Knifepoint is a gripping thriller from 2011 that tells the tale of a group of strangers who are forced to confront their darkest secrets when they are held hostage in a diner by a knife-wielding assailant. The movie begins with a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the film. A man is shown packing a suitcase and leaving his home in a hurry, while his wife and child sleep in the other room. It is clear that he is running away from something, but we do not know what that is. The scene then cuts to a diner in the middle of nowhere, where we are introduced to five strangers who have stopped to grab a bite to eat. There is Kelly (played by Krista Braun), a woman who is on the run from her abusive boyfriend; Juliette (played by Katherine Randolph), a spoiled socialite who is traveling with her boyfriend, Dan; Sarah (played by Kym Jackson), a shy waitress who is trying to make ends meet; and Peter (played by Scott G. Anderson), a middle-aged businessman who is filled with regret over his past mistakes.
As the group settles down for a meal, they are suddenly accosted by a masked man who bursts into the diner brandishing a knife. He forces them all to hand over their phones and then locks them in the back room, telling them that they will only be released if they reveal their deepest secrets to each other. The group is initially reluctant to cooperate, but as they slowly begin to reveal their secrets, it becomes clear that they have all been hiding something from each other.
Knifepoint is a movie that relies heavily on its characters, and director Brian Barnes does a fantastic job of building tension and suspense through their interactions. Each character is given a decent amount of screen time, which allows the audience to get a sense of who they are and what motivates them. We learn that Kelly is a survivor who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself; Juliette is selfish and entitled, but ultimately vulnerable; Sarah is kind-hearted and compassionate, but also haunted by a traumatic past; and Peter is haunted by guilt and regret over a past decision that led to tragic consequences.
The acting in Knifepoint is superb, with each actor delivering a nuanced and believable performance. Krista Braun is particularly impressive as Kelly, conveying both strength and vulnerability with equal ease. Katherine Randolph also stands out as Juliette, bringing an unexpected depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Kym Jackson and Scott G. Anderson both deliver solid performances as well, anchoring the film's more emotional moments.
One of the movie's strengths is its pacing. The tension is dialed up slowly but steadily throughout the film, as the characters are forced to confront their fears and secrets. The scenes in which they reveal their secrets are particularly compelling, as the camera closes in on their faces and the music swells in the background. There are also some genuinely suspenseful moments, particularly near the end of the film when the characters are forced to make some difficult choices.
Knifepoint is not a perfect film, however. There are a few plot holes that are never quite explained, particularly regarding the identity of the knife-wielding assailant. Some viewers may also find the ending unsatisfying, as it leaves a few loose ends hanging. However, these minor quibbles do not detract from the overall quality of the film.
In conclusion, Knifepoint is a tense and suspenseful thriller that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Its strong performances and skilled direction make it a standout film in the crowded genre of hostage dramas.
Knifepoint is a 2011 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.
