“Hidden” (2015) – A Psychological Thriller of Survival and Transformation
“Hidden” is a 2015 American psychological thriller directed by the Duffer Brothers, marking their feature film debut. The movie stars Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Emily Alyn Lind in a tense survival story set in a post-apocalyptic world. The film explores themes of fear, isolation, and the struggle to maintain humanity amidst overwhelming circumstances. Despite a modest box office performance, the film’s thought-provoking narrative and strong performances garnered positive reviews from certain critics.
Check out the trailer below.
Plot Summary: The film takes place in the aftermath of an unknown outbreak that has ravaged the United States, leaving a few survivors fighting for their lives. The story follows a family of three—Ray (Skarsgård), Claire (Riseborough), and their young daughter Zoe (Lind)—who have sought refuge in an abandoned fallout shelter. The outside world is overrun by hostile creatures known as “Breathers,” which relentlessly hunt down any remaining humans. The family is trapped in the shelter, struggling to survive while adhering to a strict set of rules designed to keep them alive.
As the family endures the cramped and claustrophobic conditions, they face the terrifying reality that their food supplies are running out and that the Breathers are getting closer. A critical moment comes when the family accidentally reveals their hiding place by causing a small fire, which sends smoke up an air duct, exposing their position. With the Breathers closing in, Zoe breaks her mother’s rule by venturing outside to warn her parents, which leads to a tense confrontation.
Through flashbacks, the audience learns about the family’s past life before the outbreak, their desperate escape from the town of Kingsville, and their unfortunate discovery that they have been infected by the airborne virus that has turned most of humanity into monstrous creatures. The story unfolds as Claire and Zoe try to escape from the shelter after Ray is captured and disappears. They eventually come face-to-face with soldiers, only to realize that the “Breathers” are actually infected soldiers wearing rebreather masks. What follows is a violent confrontation that leads to Claire and Zoe’s transformation into the very creatures they feared.
Themes and Analysis: “Hidden” is a tightly crafted psychological thriller that focuses on the emotional and physical toll of survival in a world where danger lurks at every corner. The Duffer Brothers, known for their work on “Stranger Things,” excel at building suspense and creating a sense of isolation. The film’s minimalist approach to storytelling, with its confined setting and limited cast, allows for intense character development and emotional depth.
The core theme of the film is the loss of humanity. The characters’ transformation from being survivors to becoming the very monsters they fear raises questions about identity, survival, and morality. The film explores how extreme situations can strip away the veneer of civility, turning even the most ordinary people into something unrecognizable.
Reception: Although “Hidden” had a limited release and earned only $310,273 worldwide, it garnered a positive reception from some critics. Daniel Kurland praised the film for being a “promising, controlled debut,” noting its minimalist style and intense atmosphere. Nav Qateel of Influx Magazine awarded the film a grade of “B,” calling it a polished thriller-horror with a satisfying conclusion.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 83% positive rating from six critics, with an average score of 5.6/10. While not universally acclaimed, “Hidden” has been recognized for its mature, restrained approach to the genre and its ability to create an unnerving atmosphere with limited resources.
Conclusion: “Hidden” is a tense, thought-provoking thriller that delves deep into the human psyche under extreme duress. The film is a gripping survival story that keeps audiences on edge with its minimalistic approach to both story and setting. While it may not have achieved widespread commercial success, “Hidden” offers a unique and unsettling exploration of survival, transformation, and the dark side of humanity in a world where nothing is certain but danger and fear.
You can watch Hidden (2015) on various streaming platforms or through online rental services, depending on your region. Some of the common services where the movie might be available include:
- Amazon Prime Video – This platform often offers movies for rent or purchase, including Hidden.
- Google Play Movies or YouTube Movies – Both platforms offer movies for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV – Similar to Google Play and Amazon, Apple TV also offers movies for rent or purchase.
Additionally, you can check platforms like Netflix or Hulu, though availability may vary depending on the time and region.
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