The movie is so fast and thrilling till end.There is a great twist,jaw dropping moments.But there is something that feels missing and it's just a watch with some wrong ideologies.If you are just to spent 90 min,this may be it but don't hope for a story.
111 Reviews
Mediocre Thriller
Thomas_SC7 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Pet" is nowhere close to the worst made horror film I have seen, as a fan of horror (even the bad ones sometimes) I have watched my fair share of god-awfulness, but it is not a very good one either.
The 1st half of the movie is generally well-done and unsettling, but not very original: Lonely creep stalks pretty girl. There scenes that are well-crafted, one in a diner is almost unwatchable it is so awkward (intentionally so), and give us a good feel for Seth's loneliness, frustration, and (a tad too quick) devolution into complete obsession. His target, Holly, is less developed at this time. She largely just gets increasingly unnerved by Seth.
Then comes the 2nd half, and the film goes off the rails a bit, even as it tries to add more originality to it. After Seth has locked Holly in the cage, the movie's big twist, about Holly, is revealed. Sure the twist is pretty ridiculous, but being a horror movie, it's nothing too unreasonable. The twist just didn't have the intended impact with me however, largely because the movie up to this point has gotten us to know Seth, not Holly. So the big twist about her is rendered kind of "meh".
The psychological battle that follows Holly's imprisonment is fairly predictable, as is its final result. The wildly inconsistent characterization of Seth also hinders the film's 2nd half, especially its 3rd act. During the 1st half Seth goes from lonely loser to a cackling madman, then in the 2nd from that to controlling kidnapper to groveling wimp who maims himself, with not a lot of segue in between. Almost seems more like Seth turned into whatever was convenient to move the story along, rather than a character of his own.
The acting by the leads was pretty good. Despite having to put up the poor writing of his character, Dominic Monaghan is convincing as Seth, especially during the 1st half. I am a big fan of Ksenia Solo and think she is one of the best young actresses working today, and she doesn't disappoint as Holly, even if it isn't an extraordinary performance (just a tad over-the-top in a couple scenes). Their lines could have had some work though, more than a few of them are remixed clichés ("So, you think you know me?" and the like).
More than a couple scenes in the movie also require some suspension of belief, the ending pretty prominent among them.
As a whole "Pet" just doesn't offer much anything special, even if it isn't terrible. It is suspenseful at times, but not to the point of discomfort like a good horror movie can ratchet it up too. The movie's twists don't land with a lot of weight either, though they aren't awfully done. I'm not a fan of a lot of gore in movies, but the film does have one really violent scene and it works pretty well. But there are also a couple of gross-out scenes that I thought were just cheap. At times "Pet" also veers toward wanting to be psycho-sexual, but never achieves much there either. There just isn't anything it does, or tries to do, that other movies haven't done better. If you like horror like me, than it could be worth checking out for some mediocre thrills and suspense, but if you're looking for an actually good movie to scare and/or unnerve you, than this isn't it. 5/10.
The 1st half of the movie is generally well-done and unsettling, but not very original: Lonely creep stalks pretty girl. There scenes that are well-crafted, one in a diner is almost unwatchable it is so awkward (intentionally so), and give us a good feel for Seth's loneliness, frustration, and (a tad too quick) devolution into complete obsession. His target, Holly, is less developed at this time. She largely just gets increasingly unnerved by Seth.
Then comes the 2nd half, and the film goes off the rails a bit, even as it tries to add more originality to it. After Seth has locked Holly in the cage, the movie's big twist, about Holly, is revealed. Sure the twist is pretty ridiculous, but being a horror movie, it's nothing too unreasonable. The twist just didn't have the intended impact with me however, largely because the movie up to this point has gotten us to know Seth, not Holly. So the big twist about her is rendered kind of "meh".
The psychological battle that follows Holly's imprisonment is fairly predictable, as is its final result. The wildly inconsistent characterization of Seth also hinders the film's 2nd half, especially its 3rd act. During the 1st half Seth goes from lonely loser to a cackling madman, then in the 2nd from that to controlling kidnapper to groveling wimp who maims himself, with not a lot of segue in between. Almost seems more like Seth turned into whatever was convenient to move the story along, rather than a character of his own.
