Held

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2:05

Held

2021

1h 34m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In HELD, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late.

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Critics Consensus

Its core idea is solid, but Held squanders most of its intriguingly nasty potential with lackluster overall execution.

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Phil Hoad

Guardian

Apr 18, 2022

3/5

Awbrey’s circumspect Emma [rides] out this gender slugging match to, if not a totally convincing feminist statement, then at least a confident calling card of a lead role.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

Apr 13, 2021

It's got some some obvious and pedantic ideas about gender roles and relationships, but it's got some twists and it kept me on my toes.

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Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

Apr 9, 2021

1/4

While I understand the anger that animates Awbrey's script, anger doesn't excuse its overall weak argumentation, not to mention its rampant plot holes.

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Dallas King

Flick Feast

Nov 12, 2022

4/5

Jill Awbry and Bart Johnson are fantastic as the unhappy couple and [The Directors] wring every drop of tension out of the premise.

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Dan Bayer

Next Best Picture

May 10, 2022

4/10

All of the credit must be paid to Cluff and Lofing, who make the most of what they have at their disposal... But until they get better with actors, their films will, unfortunately, remain interesting coulda-beens.

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Jul 10, 2021

... generates mild tension during its deliberately paced buildup, then following a big reveal, squanders its premise by settling for a lackluster payoff that leaves more questions than answers.

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Joshua F

Apr 17, 2021

Good movie, slow build up, the acting of the lady was atrocious

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Paul

Apr 13, 2021

Action , drama and suspense

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KW

Apr 11, 2021

A ridiculous plot. I hope someday they make movies that aren’t driven by a political narrative.

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Mandy

Apr 11, 2021

Turned into a Friday the 13th movie before it was over!

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Jeffrey P

@vanillavoodoo1 Aug 27, 2024

Someone’s bizarre approach to marriage counseling, not as interesting as it could and should be, as it never comes close to pushing any limits. The big surprising reveal wasn’t very surprising at all.

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john s

@hipCRANK Sep 8, 2022

SIMON SAYS A remote getaway to get away from it all, turns out to be a bad idea, because, all is under rated, and one should not try and get away from it. This is what horror movies are all about: lack of logic. And yet, here we are again. Attempting to resurrect a failing marriage, a couple try and escape their troubles in an isolated vacation home that is equal parts concrete chic and smart security dungeon. Apart from a pool, and the lack of nosy neighbours, there's really not much here to rekindle any sparks, and the weekend seems like a doomed proposition. Except that it gets worse. Forget awkward relationship strife, howsabout a prison scenario with a mystery foe dictating the proceedings? Get out of line and whammo, an implant blasts the victims helpless. Forcing our stupefied couple into a bizarre patriarchal game of fifties style gender role play, "Held" builds a promising premise but fails to deliver a knockout punch. There's plenty of room for slivers of comedy, perhaps some parody, escalating tension, physical mayhem, or maybe a crazed Nick Cage with an axe. But alas no, none of that. An interesting mid film twist is all but inevitable but not unwelcome, yet the post reveal action is paint by numbers pedantic. Too bad. There are a couple of undeveloped plot lines - an opening assault flashback, and an adult son from a previous relationship - left dangling, which may have flushed out the story if revisited. Perhaps hasty editing was the culprit, whatever the case, "Held" doesn't hold together. - hipCRANK

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Travis Cluff

Director

Chris Lofing

Director

Jill Awbrey

Emma Barrett

Bart Johnson

Henry Barrett

Rez Kempton

Joe

Zack Gold

Ryan Sullivan

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Synopsis

In HELD, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late.

Director: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing
Producer: Travis Cluff, Kyle Gentz, Chris Lofing
Screenwriter: Jill Awbrey
Production Co: Tremendum Pictures
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 9, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $142.2K
Runtime: 1h 34m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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