ball is thrown with little to no spin, causing it to move erratically and unpredictably in mid-air. Despite the fact that he hasn't thrown a ball in years, Dixon sees an opportunity to pass on his skills to his young grandson, who shows an aptitude for the game.

However, things take a dark turn when Henry's parents are suddenly unable to return home and Dixon is injured in an accident, leaving Henry alone on the farm with no means of communication or transportation. As the days wear on, Henry begins to realize that he is not alone and that there is someone else on the farm with him, someone with ill intentions.

With no one to turn to but his estranged grandfather, Henry must learn to defend himself and survive against an unknown enemy who is determined to harm him. As he learns the skills necessary to fend off his attacker, Henry also uncovers dark family secrets and comes to understand the true nature of the man he previously thought was cold and unfeeling.

Knuckleball is a tense and thrilling film that combines elements of a coming-of-age story with a classic horror trope of being trapped in a remote location with no means of escape. The film's rural setting and snowy landscapes add to its eerie atmosphere, as does the excellent performances from the cast.

Michael Ironside brings nuance and complexity to the role of Dixon, a man haunted by his past and struggling to connect with his grandson. Munro Chambers delivers a strong performance as the plucky and resourceful Henry, while Luca Villacis is a revelation as the film's antagonist, playing the role with a chilling intensity that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Director Michael Peterson demonstrates an impressive command of tension and pacing, ratcheting up the suspense with each passing scene and never letting the audience off the hook. The film's final act is a masterclass in horror filmmaking, with a twist that will leave viewers reeling.

Overall, Knuckleball is a well-crafted and highly entertaining thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre and leave audiences craving more from its talented cast and crew. It is a suspenseful and engrossing film that is not to be missed.

Knuckleball is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 55.