The acting by the leads was pretty good. Despite having to put up the poor writing of his character, Dominic Monaghan is convincing as Seth, especially during the 1st half. I am a big fan of Ksenia Solo and think she is one of the best young actresses working today, and she doesn't disappoint as Holly, even if it isn't an extraordinary performance (just a tad over-the-top in a couple scenes). Their lines could have had some work though, more than a few of them are remixed clichés ("So, you think you know me?" and the like).
More than a couple scenes in the movie also require some suspension of belief, the ending pretty prominent among them.
As a whole "Pet" just doesn't offer much anything special, even if it isn't terrible. It is suspenseful at times, but not to the point of discomfort like a good horror movie can ratchet it up too. The movie's twists don't land with a lot of weight either, though they aren't awfully done. I'm not a fan of a lot of gore in movies, but the film does have one really violent scene and it works pretty well. But there are also a couple of gross-out scenes that I thought were just cheap. At times "Pet" also veers toward wanting to be psycho-sexual, but never achieves much there either. There just isn't anything it does, or tries to do, that other movies haven't done better. If you like horror like me, than it could be worth checking out for some mediocre thrills and suspense, but if you're looking for an actually good movie to scare and/or unnerve you, than this isn't it. 5/10.
Pet: Should have been so much better
Platypuschow16 July 2017
Interesting thriller starring Lost & Lord Of The Rings star Dominic Monaghan and Lost Girls Ksenia Solo (In a very well deserved leading role) telling the story of an animal shelter worker who becomes dangerously obsessed with former classmate.
Dark, gritty and with some well played out psychological horror Pet is one of those movies that should have been something special but just fell short of the finishing line. And by fell short of the finishing line I mean slipped on a banana peel span 360 backflipped and landed on its head 3 inches from the line in the exact spot Mrs Smiths prized poodle decided to curl one out! I'm not saying Pet is bad I'm just saying it should have been a lot better, a bit longer and with a more satisfying finale.
Once again I have to say it was great seeing Ksenia Solo in such a role but feel that had the movie had more competent writers this would have been something worthy of her resume.
Also worth noting that the movies characters are simply unlikeable and that damages it somewhat. The movie near opens with a scene which made me hate a character so much I wanted to leap through the TV screen grab the characters mop turn it sideways and shove it where evolution for some reason put the male g-spot.
I digress, perfectly watchable effort but should have been so much more than it turned out to be.
Dark, gritty and with some well played out psychological horror Pet is one of those movies that should have been something special but just fell short of the finishing line. And by fell short of the finishing line I mean slipped on a banana peel span 360 backflipped and landed on its head 3 inches from the line in the exact spot Mrs Smiths prized poodle decided to curl one out! I'm not saying Pet is bad I'm just saying it should have been a lot better, a bit longer and with a more satisfying finale.
Once again I have to say it was great seeing Ksenia Solo in such a role but feel that had the movie had more competent writers this would have been something worthy of her resume.
Also worth noting that the movies characters are simply unlikeable and that damages it somewhat. The movie near opens with a scene which made me hate a character so much I wanted to leap through the TV screen grab the characters mop turn it sideways and shove it where evolution for some reason put the male g-spot.
I digress, perfectly watchable effort but should have been so much more than it turned out to be.
Intriguing Movie, but lacked a little something
SpookyJackie4 December 2016
I've seen the trailer for this movie a while ago and it captivated my attention, so I was interested in seeing this film, but held no high expectations for it.
From the trailer and the poster of this movie, I had an idea of what this movie might be, but I was a little surprised when it started developing into something I didn't quite expect. Not to say it's bad, the storyline was very interesting.
The start of the movie had a great creepy-stalker vibe to it, and as the movie progresses, it really grabbed my attention and I was curious to see how it would further develop. The two leads, Ksenia Solo (Holly) and Dominic Monaghan (Seth) both gave great performances; I also really like the concept of this story. The only issue I have for Pet, was that it didn't feel like it fully developed into anything. Sure, the story and characters were entertaining to watch, but I couldn't help but feel like the movie could have gotten more interesting or added more "events" that took place.
Overall, it's a solid psychological movie. I liked the idea of it, but wish there was more done to it. Around midway through the film, it just felt like things were at a standstill and nothing more was going to happen.
I'd recommend watching it if you have the time, it didn't feel like a waste of time at all. I only wished that there was more done that could have made this movie much more entertaining of a watch, as half the movie didn't feel like much happened.
