The Neighbor (II) (2016) User Reviews

Just how well do you know your neighbors?...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 29 September 2016]

The 2016 movie titled "The Neighbor" starts out fairly slow and doesn't really progress much at any kind of speed, right up until Rosie sees something through the binocular. But then the movie does kick up into an impressive gear, and leaves behind its former semi-boring pace.

Without going too much into detail about the actual storyline, I will just briefly summarize the movie. John and Rosie are planning to leave town in order to start a new and better life, when Rosie makes a gruesome discovery through a looking glass directed towards their neighbor. And when John comes home, Rosie is nowhere to be found...

What works out in "The Neighbor" is the way that director Marcus Dunstan constructed the movie and managed to build up a good atmosphere and a sense of dread throughout the course of the movie. There is a good flow to the storyline, once it kicks into gear.

And the acting in the movie was quite good, although you shouldn't expect any dramatic Shakespearian thespian performances though. But people did good with their roles and character, taking the genre and fairly simplistic storyline into consideration.

I will say that Josh Stewart (playing John) actually stood out among the acting talents in "The Neighbor", because he really carried the movie quite well.

However, the movie did suffer from an overshadowing predictability. You knew what would happen throughout the course of the movie, and you knew how it would end. To that point, it was somewhat of a disappointment, because "The Neighbor" didn't really bring anything new to the crime / thriller genre which hadn't already been seen countless times before.

"The Neighbor" is a good movie for an evening's worth of entertainment. However, I doubt that you will be putting the movie on a second time around, because once you have seen the movie, there just isn't enough meat on the bone to support more than a single viewing.

Gets better every passing minute...

[meghana-meggy · 7/10 · 20 September 2016]

I finished watching The neighbor a few minutes ago and as of now(September 2016) I am not able to find a Wikipedia page dedicated to this movie, while even worse movies have their own Wikipedia page. Anyway, I decided to watch this movie solely based on its IMDb rating. Ans was I pleasantly surprised! I felt this movie needs to be watched by more people which is why I decided to write a review.

The first few minutes made me think it was going to be one of those movies with disappointing endings. But at half hour past the beginning, things began to turn and the ride got more and more exciting.

Positives: - Does not have too much gore like many other thrillers have. But still keeps u at edge of seat.

• Strong female characters who are not just there for skin show and they are the kind who don't need a male knight in shining armor to save them as in many other thriller movies.

• Does not have moments where people torture each other or give a long speech before killing them(no wiggle room for someone who's at gunpoint)

• All the characters are grey characters. Not completely good or bad. Gives us chance to think who we are rooting for.

Negatives: - Lacks character development which helps keep the movie shorter

• Had a weak start which can seem boring to some people.

Overall, it's an enjoyable movie.

Not perfect, but still very good

[jtindahouse · 7/10 · 8 October 2016]

I'm a big fan of Marcus Dunstan. I'll never forget being in a hotel room late one night when a movie I'd never heard of called 'The Collector' came on, and I thought I'd give it a look. What followed were 90 of the most intense minutes I can remember seeing on film. While I still enjoyed 'The Neighbor', I can admit it didn't quite live up to those high standards. It's a fun premise, but instead of being tense from whoa to go, it has long sequences that are actually rather dull and hard to focus during. Those are really the only parts that let it down though, because the rest is excellent.

Josh Stewart fills the lead role again. I think he's an under-appreciated actor. He brings a tremendous intensity to a movie and manages to be likable, even when playing a crook (although often a crook who is the lesser of two evils). The main villain isn't quite as memorable as 'The Collector', hence the more toned down film title of 'The Neighbor'. I suspect that is what Dunstan was going for though. A more grounded and realistic story, while still keeping all the suspense of his previous films. He almost pulls it off to perfection and with some simple editing tweaks this could have been something very special. Alas it will have to settle for being an above average thriller.

Possible slasher turned action/thriller

[cjs6547 · 5/10 · 31 December 2016]

There were many opportunities throughout the movie to make the 'neighbor' more mysterious, more freaky, and more cunning, but these were quickly abandoned in favor of a more clichéd criminal. That is my largest disappointment with this film. Otherwise, it worked well as an action/thriller.

The protagonists are caught up in a mob's smuggling operation, and they use a telescope to spy at people through the window. One day, the girlfriend (Who, I assume by the hero's subsequent panic is never supposed to leave the house) spots something incriminating and is nabbed by the neighbor. (Yes, this is the actual premise of the film, not the more innocent summaries I have read elsewhere. I don't know why they bother hiding the fact that their protagonists are criminals too).

