“Restless” follows Nicky, an empty nester whose quiet life is turned upside down when new neighbors move in next door.
Visceral Sound and Sharp Visuals
“Restless” succeeds primarily due to its sound design. The film integrates loud, bass-heavy music to put you right in Nicky’s shoes. Much like Nicky herself, I can still hear the bass echoing in my head. The movie constantly finds new ways to showcase the torment this noise causes, weaving it into the fabric of her mental state.
This noise becomes a character of its own – and alongside Aston McAuley’s Deano, the central antagonist. “Restless” uses the chaos of sound to perfection, sending the audience into a downward spiral right alongside Nicky.
The visuals aid in this descent, with quick cuts and dramatic imagery playing to the beat. In his feature directorial debut, Jed Hart uses mixed lighting, slow-motion techniques and jarring transitions to create a seamless fusion of image and sound.
Think ‘Neighbors,’ But Down a Much Darker Rabbit Hole
Lyndsey Marshal excels in the lead role, channeling nearly every emotion in the book. In such an outlandishly horrendous scenario, she makes Nicky’s descent into madness feel real. Her unbalanced delivery and reactive movements keep the character grounded and gripping.
McAuley is equally impressive, albeit with less screen time. He provides a menacing presence with very few words, and his dynamic with Marshal fuels some of the film’s most intense moments.
Once “Restless” passes its midpoint, it begins to feel repetitive. Even at 89 minutes, the final act drags. There’s only so much to explore in this story, especially without additional threads to expand its scope.
But in some ways, the discomfort is the point. The movie isn’t always meant to be enjoyable. The pounding bass grows increasingly unnerving, which speaks to the film’s effectiveness. It’s not a pleasant viewing experience, nor does it try to be.
More Discomfort Than Thrills in a Polarizing Conclusion
“Restless” ultimately plays it safe in the final 20 minutes, rather than fully embracing its chaotic setup. The ending may frustrate those expecting a more thrilling payoff. It even shifts genres in its conclusion – a bold move, though not entirely earned.
This uproots expectations, but also undermines some of what came before. The film spends so much time developing Nicky’s trauma, only to turn her into a bit of a punchline by the end.
“Restless” is relentless. The constant echoes of booming bass are overbearing, putting you in distress right alongside Nicky. That intensity makes for a tough watch, but the impressive sound design, visuals and lead performances still keep it a compelling one.
Rating: 3 out of 5
