TIFF Next Wave 2014: For No Eyes Only Review

For No Eyes Only

For No Eyes Only

A modern day retelling of Alfred Hitchcocks Rear Window, For No Eyes Only takes the simple premise of the 1954 classic and applies it to present day. After breaking his leg in an indoor field hockey practice and stuck in his bedroom, Sam (Benedict Siverding) begins to pass time spying on his classmates by hacking their webcams. Sam then begins to notice some suspicious behaviour from one of his teammates Aaron (Tali Barde, who also wrote and directed the film), and has his friend Livia (Luisa Gross) help him investigate.

For No Eyes Only does a good job at taking this idea of surveillance in the 21st century and applying it to a simple but stylish thriller. Barde manages to capture the feel of high school in the internet agequite well, albeit simply. A classic case of style over substance, the film manages to do some interesting things when it comes to editing, cinematography and music, but falters when it comes to story. There are many instances where transitions and images are impressive, but a formulaic and dull narrative tends to make it all rather forgettable. It does a decent job at creatively updating Rear Window, unfortunately the narrative isnt very thrilling or interesting. It plays out exactly how one would expect, and everything seems much too convenient. Especially if you’ve already seen Rear Window. (Matt Rorabeck)

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Sunday, February 16th, 1:30pm, TIFF Bell Lightbox



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