Depravity (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Depravity, Paul Tamasy’s directorial debut, delves into the depths of human darkness through a thriller that blends suspense, mystery, and psychological tension. Starring Victoria Justice, this crime thriller offers an intriguing premise: a group of roommates in a US metropolis accidentally kills a man, setting off a deadly chain of deception and cover-ups. However, despite the intriguing setup, Depravity struggles with pacing, characterization, and overall execution, leaving viewers feeling more frustrated than satisfied.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and where you can stream Depravity online in 2024.
Plot Summary of Depravity (2024)
The story revolves around three central characters—Grace (Victoria Justice), an ambitious law student, her roommate Aria, an art student and curator, and their new neighbor Alex, a former professional football player forced into early retirement due to an injury. The trio’s lives take a dangerous turn when Alex grows suspicious of their eccentric neighbor Carl, believing him to be the serial killer responsible for several disappearances in the neighborhood.
Driven by curiosity and Alex’s conviction, the group decides to break into Carl’s apartment, leading to a series of disastrous events. What starts as an amateur investigation quickly escalates into murder, as Carl is killed in self-defense. However, the discovery of a hidden stash of stolen art and cash in Carl’s apartment complicates matters. Soon, they realize that Carl was not a serial killer but an associate of two sadistic art thieves, Tovia and Claude. These dangerous criminals begin hunting the trio, believing they have stolen their stash.
As the group tries to cover up their crime, the situation spirals out of control, culminating in deadly confrontations and betrayals. The film builds tension as Grace, Aria, and Alex grapple with their moral choices, with each character navigating their own internal and external conflicts. But does Depravity succeed in delivering a memorable thriller? Let’s break it down.
Performances and Direction
Victoria Justice shines as Grace, capturing her character’s transformation from a cautious law student to a determined survivor. Her performance anchors the film, providing an emotional depth that helps drive the plot forward. Justice’s portrayal of Grace’s internal conflict—whether to follow the law or do whatever it takes to survive—makes her the most compelling character in the film.
The supporting cast, including Devon Ross as Aria and Taylor John Smith as Alex, provide solid performances, though the characterization at times feels superficial. The dynamics between the trio occasionally lack the depth needed to fully engage the audience, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their survival. Still, the actors manage to bring moments of intensity to their roles, especially as the film escalates in its final act.
Paul Tamasy’s direction, while effective in creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, falters in pacing. The nearly two-hour runtime feels unnecessarily drawn out, particularly in the second act, where the tension wanes. The film’s reliance on predictable plot twists and familiar thriller tropes detracts from its potential, making it less impactful than it could have been.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What sets Depravity apart from other thrillers is its use of confined spaces and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of dread. The apartment setting becomes a character in itself, with each room hiding new dangers. The claustrophobic feeling of being trapped in a maze of horrors amplifies the psychological tension, making the film’s best moments feel like a descent into madness.
However, the film’s downfall lies in its uneven script and pacing. The first two acts, which focus on the group’s paranoia and investigation into Carl’s life, are slow and often lack the necessary suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. By the time the real action kicks in—when Tovia and Claude enter the picture—the audience may find it hard to care about the fate of the characters due to the lack of emotional investment earlier on.
The third act, while more action-packed, feels rushed and disjointed. The plot twists, particularly regarding the stolen art and the ultimate fate of the characters, feel forced rather than organic. As a result, the film’s resolution lacks the emotional impact that could have elevated Depravity from a generic thriller to something more memorable.
Where to Watch Depravity Online
As of 2024, Depravity is available for streaming on several major platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience. Here’s where you can watch the movie:
- Apple TV: Stream or rent Depravity in high definition on Apple TV.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for streaming with a subscription or as a rental/purchase option.
- Microsoft Store: You can rent or purchase Depravity digitally on the Microsoft Store.
- Vudu: Stream Depravity on Vudu, where it’s available for both rental and purchase.
These platforms offer the film in various formats, so whether you’re a subscriber or looking to rent/purchase the movie, you’ll find plenty of options to watch Depravity from the comfort of your home.
Final Thoughts
Depravity offers a tense, atmospheric thriller that explores the consequences of curiosity and deception. While the premise and performances show promise, the film ultimately falls short due to pacing issues and a lackluster script. Fans of psychological thrillers may still find enjoyment in the film’s claustrophobic setting and moments of suspense, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for a suspenseful ride with some chilling twists, Depravity might be worth a watch. However, don’t expect it to break new ground in the genre.
Ready for a suspense-filled thriller that explores the dark side of human nature? Watch Depravity today on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Store, or Vudu! Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror or just looking for a new thriller to add to your watchlist, Depravity delivers moments of tension and dread that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