So everybody, who is incidentally criminal, is trying to get one up on each other by sleuthing, tackling, slashing, shooting and your usual hijinks. The movie has good photography, good soundtrack, and is a bit gritty - kind of like the only quality everybody seems to need to survive.

For fans of the genre

[allpavel · 6/10 · 27 July 2020]

The acting is at a good level, as is the camera work. The plot is quite standard. You will not be able to meet any unexpected plot twists. The film was created within the framework of the genre and performs in it at a quite good and solid level. Does not cause any negative emotions, but also joy. It is worth watching, but only for fans of the genre, while others do not need to.

The Neighbor

[RobTheWatcher · 5/10 · 25 February 2023]

The Neighbor is a low budget suspense/thriller that actually is pretty decent and works. For what it is, I was surprised and entertained. The acting and overall quality of production is relatively low level but it works for the kind of movie it is. There was some decent scenes filled with violence and action. There were a few twists and turns as well. Overall it's an okay watch and worth it if you like these kinds of movies. Just don't expect anything high quality. IMDb also needs to remove these damn character minimums for movie reviews. They are excessive and unnecessary to have in place!!!!!

Not a bad Thriller

[misanthr0pist · 6/10 · 18 October 2020]

The neighbour is a slow burn, but well-paced thriller that takes place in rural America, where a couple finds their Neighbor commuting kidnap-for-ransom. Think of something like 'The Collector' which Josh Stewart is also cast in.

The first intro to the neighbour is near perfect, creates a tense atmosphere, and leaves you guessing what he's up to

The score sets the tone of the movie incredibly; and is probably my favourite aspect of this film.

The setting of this movie makes a lot more sense than something like "The Collector" as The Neighbor is set in a rural town. Less Pele means those people can get away with more. While an underground lair full of women-for-ransom doesn't make much sense; it's more believable than it occuring in a suburban street.

Josh Stewart does a great job with the lead as usual; though I think the show is stolen by the antagonist, played by Bill Engvall. An extremely convincing performance.

Only draw backs are the choppy editing, and even choppier slow-mo scenes, and the awful comic-book-esque punch sound effects.

Overall an entertaining thriller, with solid acting and an semi-interesting story.

Not really impressed

[Stevieboy666 · 4/10 · 2 April 2020]

Released in Britain as "The Neighbour" - slightly different spelling. This was screened on the Horror Channel but I would be hard pressed to call it a horror movie, more of a dark/action thriller with a few nods to the horror genre. Personally I found it slow and it just didn't do much for me. Instantly forgettable.

from drug dealing to a brutal revenge survival flick

[trashgang · 8/10 · 28 November 2016]

I came across this one because I liked Don't Breathe (2016) people said well there's another one in that style to watch but hasn't got the publicity the other one had. So i picked it up.

It starts rather as a flick about dealing in drugs and living underground to earn money so John (Josh Stewart) and his girlfriend Rosie (Alex Essoe) can leave it all behind and go to start a new life. Until that point this flick is not delivering but of course on day they got a visit from their neighbor.

From there on this flick suddenly turns into a brutal flick were it doesn't matter who's face is smashed to bits, girl or boy. I can't go too deep into the story or I would spoil it all but you just doesn't see it coming how this flick turns into a horror suspense flick.

Excellent flick, don't bother about the characters not being evolved, this is all about surviving.

Gore 1/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 3/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5

Don't Breathe light

[Seth_Rogue_One · 7/10 · 24 November 2016]

Won't win any awards for most original screenplay but it was still pretty well-made and for the more part fast-paced thriller (at least the second half).

'Don't Breathe' is one of my favorites so far of 2016 and this is a bit similar to that (a criminal couple vs a old guy) although not as great of course but still good enough. Imagine if Rob Zombie directed that movie then you kinda get the idea of what this is like.

To be fair though the director Marcus Duncstan is in no way copying that movie or anything and has made similar movies before with 'The Collector' and 'The Collection' on his resume.

Not without it's flaws but overall a gritty and cool flick that's well worth spending 80 minutes to watch.

A part of my soul died for wasting time.

[sentinelswarm · 1/10 · 20 September 2016]

This movie is beyond GARBAGE! I cannot even fathom how someone gets financial backing to make a film like this. The plot is completely laughable and unlike some other reviewers I never saw a moment that was "suspenseful". Whenever they tried to set up a scene that was supposed to make the viewer tense, nervous (whatever they were trying for)it was completely predictable. One could simply get up take a phone call, grab something to eat and come back and still be able to know what is going on.I gave this a score of 1 star for the mere fact you cannot rate lower

Don't waste your time with this drivel.