From the trailer and the poster of this movie, I had an idea of what this movie might be, but I was a little surprised when it started developing into something I didn't quite expect. Not to say it's bad, the storyline was very interesting.
The start of the movie had a great creepy-stalker vibe to it, and as the movie progresses, it really grabbed my attention and I was curious to see how it would further develop. The two leads, Ksenia Solo (Holly) and Dominic Monaghan (Seth) both gave great performances; I also really like the concept of this story. The only issue I have for Pet, was that it didn't feel like it fully developed into anything. Sure, the story and characters were entertaining to watch, but I couldn't help but feel like the movie could have gotten more interesting or added more "events" that took place.
Overall, it's a solid psychological movie. I liked the idea of it, but wish there was more done to it. Around midway through the film, it just felt like things were at a standstill and nothing more was going to happen.
I'd recommend watching it if you have the time, it didn't feel like a waste of time at all. I only wished that there was more done that could have made this movie much more entertaining of a watch, as half the movie didn't feel like much happened.
tension is low but twist is intriguing
SnoopyStyle12 February 2017
Seth (Dominic Monaghan) works at the animal shelter. He runs into waitress Holly (Ksenia Solo) on the bus. She doesn't remember him but he remembers her. He has had a crush on her since school and starts becoming obsessed. Claire (Jennette McCurdy) is her roommate and she is still hounded by her ex Eric. Seth tries to ask her out but she rejects him. He steals her notebook. He sets up a cage in the basement of the animal shelter and kidnaps her. Security guard Nate is usually the only one around and nobody can hear her over the animal noises.
This has a couple of actors that I like. The first half of the movie struggles to pick up the pace in a seemingly predictable kidnapping film. There is a reveal of something different and more interesting around the halfway point. This may work better to compress the first half and do the kidnapping earlier. Monaghan may also be better off playing it less creepy and more of a good Samaritan. This takes the standard horror and gives it a twist. It has potential but doesn't fully achieve an engaging movie.
This has a couple of actors that I like. The first half of the movie struggles to pick up the pace in a seemingly predictable kidnapping film. There is a reveal of something different and more interesting around the halfway point. This may work better to compress the first half and do the kidnapping earlier. Monaghan may also be better off playing it less creepy and more of a good Samaritan. This takes the standard horror and gives it a twist. It has potential but doesn't fully achieve an engaging movie.
Interesting Premise But Fairly Boring Movie Overall
HorrorOverEverything2 December 2016
Seth (Dominic Monaghan) is a lonely mild mannered guy who doesn't have a lot going for him, he has no girlfriend, no friends, and a job at a pet shelter that barely bring in enough cash to pay the bills. One day on the bus he spots Holly (Ksenia Solo), a pretty girl that he recognizes from high school. Seth is desperate to ask Holly out but he simply doesn't have the looks or skills to impress her and ends up getting shut down, after a few more failed attempts at asking Holly out Seth starts to becomes obsessed. Eventually Seth's obsession drives him to kidnap Holly, but things don't go exactly the way he planned. I'll refrain from saying more about the plot since one of the few things that this film has going for is that it puts an interesting spin on the whole "Captive" premise.
The film starts off pretty dry, the set up is bland and none of the characters really caught my interest at all. I started becoming a little eager for Seth to just Kidnap Holly already because I just wasn't interested in watching him sulk around obsessing over her and stalking her. Once Seth Kidnaps Holly things do get slightly better, but not much. As I said before the film throws a little curve ball here that mixes things up a bit, it was definitely interesting but they just don't do a whole lot with it, the majority of the film is still just a run of the mill captive flick. There is a little bit of gore, but aside from that and the little twist there just wasn't that much content here. It was basically just enough to keep me from turning it off.
Another thing that becomes clear right away with this film is that even though the cast features a lot of familiar faces, the acting is actually pretty sub par. Lots of mono toned deliveries and many lines that you can tell were supposed to be delivered with a lot of emotion but just come off forced. The majority of the actors featured in the film have given much better performances in previous works that they have been in, so it was weird to see them all just fall flat. It's definitely not the worst acting ever, but it does take away from the tone of the film and makes it a lot less captivating, since this is a pretty dialogue heavy film that was a pretty big blow.
Despite the OK premise, this just wasn't a good film. It had some potential but overall it just fails to do anything worthwhile.
