Netflix’s new taut thriller, Don’t Move, releases on October 25 and has an impressive pedigree behind it. The movie was written by T.J. Cimfel and David White (Intruders) and directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who have previously worked on horror legend Sam Raimi’s 50 States of Fright anthology. Speaking of Raimi, the famed Evil Dead director is serving as producer alongside Alex Lebovici (whose Hammerstone Studios is responsible for the surprise box-office hit Barbarian) and Christian Mercuri.
The trailer of Don’t Move focuses on Iris’ (played by Yellowstone star Kelsey Asbille) deteriorating physical condition as a powerful injection inhibits first her movement and then even her voice. While the mysterious killer after her (portrayed by Finn Wittrock) is hardly seen in the trailer, he can clearly be heard explaining the steps she will go through, deepening the tension. Beyond offering a thrill ride, Don’t Move also explores the psychology of its protagonist as a grieving mother who still has her survival instinct intact.
Screen Rant interviewed Asbille and Wittrock about their approach to the complex roles in Don’t Move, and how the emotional labor matched the physical exertion. The actors also praised their directors, pointing out how their ability to work in tandem helped the movie reach its full potential.
Kelsey Asbille & Finn Wittrock Found Don’t Move To Be A True Acting Challenge
“If people can feel what I’m feeling on this first read, then it will be a success.”
Screen Rant: I think that Don’t Move is a masterclass in building tension. There wasn’t a time I felt at ease during the film and the way. Kelsey, the movie is both a thriller and a deep personal journey for Iris. Can you talk about balancing both of those aspects in your character?
Kelsey Asbille: Thank you for saying that. That’s very sweet. Yeah, there’s two aspects of it. On a conceptual level, she’s a mother dealing with this unspeakable loss and trying to overcome something that has paralyzed her. And then, what’s so beautiful about the genre is you can explore that through this metaphorical paralysis. That was the fun part of it; that kind of physical challenge.
Screen Rant: Finn, you are unnerving in this film. You mentioned that the movie being in real-time was something new for you. How did this format influence your approach to the character?
Finn Wittrock: Yes, I felt the tension when I first read the script, and I read really quickly. It was a true page-turner, and I was like, “If people can feel what I’m feeling on this first read, then it will be a success.” I think one of the fun things about him in the chase of it all is that he remains very calm for the most part, until things get a little out of hand.
As opposed to her ratcheting up with the tension, he’s more of a straight arrow path that tries actually to calm things down a bit. So, I kind of had fun playing against what you think the tempo’s supposed to be and the rising tension.
Screen Rant: Both of your performances are incredible in this. What did you want to add that wasn’t on the page?
Kelsey Asbille: Oh, that’s a good question… A mustache twirl for Iris. [Laughs]
Finn Wittrock: I just really wanted it to be believable, even though it’s so wild. I really wanted to ground it in really trying to be there in the moment. Really, for instance, convincing a guy in the woods that you just lost your wife, and really trying to kind of play it very honestly. Because I knew that the structure of the thing really would be a high-wire act, so I felt like it was the actor’s job to just make sure it’s all grounded and honest.
Don’t Move Stars Praise Directing Duo For Their Steady Guiding Hands
“I really had to depend on them so much, and it was such a relationship built on trust.”
Screen Rant: Kelsey, what did you learn from the nonverbal communication and the power of subtlety in acting?
Finn Wittrock: I’ll answer that for her. She nailed it!
Kelsey Asbille: Well, what I learned is to really surround yourself with good people, which I think the directors were. I really had to depend on them so much, and it was such a relationship built on trust. And then also, just having a really good partner to act opposite. I could really sit back and watch him do his thing.
Screen Rant: Speaking of the directors, I think that Brian Netto & Adam Schindler knocked it out of the park. Can you talk about working with them as directors and what their style added to the film?
Finn Wittrock: Yeah, it was like working with one brain; this dual brain. I think it’s mostly Brian who’s a little more hands-on, and he’s kind of up with us and talking us, while Adam’s more seeing the big picture over by the monitor. It was really cool to see this mind meld in the way that they worked.
As tense and as choreographed as a lot of it was, they were really interested in the characters first. That was what was cool. There was a lot to do technically, but that’s why we rehearsed, and that’s why they were really interested in breaking down the psychology of both of these people. And it really is a character-led thriller, I think.
Screen Rant: Kelsey, you really had to lean on your directors, especially during those paralysis scenes. Can you expand on the collaboration working with Adam and Brian, and the internal struggle that your character is dealing with during those moments?
Kelsey Asbille: They were just wonderful collaborators. I told them I love homework, so I was like, “Give me lots of homework. What should I watch?” They loved The Invisible Man, and The Vanishing was a really, really important one to them. And Blue Ruin.
Even music! Adam’s daughter actually made me a playlist for Iris, which was awesome. Now I know what the cool kids listen to! [Laughs] And we spoke to one of their friends who’s an anesthesiologist about the drug and what it would kind of look and feel like, so they were just great collaborators from top to bottom.
More About Don’t Move (2024)
When a killer injects her with a paralytic agent, a woman must run, fight, and hide before her body completely shuts down.
Check back soon for our other Don’t Move interview here:
- Directors Brian Netto & Adam Schindler
