Hidden (2015) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Hidden (2015)” is a gripping psychological horror-thriller film directed by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, who later gained widespread recognition as the creators of “Stranger Things.” This film blends elements of post-apocalyptic survival with intense psychological drama, delivering a narrative filled with suspense, fear, and unexpected twists. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Emily Alyn Lind, “Hidden” explores the dark themes of fear, family, and survival in the face of an unseen and terrifying threat. This review provides an in-depth look at “Hidden,” along with details on where you can watch it online, including available streaming services and rental options in the United States.
Plot Summary
“Hidden” opens with a chilling premise: Ray (played by Alexander Skarsgård), his wife Claire (played by Andrea Riseborough), and their young daughter Zoe (played by Emily Alyn Lind) have been hiding in an underground fallout shelter for over 300 days. The family is isolated and terrified, living in a state of constant fear due to an unknown event that has devastated the outside world. The nature of the catastrophe is slowly revealed through flashbacks, showing the family’s desperate attempts to avoid “the Breathers,” mysterious creatures or entities that now roam the desolate landscape above ground.
Inside the shelter, the family struggles to maintain their sanity and hope while dealing with the psychological toll of confinement and the constant threat of discovery. The film explores the dynamics of their relationship, as they confront their fears and try to keep their daughter safe from both the physical and psychological dangers of their environment.
As tensions rise, secrets are uncovered, and the true nature of the threat outside becomes increasingly apparent. The film builds to a dramatic climax as the family must make a choice: stay hidden and slowly waste away in their subterranean refuge, or risk everything to escape and face the unknown horrors that await them above ground.
Direction and Cinematography
Matt and Ross Duffer bring their signature style to “Hidden,” combining psychological tension with moments of intense horror. The film is effectively claustrophobic, using the confined space of the shelter to build tension and convey the characters’ increasing desperation. The Duffer Brothers’ direction keeps the audience on edge, blending suspenseful pacing with a haunting atmosphere that is both eerie and emotionally resonant.
The film’s cinematography by Thomas Townend uses shadows and dim lighting to great effect, enhancing the sense of isolation and fear that permeates the story. The underground setting is depicted as both a safe haven and a claustrophobic prison, reflecting the characters’ psychological states. The film’s use of sound—both diegetic and non-diegetic—also adds to the tension, with eerie noises and distant sounds of “the Breathers” amplifying the sense of dread.
Performances
The performances in “Hidden” are a standout aspect of the film. Alexander Skarsgård delivers a compelling portrayal of Ray, a father who is determined to protect his family at all costs while grappling with his own fears and anxieties. Skarsgård’s performance captures the intensity and vulnerability of a man pushed to the brink, balancing moments of tenderness with raw emotional power.
Andrea Riseborough provides a strong performance as Claire, a mother who tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy for her daughter despite the dire circumstances. Riseborough’s portrayal is grounded and emotionally resonant, showcasing her character’s strength, compassion, and quiet determination.
Emily Alyn Lind as Zoe brings a youthful innocence to the film, serving as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for the family’s decisions. Her performance adds emotional weight to the narrative, effectively conveying the fears and hopes of a child caught in an unimaginable situation.
Themes and Symbolism
“Hidden” explores themes of fear, survival, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. At its core, the film is about the human instinct to survive in the face of insurmountable odds and the moral dilemmas that arise when survival is at stake. The shelter itself serves as a powerful symbol of both safety and entrapment, reflecting the dual nature of the family’s situation.
The concept of “the Breathers” and their ambiguous nature adds a layer of psychological horror to the film, embodying the fear of the unknown and the paranoia that comes with it. The film also touches on themes of societal collapse and the breakdown of norms, exploring how people cope when faced with the loss of everything familiar and safe.
Critical Reception
“Hidden” received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, particularly praising the film’s atmosphere, direction, and strong performances. Critics highlighted the Duffer Brothers’ ability to create suspense and psychological tension with minimalistic storytelling and a small cast, making “Hidden” an effective horror-thriller that relies more on atmosphere and character development than on jump scares or graphic violence.
The film was commended for its exploration of psychological themes and its ability to maintain suspense throughout its runtime. However, some critics felt that the film’s pacing was slow at times, and the reliance on a single setting might not appeal to all viewers. Despite these minor criticisms, “Hidden” is considered a hidden gem in the horror genre, particularly noted for its strong performances and compelling narrative.
Where to Watch “Hidden” Online
For viewers in the United States, “Hidden (2015)” is available on several streaming platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: “Hidden” is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the film for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99 in HD.
- Apple TV: The movie can be rented on Apple TV for $3.99 or purchased for $9.99 in HD.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, with rental prices starting at $3.99.
- Vudu: “Hidden” can be rented on Vudu for $3.99 or bought for $9.99.
- YouTube Movies: The film is also available for rent or purchase on YouTube, providing another accessible option for viewers.
- Hulu: The movie is available to stream on Hulu for subscribers, included with the base subscription.
These platforms provide various options depending on your preferred service and whether you want to rent or own the movie.
Conclusion
“Hidden” is a tense and gripping horror-thriller that effectively combines psychological drama with post-apocalyptic survival elements. With strong performances from Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Emily Alyn Lind, and a haunting atmosphere created by the Duffer Brothers, the film offers a unique take on the horror genre. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think about the nature of fear and survival, “Hidden” is definitely worth watching. Check it out on your preferred streaming platform and experience this intense exploration of human resilience in the face of fear.