4/10
The film starts off pretty dry, the set up is bland and none of the characters really caught my interest at all. I started becoming a little eager for Seth to just Kidnap Holly already because I just wasn't interested in watching him sulk around obsessing over her and stalking her. Once Seth Kidnaps Holly things do get slightly better, but not much. As I said before the film throws a little curve ball here that mixes things up a bit, it was definitely interesting but they just don't do a whole lot with it, the majority of the film is still just a run of the mill captive flick. There is a little bit of gore, but aside from that and the little twist there just wasn't that much content here. It was basically just enough to keep me from turning it off.
Another thing that becomes clear right away with this film is that even though the cast features a lot of familiar faces, the acting is actually pretty sub par. Lots of mono toned deliveries and many lines that you can tell were supposed to be delivered with a lot of emotion but just come off forced. The majority of the actors featured in the film have given much better performances in previous works that they have been in, so it was weird to see them all just fall flat. It's definitely not the worst acting ever, but it does take away from the tone of the film and makes it a lot less captivating, since this is a pretty dialogue heavy film that was a pretty big blow.
Despite the OK premise, this just wasn't a good film. It had some potential but overall it just fails to do anything worthwhile.
4/10
Again a movie with a twist, but this one works
CountJonnie27 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's an okay movie, but if you watch it as a horror movie, it's pretty decent. The lead actor is put down as a complete loser, thanks by him being a competent actor. He stalks a girl and just when you're about ready to judge him as a complete unlikable psycho, he turns into someone with a hidden agenda and helps this movie into a complete other direction, touching various genres with a twist.
The location and the amount of success he has with keeping the girl a prisoner defies all logic, but if you see through that, this mediocre movie is very watchable, entertaining and the message that is being told throughout this movie becomes solid with an effective ending.
The location and the amount of success he has with keeping the girl a prisoner defies all logic, but if you see through that, this mediocre movie is very watchable, entertaining and the message that is being told throughout this movie becomes solid with an effective ending.
Just okay
dpaalan9 January 2019
Great premise but ended up being very disappointing. I went into this movie excited to be scared. My roommate and his girlfriend had gone to see it and told me it was genuinely scary; the critics were raving about its originality, and I was ready for a tense, edgy, chilling experience. It never really lived up to my very high hopes.
Review of Pet
gemandeye12 March 2017
May have had my expectations a little high for this one after hearing about it quite a bit. Overall still a good thriller, more than horror, with a decent twist or so (even if they become a little predictable for any horror/thriller/mystery buff. I do, however, recommend this to anyone that likes any of those above categories. The acting is quite good. The story, while not totally unique, does hold it's own and bring it's own flavor to this film. I truly don't think you will be bored. The gore, while not over the top, is convincing and done in good pacing. Solo does a great job in her acting role. She brought this movie frr me to add aa couple more stars.
The second lowest grossing film in history.
Zbigniew_Krycsiwiki10 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If Travis Bickle ( from Taxi Driver ) worked in a kennel, and kidnapped Amy Dunne ( from Gone Girl ) , this movie would be the result.
An obsessive, lonely guy runs into his girl, gets rejected by her, subsequently kidnaps her, holding her hostage in a cage in the cellar of the kennel he works in. The plot thickens, when we learn the girl is a schizophrenic, sociopathic killer, who then manipulates this nitwit to commit the murder of this film's equivalent of Scatman Crothers ( from The Shining ) . After several lengthy, ponderous lectures about love and sacrifice, the filmmakers tried for an ironic twist ending, but it's such an obvious twist, that one can see it coming from a mile away. It's also completely implausible, and not believable for a second.
Mediocre melodrama, with bursts of violence and bloodshed, the kind of film that should have gone straight to DVD, in the early 2000s, not be shown in a cinema. I do specifically mean * a * cinema, as in ONE SINGLE CINEMA, for one single week, where it proceeded to make $63US opening weekend, $70US total, placing at number 149 for its sole week of release. ( Source: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/? page=weekly&id=pet2016.htm )
Wow. Just, wow
An obsessive, lonely guy runs into his girl, gets rejected by her, subsequently kidnaps her, holding her hostage in a cage in the cellar of the kennel he works in. The plot thickens, when we learn the girl is a schizophrenic, sociopathic killer, who then manipulates this nitwit to commit the murder of this film's equivalent of Scatman Crothers ( from The Shining ) . After several lengthy, ponderous lectures about love and sacrifice, the filmmakers tried for an ironic twist ending, but it's such an obvious twist, that one can see it coming from a mile away. It's also completely implausible, and not believable for a second.
