73
Metascore
18 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The Film StageZhuo-Ning SuThe Film StageZhuo-Ning SuThere’s no denying the level of craft and performance involved that probes human depravity so compellingly, you’re left with much more than just rattled nerves and a taste of bile.
- 83The PlaylistJessica KiangThe PlaylistJessica KiangThese are strong performances, committed to the truth of the scenario however grim that might be but Young’s talents extend beyond that. Having also written the script, he clearly designed this film to allow him to show off some impressive, expressive visual storytelling.
- 80Screen DailySarah WardScreen DailySarah WardIn its style as well as its psychological focus, Hounds of Love marks Young as a filmmaker to watch, though he’s not the feature’s only standout. His trio of leads has rarely been better.
- 80VarietyEddie CockrellVarietyEddie CockrellA harrowing ride that morphs from discrete horror to probing character study and back again in a vivid yet admirably restrained 108 minutes.
- 80We Got This CoveredMatt DonatoWe Got This CoveredMatt DonatoDirectorial debuts are rarely this poised, devastating or dangerous.
- 80Los Angeles TimesJen YamatoLos Angeles TimesJen YamatoYoung’s vision of quiet middle-class mayhem, drawn from the three-handed struggle between young Vicki and her tormentors, is bold and unflinching.
- 78Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovDirector Ben Young’s first narrative feature is loosely based on actual events, which makes watching this psychological horror show all the more harrowing.
- 75Slant MagazineDerek SmithSlant MagazineDerek SmithHounds of Love builds to a crescendo that earns its emotional catharsis while staying true to its roots as a truly chilling and intense thriller.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyHounds of Love benefits from impressive control of visuals to build suspense and from the spiky performances of its fearless cast, flagging Young as a talent to watch.
- 60The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen KenigsbergIt’s a tense, sharply assembled debut feature from Ben Young. Its main problem, though, is that it never answers a basic question: Why are we watching this?