Hold Your Breath 2024
It might just be my perspective, but it seems that COVID has left a significant mark on the horror films of 2024. While tales of isolation have always been a staple in the genre, the lockdowns of 2020 have added a fresh layer to narratives about parents spiraling into madness over potential threats lurking just outside their homes. Following closely on the heels of the similar film “Never Let Go,” Hulu has released “Hold Your Breath,” directed by Karrie Crouse and Will Joines, which premiered at TIFF last month. The film features a typically strong performance by Sarah Paulson. However, “Hold Your Breath” ultimately feels frustrating, presenting a series of impactful scenes that lack the tension needed to engage the audience fully. It’s a film rich in moments but lacking in overall drive.
Set in 1933 Oklahoma during the peak of the dust storms, the story unfolds in a harsh environment where storms can sweep in, destroying resources and claiming lives. The protagonist, Margaret Bellum (played by Paulson), finds herself isolated in this barren landscape, caring for her two surviving children, Rose (Amiah Miller) and Ollie (Alona Jane Robbins), while her husband is away. One evening, Rose shares a story with Ollie about the Gray Man, a mythical figure who lurks in the dust and shadows, capable of infiltrating one’s soul and inciting “terrible things.” Is there truly something out there in the dust storms that can drive ordinary people to madness and horrific acts?
The danger level for the Bellums escalates when rumors spread about a man who has killed a family nearby. They now have to be wary of the dust, the Gray Man, and this enigmatic traveler. However, perhaps the most frightening threat is Margaret’s declining mental health. She has been sleepwalking at night and experiencing terrifying visions of severe dust storms. A similar situation can be seen with Esther (Annaleigh Ashford), another local mother who is also facing a downward spiral. It’s difficult to fathom the stress of raising children during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, and there’s a deeper narrative here about how the pressures of motherhood can lead to madness under certain circumstances. Paulson shines in her portrayal of this mental instability, as she grapples with whether the danger to her daughters comes from outside forces or from within herself.
“Hold Your Breath” features some well-crafted scenes, especially two involving a preacher portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach from “The Bear.” In his initial scene, he emerges from a barn like Nosferatu rising from a coffin a striking visual in a film that could use more of them. Later, there’s a gripping moment around a dining table that both Paulson and Moss-Bachrach deliver exceptionally well. Lastly, there’s a poignant scene where Margaret must feign sanity to the townsfolk, or risk losing her children, although this moment feels somewhat rushed in the editing.
The beats that emerge from the chaos of “Hold Your Breath” may not be sufficient to endorse the film, yet they suggest a more compelling story hidden beneath the turmoil. These scenes steer clear of relying on the Gray Man or CGI effects. Instead, they recognize that the true horror lies in a mother teetering on the brink of madness, focusing on the performances rather than a grand concept. Ultimately, nothing can take our breath away quite like a talented actress showcasing her skills.
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