Mediocre melodrama, with bursts of violence and bloodshed, the kind of film that should have gone straight to DVD, in the early 2000s, not be shown in a cinema. I do specifically mean * a * cinema, as in ONE SINGLE CINEMA, for one single week, where it proceeded to make $63US opening weekend, $70US total, placing at number 149 for its sole week of release. ( Source: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/? page=weekly&id=pet2016.htm )
Wow. Just, wow
Unexpected Twist
ghcheese7 November 2018
Yes as some has told you this one can be a little slow. But I was actually surprised by the end. Did not see that one coming. I almost shut it off but decided to see it through. I'm glad I did. Don't let the slow start stop you. Just go for it.
Dark Twisting Thriller
Pairic16 May 2020
Pet (2016): Seth (Dominic Monaghan) works in an animal shelter where he discovers a forgotten basement. His attempts to get Holly (Ksenia Solo) to date him are rebuffed. He stalks her online, at the Café where she works, follows her. When her ex punches him he gets more determined. He abducts Holly and imprisons her in a cage in the basement. Holly is no ordinary victim though, she has unexpected depths. Quite a few surprises and plot twists in this dark thriller. Although there are some gory and shocking scenes the emphasis is on psychological horror, paranoia and manipulation. Directed by Carles Torrens from a script by Jeremy Slater. 7/10.
Coulda been cool, but was just Strange
view_and_review16 March 2018
A socially maladjusted animal shelter maintenance man cannot avoid lusting after an old high school schoolmate. She thoroughly rebuffs him yet he won't take no for an answer. Because he's clearly psycho he decides to kidnap her and hold her captive. From there you're only wondering how she will escape or if she will escape. As I was hunkering down preparing for some crazy hunter/prey interaction the movie strayed a bit off course. At first I was thrown but then I thought, "this could be cool. Strange, but cool." Well, it never got any better than strange. It never entered the realm of cool. If anything it got weird and a little ridiculous. The potential was there it just didn't deliver.
Gripping psychological thriller that did make me squirm at times
jamiedarlow-375101 April 2020
Seth (Dominic Monaghan) is a lonely man who works in a dog shelter. He's a pretty quiet guy who ultimately is searching for a connection to another human being. He randomly bumps into Holly (Ksenia Solo) a girl who he knew at school from afar. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get to know her, he decides to build a metal cage, kidnap her and keep her hostage in that cage underground at his place of work. That's just the beginning; what follows are twists and turns galore! The tag line for the film is simply 'A Love Story' and that perfectly summarises the tone and twisted stance that it is going for; the most uncomfortable feeling you're left with after the film is that, it actually is a love story at the core of it told through a disturbing perspective. Monaghan and Solo are absolutely fantastic in the lead roles; particularly Solo who is really impressive here and it will be pretty awesome to see what work she goes on to do. She portrays the fear, desperation and insanity, as someone trapped in a cage for days would, really brilliantly. The script does feel a little too forced in the build up, most notably from Holly's start to the story but it does make sense in the long run. The music by Zacarias M. De La Riva is pretty good and there's one sequence in particular with repetitive dog barks interspersed with the beats that really added to the disturbing quality. It's certainly worth checking out for anyone that likes the sound of it! And that ending....
Caged
sol-5 October 2017
Emotionally fragile and very, very lonely, a dog pound employee builds a cage to house the young woman he has been stalking in this psychological horror film with some surprising twists and turns. While the film occasionally lacks in the credibility department (would all dog pounds have such extensive catacombs?), it makes up for any plausibility shortfalls by crafting two well developed main characters with any intriguing power dynamic between them. Dominic Monaghan is perfectly cast as the socially awkward lead with ample scenes that humanise him (hugging a dog while it receives a lethal injection) to the point that he only ever seems misguided and not monstrous in his actions. As his victim, Ksenia Solo seems to have a very bland character at first, but from the moment she wakes up in the cage, our perceptions about her change by the minute. Clocking in at only around 90 minutes, the filmmakers could certainly have done more with characters' psychological tug-of-war. Either way though, this is not the typical captivity thriller that one might expect based on the title and promotional artwork. The film finishes on a memorable note too with it left up to us to consider whether the protagonist unexpectedly achieved his deepest desires or not. To state much more might ruin a fresh experience; suffice it to say, this is a film best entered with as few preconceptions as possible.
