“Don’t Move,” produced by Sam Raimi, follows Iris, grieving the loss of her son, who encounters a charming man named Richard in the forest. Their meeting turns sinister when Richard reveals himself as a serial killer. Injected with a paralyzing agent, Iris fights for survival as she tries to escape his clutches. The film explores themes of power, vulnerability, and resilience, culminating in Iris reclaiming her agency and confronting Richard, ultimately reversing their dynamic.
Warning: Spoilers ahead. The following content discusses key plot points from the film ‘Don’t Move.’
Currently streaming on Netflix, ‘Don’t Move’ is a chilling new project helmed by renowned horror filmmaker Sam Raimi, celebrated for iconic works such as the Evil Dead series, The Grudge, and the Spider-Man trilogy.
This gripping tale is directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who previously collaborated with Raimi on other projects.
What is ‘Don’t Move’ About?
The narrative centers around Iris (portrayed by Kelsey Asbille), a young woman grappling with the devastating loss of her son in an accident. One day, in her despair, she decides to end her life by leaping off a cliff in the forest.
Before she can act on her plan, she encounters Richard (Finn Wittrock), a man who appears affable and claims to share her grief, having lost his high school sweetheart, Chloe, in a tragic car accident.
Together, they engage in a deep conversation about loss, life, and mourning before heading back towards their vehicles. However, Richard’s true sinister nature emerges as he reveals himself to be a serial killer, administering a paralyzing drug to Iris that will immobilize her within twenty minutes.
This sets the stage for a harrowing struggle for survival as Iris races against time to escape before her body ceases to function entirely.
Understanding the Ending of ‘Don’t Move’
After a frantic, adrenaline-fueled chase through the forest and a disorienting twist at the river, Iris succumbs to the effects of the drug and loses the ability to move. Fortunately, she stumbles onto the property of William, an elderly widower, who senses the danger she is in following Richard’s arrival at his door under false pretenses.
Sadly, Richard discovers William’s attempt to call for help and kills him, setting fire to his home. In an act of desperation, Iris is forced to reveal herself to avoid being burned alive.
Richard plans to take Iris to his secluded cabin where he preys on his victims. It becomes evident that he leads a double life, as he is also a husband and father, with plans for his family to join him at the cabin.
With the urgency to eliminate Iris before they suspect anything, Richard makes several mistakes that ultimately aid her escape.
During a stop at a gas station, Iris discreetly communicates her peril to a woman, who promptly alerts the police. An officer arrives just as Richard and Iris are pulled over on the roadside, but tragically, he is killed before he can rescue her.
The stakes escalate as Richard tries to finish what he started, but time has favored Iris, allowing her to begin regaining movement and vocal ability as the drug’s effects wear off.
Does Richard Meet His End in ‘Don’t Move’?
As they head toward a lake, Richard binds Iris in a boat, preparing to kill her without interference. However, in a surprising turn, Iris outsmarts him, manages to injure him, and eventually shoots him with his own gun, reclaiming her freedom.
Even after being wounded, Richard manages to swim back to shore. Yet, the film suggests that he is too gravely injured to survive, and Iris leaves him to face his inevitable demise, thanking him as she departs.
This closing remark ties back to Richard’s earlier monologue that delves into his dark motivations for killing. He reveals that the grief over Chloe’s death awakened his dormant sociopathic tendencies.
In his twisted mind, he sees himself as a powerful figure capable of snuffing out lives, confessing that he had never harmed a man before encountering William.
Director Adam Schindler highlighted to Netflix Tudum that the film offers a unique and disturbing ‘failed therapy’ for both characters, showcasing moments of vulnerability from Richard toward Iris. However, viewers are encouraged to question the truth of his words: ‘While he may share truths, they are interspersed with lies.’
Richard at one point expresses gratitude to Chloe for instilling in him the need to kill—a darkness he can’t shake off. He craves dominion over women, their emotions, and ultimately, their very lives. Yet, it’s Iris who triumphantly takes back that power, using it to reignite her will to live.
When she thanks him, it symbolizes her reclamation of self, as she asserts her newfound strength. “I believe in that line