Don’t Knock Twice (2016) is a British supernatural horror film directed by Caradog W. James, known for his previous work on The Machine (2013). The film stars Katee Sackhoff as Jessica “Jess” Webb-Thomas and Lucy Boynton as her estranged daughter, Chloe Webb. Released in the United States on February 3, 2017, the film runs for 93 minutes and is rated R for horror violence and language.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Jess Webb-Thomas, a sculptor and former drug addict, who seeks to reconnect with her teenage daughter, Chloe, after years of estrangement. Chloe, living in foster care due to Jess’s past issues, is initially resistant to the idea of reuniting. However, after a disturbing encounter with a demonic entity linked to an urban legend about a witch named Mary Aminov, Chloe agrees to move in with Jess and her husband, Ben.

The legend states that knocking twice on Mary Aminov’s door summons her spirit, leading to terrifying consequences. Chloe and her friend Danny unknowingly invoke this curse, setting off a series of supernatural events. As the entity, resembling Baba Yaga from Slavic folklore, begins to haunt them, Jess and Chloe must confront their past and work together to break the curse.

Themes and Visual Style

Don’t Knock Twice explores themes of motherhood, guilt, and redemption, set against a backdrop of supernatural horror. The film’s visual aesthetic is characterized by dark, atmospheric cinematography, often using underlit scenes and sepia tones to create a sense of unease. The sound design, including an atonal score and eerie ambient noises, further enhances the film’s tense atmosphere.

Reception

The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 28% approval rating based on 25 critic reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The audience score is similarly low, at 21%.

Critics noted that while the film had potential with its premise and performances, it was hindered by a lack of originality and pacing issues. For instance, Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter suggested that focusing more on the central characters’ relationship could have made the film more interesting.

Conclusion

Don’t Knock Twice offers a blend of supernatural horror and emotional drama, exploring the complexities of mother-daughter relationships within a chilling narrative. While it may not stand out in the genre, it provides a suspenseful experience for viewers interested in psychological horror with a familial twist.