Ridiculous
chapmanh-2606726 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS******
Why the three stars? Because I've seen worse movies, much worse. This seemed promising to start with but I just couldn't get past the fact that all of this was taking place underneath the dogs kennels. So nobody else ever went through those doors or used the area she was held captive in? The security guard was HUGE, and no way plausible for the main male character to have done what he did to him. Then the police come and investigate the security guards whereabouts, wouldn't they have searched the basement where all of it was taking place? Especially when the places still had his blood smeared everywhere? And the final, and most ridiculous bit, was how in gods name she she get out of there without the police seeing her, especially being someone in just her underwear and covered in blood, and how did she move him to the storage place at the very end of the film without being seen or heard etc etc. Where all the other characters blind? Did the police ever go into the basement considering someone went missing and presumed dead inside the dogs home? They knew the security guard never left the building because of his pass!
And what in gods name happened to main male characters face at the end? He went from having his throat slit and blood spewing out of his neck, to being moved somewhere else but looking like a burns victim rather than someone who'd had his throat slit. Absurd, weird, although I shouldn't have been surprised as I seem to have an uncanny knack of choosing absolute howlers of movies at the moment.
Why the three stars? Because I've seen worse movies, much worse. This seemed promising to start with but I just couldn't get past the fact that all of this was taking place underneath the dogs kennels. So nobody else ever went through those doors or used the area she was held captive in? The security guard was HUGE, and no way plausible for the main male character to have done what he did to him. Then the police come and investigate the security guards whereabouts, wouldn't they have searched the basement where all of it was taking place? Especially when the places still had his blood smeared everywhere? And the final, and most ridiculous bit, was how in gods name she she get out of there without the police seeing her, especially being someone in just her underwear and covered in blood, and how did she move him to the storage place at the very end of the film without being seen or heard etc etc. Where all the other characters blind? Did the police ever go into the basement considering someone went missing and presumed dead inside the dogs home? They knew the security guard never left the building because of his pass!
And what in gods name happened to main male characters face at the end? He went from having his throat slit and blood spewing out of his neck, to being moved somewhere else but looking like a burns victim rather than someone who'd had his throat slit. Absurd, weird, although I shouldn't have been surprised as I seem to have an uncanny knack of choosing absolute howlers of movies at the moment.
Great twist, poor ending.
alihandemiral21 April 2018
Pet starts off as a regular B-movie psychological thriller about a kidnapping, and with a great twist in the middle, turns into something special. But something goes wrong shortly after the twist, the film doesn't deliver what it teases the audience for more than an hour. As if that twist has no consequences, and there is no definite climax. The idea is a breath of fresh air for the sub-genre, but it is poorly executed. Despite its dullness here and there, "Pet" is still worthwhile for the sake of the aforementioned twist and a must-watch for the fans of Dominic Monaghan.
Interesting premise but falls apart
just_in_case26 December 2016
The movie starts off with a beta male stalker type trying to get this girl to go out with him, then it switches gears with kidnapping. Then things get really interesting, but then things kind of still reach the same destination you kind of see coming early on. Beta male.
It's a shame because the Act II idea was really good, but instead of seeing it through or down a rabbit hole I feel like they ran out of gas and went with a lazy ending. Part of the problem is that the main character's direction flipflops a couple times without any Segue.
I noticed the films only about an hour and a half. I think with a few more drafts and 20 more minutes this couple have been a real shocker but if anything the ending is reminiscent of a tales of the crypt short story. Now that story would have worked better if the main character hadn't done a 180 in Act II.
All in all I gotta say skip it on this one. There's better captor role reversal type films.
Actually if you're looking for a good captive movie I recommend "Chained (2012)" which stars Vincent D'Onofrio who as you know is in the spotlight at the moment. This is by far my favorite in this sub-genre.
It's a shame because the Act II idea was really good, but instead of seeing it through or down a rabbit hole I feel like they ran out of gas and went with a lazy ending. Part of the problem is that the main character's direction flipflops a couple times without any Segue.
I noticed the films only about an hour and a half. I think with a few more drafts and 20 more minutes this couple have been a real shocker but if anything the ending is reminiscent of a tales of the crypt short story. Now that story would have worked better if the main character hadn't done a 180 in Act II.