Very decent, sadly too short

[immaeatya · 7/10 · 3 November 2016]

First off, this movie definitely has some similarities to the Collector and the Collection in terms of plot and style, so if those weren't for you then chances are you won't enjoy this. I enjoyed all three.

That said, the Neighbor does go down its own path as the movie progresses and offers something a little different. The movie took its time getting started, but did a good job introducing us to the characters and their situation (even got a little bit of background on Troy and his sons, which was neat) so it's not really a complaint. The actors did a good job, Josh Stewart and director Marcus Dunstan make a great pair.

My biggest and frankly only gripe about the Neighbor is that once the action took off it got really fast-paced, which wouldn't have been a bad thing if not for the fact that the movie itself is so short. The ending felt sudden and a little too easy, would've loved to have had another 10-15 minutes of intense cat-and-mouse to even out the experience.

Omg stop feeding us this lame tripe

[jeanpirise · 1/10 · 12 October 2016]

This film is about nothing, it's slow, it's atmospheric but it takes forever to film a wall....there's no story, the dialogue is abysmal, the acting laughable...the machismo is both abysmal and laughable. Please stop giving us just terrible quality....movies these days have gone down the toilet...they're worthless. I spent like an hour on this snoozefest for children...l mean it's not for children but the maturity level is such....just saddening. What is wrong with Hollywood these days? Is it piracy? Do they only get a million instead of many millions? Is there not enough millions? Can they only buy like one yacht? Is that it? Is it not enough? Seriously...

Well-done thriller!

[jdk-04628 · 8/10 · 30 August 2017]

This is a very well-done thriller, that got a lower rating than I think it deserves. Fine plot, good acting and great cinematography (minus the strange intro), all contribute to a great film. Just ignore the mediocre ratings, and rent this one. I was surprised at how fine a film this was. You'll be surprised too!

guy from "the collector" plays basically the same guy in basically the same movie

[schumacher-m3 · 7/10 · 9 January 2019]

The neighbor is also directed by marcus dunstan, so it comes as no surprise that it is eerily similar to the collector. they say everything moves slower in the south and this movie certainly does a good job proving that point, however once you get to the main plot it doesn't disappoint. it does a relatively good job at keeping the viewers attention, and moving quickly unlike the first half of the film which was slighty more of a crime-drama than a horror film. which let's face it like many others i came into this film prepared to watch blood splat and wasn't truly satisfied till about the half way point.

overall, not a bad film at all definitely worth a watch. basically can be summed up as "the collector; but in the south"

Howdy neighbor, could I borrow a cup of sugar?

[Coventry · 5/10 · 7 April 2021]

... the above phrase is a friendly piece of conversation between neighbors the protagonists of this movies will probably never have! Don't know if it exists also in English, but in my native language, the following expression exists: "better a good neighbor than a distant friend". In Cutter, Mississippi, where "The Neighbor" is set, this also doesn't count. John and his girlfriend Rosie work as low-profile drug couriers for John's criminal uncle Neil. During the night they intend to escape, however, they discover their next-door neighbor Troy is a sadist kidnapper and killer, and a wholly different battle for survival ensues.

In a good 10-15 years, writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton have built up quite a reputation within the horror movie industry. They scripted the later "Saw" sequels (parts 4 to 7), the three "Feast" movies, and both "The Collector" and "The Collection". All of these are simple but extremely brutal thrillers/slashers with graphic gore, merciless villains and far-fetched murder set pieces. "The Neighbor" is perhaps their least commercial effort, but it certainly delivers in terms of intensity, bloodshed and sadism. It's a no-nonsense and raw-to-the-core slasher, and I do mean that positively!

Sadly, though, it's also one of the least memorable films I've seen in a long time. For every strongpoint there's a weakness. I like how the female characters (Rosie and Sarah) are tough, but the truth is you can't really cheer for anyone here. I appreciate how Dunstan and Melton didn't include convoluted death traps, like in "Saw" or "The Collector", but this simultaneously also means the death sequences are dull and formulaic. There isn't any time wasted on long dialogues and character development, but nevertheless the first half hour is slow. Like these, I could easily list another handful of contradictions, but the message is clear: "The Neighbor" is worth watching but never rises above mediocrity.

Not a horror movie

[scottandmelindaever · 7/10 · 19 August 2018]

Pretty good movie a thriller not a horror, kept me entertained however I'll never look at Bill Engvall the same. Not a role I expected from a comedian but he played it pretty well.

