Watch Neighbor

Neighbor is a psychological horror film released in 2009, directed by Robert A. Masciantonio. The movie's style is somewhat reminiscent of a classic slasher, although it employs more of a psychological aspect to the plot. The film stars America Olivo, Christian Campbell, and Joseph Aniska. The plot revolves around a young couple named John and Rosie (played by Christian Campbell and America Olivo respectively), who move into a new house in a small, close-knit neighborhood. There, they make the acquaintance of a strange neighbor named Troy (Joseph Aniska), who gives off an unnerving vibe to the couple. Despite their reservations, they attempt to connect with him, but eventually, they discover that he is dangerous and they have to face his madness.

The film's opening sequence begins with a powerful, gritty soundtrack, which sets the mood for what is to come. The house in which Rosie and John buy represents their new start, and they intend to work towards bringing their lives back on track. However, their neighbor, Troy, constantly interrupts their plans with his strange and unsettling behavior. His eerie presence and the tension he brings soon escalate to become a horrifying and violent situation.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way in which it gradually builds tension, with Troy's menacing presence continually looming in the background. The horror in Neighbor is not confined to a mere jump scare or sequence of gruesome, bloody scenes but rather plays to the audience's psychology. The movie shows the different ways that Troy infiltrates John and Rosie's life, from the way he inserts himself into their conversations to the way he manipulates Rosie's mental well-being.

The film's pacing is another one of its strengths, as it balances the buildup of tension with the occasional comic relief. These moments of levity are essential, as they help to alleviate the extreme level of suspense and terror that the movie creates. The story's twists, skillful suspenseful moments, and jarring moments keep the viewer on edge throughout the film.

The performances by the cast are also noteworthy, particularly those of America Olivo and Joseph Aniska. America Olivo's performance as the fragile yet defiant Rosie is excellent, as she manages to convey a sense of despair and defiance throughout the movie. She embodies a strength and resilience that are essential to making the film work. Joseph Aniska's portrayal of Troy is also quite praiseworthy, with his intensity and unpredictability towards the end of the film, demonstrating his abilities as an actor.

Neighbor is a movie that requires patience from the viewers because it is short on graphic violence and gore. Instead, the film manages to generate the perfect horror atmosphere through a mixture of subtle cues such as lighting, sound design, and the psychological nature of the storytelling. The result is a movie that showcases the true terror of real-life irrational fears and disturbances.

Overall, Neighbor is a highly recommended film for those who enjoy horror movies that emphasize on tension and terror. Its unique approach to the genre, coupled with strong performances by the cast, makes it a standout title in the horror film genre. It is not a typical slasher with lots of gore and blood, instead, it demonstrates how the absence of physical harm can be more frightening than its presence.