All in all I gotta say skip it on this one. There's better captor role reversal type films.
Actually if you're looking for a good captive movie I recommend "Chained (2012)" which stars Vincent D'Onofrio who as you know is in the spotlight at the moment. This is by far my favorite in this sub-genre.
Really quite good.
kizzie_nikita20 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'll start off with the negatives, i thought more could have been done with the girl in the cage, although i do see where they were going with it, i just feel it could have been a little more.
The positives, this isn't your usual girl stuck in cage movie. Of course there are a couple similarities, as there always is, but the over all premise of the movie was good. Won't give too much away though.
My favourite part is the ending. The fact we see her come back, the guy in the cage, it's obviously been some time as the guy we left was missing one finger. Now, hes got two fingers missing, blind in both eyes, a face that has either been scolded, or covered in acid, amongst other things. We find out that she has essentially been torturing/mutating him, to make sure she doesn't kill in her usual life, and he lets her, because he loves her.
Couple of plot holes, but nothing that really bothers me.
The positives, this isn't your usual girl stuck in cage movie. Of course there are a couple similarities, as there always is, but the over all premise of the movie was good. Won't give too much away though.
My favourite part is the ending. The fact we see her come back, the guy in the cage, it's obviously been some time as the guy we left was missing one finger. Now, hes got two fingers missing, blind in both eyes, a face that has either been scolded, or covered in acid, amongst other things. We find out that she has essentially been torturing/mutating him, to make sure she doesn't kill in her usual life, and he lets her, because he loves her.
Couple of plot holes, but nothing that really bothers me.
Getting Tired of Weaklings Who Say These Movies are Gory When They're Not
redrobin62-321-20731125 April 2017
I obtained this film on the premise that, according to some IMDb reviewers, it was gory and shocking. It wasn't. Gory and shocking is "The Hills Have Eyes" or "L'Interieur" or "Irreversible" or Marian Dora's "Cannibal." My guess is the movie must've been reviewed by suburban housewives whose definition of violence is Ernie slapping Bert in the face.
This is one of those flicks that, if you see it, it's okay. If you miss it, that's okay, too. Watching it won't enrich your life or give you hope that mankind is redeemable. It's just a little horror flick to pass the time until reboots of "Saw" or "Hellraiser" gets to the cineplex near you. Until then, simply enjoy for what it is - a minor entry in the twisted killer genre. Could've been gorier, though. Doesn't hold a candle to similar films like "Maniac."
This is one of those flicks that, if you see it, it's okay. If you miss it, that's okay, too. Watching it won't enrich your life or give you hope that mankind is redeemable. It's just a little horror flick to pass the time until reboots of "Saw" or "Hellraiser" gets to the cineplex near you. Until then, simply enjoy for what it is - a minor entry in the twisted killer genre. Could've been gorier, though. Doesn't hold a candle to similar films like "Maniac."
Twists and turns galore
jtindahouse5 December 2016
I wasn't too sure what to expect going into 'Pet'. A lot of films like this sound promising in their synopsis and then turn out to be bland, cliché-ridden, run-of-the-mill tripe. The sad fact is that there is a lack of creativity in Hollywood these days and seemingly any old thing will pass their standards and be green lit. Early on though I could tell 'Pet' was different. Nothing I hadn't seen before had occurred, but there was a sense that the director was in complete control of his story and wasn't going to let this be just any old movie. Sure enough, about half way through the twists in the story kick in and the film never looks back from there.
There's nothing better than a film where a lot more is going on than originally meets the eye. It's the most basic, but also most effective, formula for a successful and entertaining thriller. And while it sounds so simple in concept, a lot of thrillers today fail to achieve this. If your movie doesn't have a "Wow, didn't see that coming" moment, then you either didn't have a strong enough concept to begin with, or you've been lazy and haven't made the most of your idea for a script. 'Pet' has multiple "Wow" moments.
I fear that some may be a little put off based on the synopsis of the film, fearing it will be too gory or gruesome. The vibe I got from reading it was a little bit along the lines of 'Saw' (they actually filmed this in the same room as that excellent film). To me that was a positive thing, but I can imagine for many it would be off putting. I can assure you it's not overly gruesome. There is the odd moment of "look-away" violence, but for the most part it's more about the characters interacting with one and other.