Not a bad average thriller

[Democrit · 5/10 · 17 August 2023]

The film is not bad, but I found the finale to be disappointing. The "main villains" were defeated too easily and without much complexity. In my opinion, the film falls short in terms of its effects. While the "main villains" capture their victims on camera, the reasoning behind their actions is only partially explained. Unlike the movie "8 mm," where the camera symbolizes evil, this film fails to effectively utilize symbolism. On a positive note, the actors deliver solid performances, without relying on clichés. Overall, the film manages to be a decent thriller, presenting a realistic portrayal of events. However, the motives of the criminals lack depth, and there is a missed opportunity to delve into the psychological conflict between "parents and children."

Good For Fans Of The Genre

[iSkyWalKing · 7/10 · 25 June 2020]

Specifically for genre fans. From the director of The Collector & it's sequel which I really enjoyed, this has a similar tone. I would consider The Collector to be the stronger effort, but this is still consistent of his work. Somewhat run of the mill and predictable but still done very well and highly entertaining. It's dark and gritty enough and has a good amount of tension. Questionable decision making at times by some characters which is par for the course but nothing drastic to affect the film in any way. Overall if you are a fan of the horror/home invasion genre, I feel this is a nice addition to the list and delivers what it's supposed to... I fully enjoyed it.

Decent

[redban02 · 6/10 · 25 January 2022]

The movie reminded me of The Collector, with similar visuals, a similar concept, and the same lead actor (Although I feel that the villain in The Collector was more interesting than the villains in this movie). The movie has good drama, suspense, and action. The biggest strength, easily, is Josh Stewart's performance as the protagonist: he was credible, charismatic character, and likeable. The movie can be a predictable if you're familiar with this genre of movies, but overall, the movie is decent.

A solid thriller minus the cliches. Marcus Dunstan n Josh Stewart does it again.

[Fella_shibby · 8/10 · 14 October 2016]

Saw the trailer on YouTube while going thru horror movie trailers. I added it to my watchlist after knowing that Mark Dunstan (The Collector 1 n 2) is the director n Josh Stewart is the lead actor.

I am a big fan of these two.

The movie is a lil slow in the beginning but the end result is very satisfying. One may say it's predictable but it is a straightforward basic thriller without the clichés found in most horror movies.

The females in this film are not shown as weak n stupid.

Majority of the horror/thriller films got this stupid scene where after bashing the bad guy with jus one hit, the person starts fleeing without making sure that the bad guy is dead or not. At least they shud keep on bashing the bad guy while he is down.

Another stupid cliche is that whenever the bad guy is tied up, our survivors r busy chatting.

Glad that this movie doesn't hav these sorta stupid things.

The movie does hav lots of tension, suspense n brutal killings but no torture.

Another good aspect is the background music.

One may find this movie a lil similar to The Collector for its cat n mouse game, minus the traps. This movie has good shot gun scenes.

I hope they show more about the dirty job of the lead characters in the sequel.

Decently done retread of a film

[jmbovan-47-160173 · 6/10 · 20 December 2021]

This is from the director of The Collector and stars the same lead actor. The plotting involves illegal activity (drug running) and a hope for a better future. Unfortunately, the neighbor is even more twisted in what he does. What follows is a basic copy of plot points to finish the film. Well done just nothing new that these players haven't done before.

Bad Neighbor

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 20 May 2017]

We always wonder what our neighbors are like. Unless we are good friends with them that is. But even then, do we really know them? Do they like us? Do they have extra curricular activities we are not aware of? Also what can we expect from the filmmaker of the Collection movies? Exactly and if you know those, you do know what you are letting yourself into (no pun intended of course).

So while our main characters may not exactly make their way into heaven for their personality or way of life, there might be a bigger problem right around the corner (or just next to the corner). Obviously if you are watching a horror/thriller movie I don't have to tell you, that things tend to get ugly. Suspense level is there and it keeps you on your toes until the end ... what more can you ask for?

Kept me on the edge of my seat

[mutlumehmet · 6/10 · 4 December 2018]

I have one question to few people that's given bad review what have you been watching? Well made film Acting was very good too please ignore the few bad reviews watch it and rate it your self

Noir/Horror

[Pairic · 7/10 · 4 April 2020]

The Neighbour: Hillbilly Noir morphs into Horror as small time crook Josh Stewart's girlfriend disappears. Suspecting his odd neighbour he breaks in but finds more than he bargained for in the basement. A savage family of kidnappers, a crooked cop, shoot outs between gangs. A life and death struggle to escape. Writer/Director Marcus Dunstan (The Collector) delivers many chills and thrills. 7/10.