It all leads up to a very well done final scene. I honestly had no idea how they were going to finish the film, but the way they chose to do it was just perfect in my opinion. 'Pet' is a very fine movie that will please thriller lovers endlessly.
There's nothing better than a film where a lot more is going on than originally meets the eye. It's the most basic, but also most effective, formula for a successful and entertaining thriller. And while it sounds so simple in concept, a lot of thrillers today fail to achieve this. If your movie doesn't have a "Wow, didn't see that coming" moment, then you either didn't have a strong enough concept to begin with, or you've been lazy and haven't made the most of your idea for a script. 'Pet' has multiple "Wow" moments.
I fear that some may be a little put off based on the synopsis of the film, fearing it will be too gory or gruesome. The vibe I got from reading it was a little bit along the lines of 'Saw' (they actually filmed this in the same room as that excellent film). To me that was a positive thing, but I can imagine for many it would be off putting. I can assure you it's not overly gruesome. There is the odd moment of "look-away" violence, but for the most part it's more about the characters interacting with one and other.
It all leads up to a very well done final scene. I honestly had no idea how they were going to finish the film, but the way they chose to do it was just perfect in my opinion. 'Pet' is a very fine movie that will please thriller lovers endlessly.
Dark horror/thriller, decent
Stevieboy66623 May 2020
Holly (Ksenia Solo) is young, beautiful and single. She smokes a lot and aspires to become a writer. She also has an obsessed stalker (Dominic Monaghan), who kidnaps and imprisons her in a dog cage. But Holly has a very dark secret, giving the film a major plot twist.
I found Pet to be fairly tense, well acted (Monaghan does a great American accent, something that many Brits can't do - and vice versa), and there is some seriously strong violence and gore. The cast is pretty small, which helps keep it tight. In particular I liked Da Vone McDonald as the security guard, who provides a little light relief in what is a very dark movie. The plot twist does stretch believability, which is the only real negative for me, but overall Pet is a decent watch.
Enjoyable yarn with an odd finish!
khunkrumark4 January 2017
Enjoyable yarn with an odd finish!
I wasn't expecting to find this talking picture anything other than an annoying rehash of clichés and old plot devices - but I was wrong.
Actually, this turned out to be a bit of a treat.... the two things I hate most in movies were missing - aggressive background music and shaky camera work - so I stayed with it till the end... but it was the end which sort of let the whole movie down. But you'll find out this for yourself when you see it.
Aside from that quibble, it was a well paced and well-acted drama.
Latvian lovely Ksenia Solo is a treat for the eyes. Just delightful to look at!
Dominic Monaghan plays a rundown geek called Seth. he meets a former fellow student on the bus and tries to kindle a romance the right way... but he's just a bit of a knob so he decides he'll stick her in a cage instead.
But his 'pet' has a few surprises of her own and the two play games with each other till the director says that it's time to wrap things up and end it all.
There are some genuine moments of tension and the whole thing is a rather understated thriller which does just enough to entertain but really excels at not being bloody annoying with the music and shaky cam!
I wasn't expecting to find this talking picture anything other than an annoying rehash of clichés and old plot devices - but I was wrong.
Actually, this turned out to be a bit of a treat.... the two things I hate most in movies were missing - aggressive background music and shaky camera work - so I stayed with it till the end... but it was the end which sort of let the whole movie down. But you'll find out this for yourself when you see it.
Aside from that quibble, it was a well paced and well-acted drama.
Latvian lovely Ksenia Solo is a treat for the eyes. Just delightful to look at!
Dominic Monaghan plays a rundown geek called Seth. he meets a former fellow student on the bus and tries to kindle a romance the right way... but he's just a bit of a knob so he decides he'll stick her in a cage instead.
But his 'pet' has a few surprises of her own and the two play games with each other till the director says that it's time to wrap things up and end it all.
There are some genuine moments of tension and the whole thing is a rather understated thriller which does just enough to entertain but really excels at not being bloody annoying with the music and shaky cam!
An interesting failure
jonathanlopezluengas12 July 2017
You have seen films in which the script surpasses the actors. Well PET is one of them, an interesting story, but with actors lacking in talent, here at PET only try to do what they are asked, without creativity and even copying scenes from other films, to try to arouse interest, Obviously unsuccessful . There are certain times when they try to convince us of a drama that does not exist, only an ambiguity between being a thriller of terror or a drama of love without deciding for any. In short PET is an interesting but wasted bet.
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