Penned by screenwriters TJ Cimfel and David White, Don't Move was directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto. The movie premiered on Netflix on October 25, 2024. The principal cinematography for Don't Move took place in Bulgaria from June to late July 2023.
The film was produced by horror aficionado Sam Raimi, alongside Zainab Azizi, Christian Mercuri, Alex Lebovici, and Sarah Sarandos.
The cast features Kelsey Asbille and Finn Wittrock in leading roles, with Moray Treadwell and Daniel Francis in supporting roles. Asbille portrays Iris, a grieving mother whose confrontation with her deepest fears forms the crux of the plot, while Wittrock plays Richard, a man whose sinister intentions drive the story forward.
All filming locations of Don't Move
As mentioned earlier, the filming of the movie took place in Bulgaria, showing some of the country's less frequented, yet striking locales. Choosing Bulgaria as the stand-in for California's rugged wilderness, the filmmakers were able to utilize the diverse landscapes—from dense forests to dramatic mountain views—to effectively set the film's tense and foreboding atmosphere.
The location choice offered the necessary aesthetic to portray the wild and secluded settings central to the movie's plot but also provided a cost-effective solution for production without compromising on the visual impact.
What is Don't Move about?
The movie taps into the scenario of a woman fighting for her life against a seemingly normal yet sinister antagonist. At its core, the film tells the story of Iris, portrayed by Kelsey Asbille, a mother struggling with profound grief. Her encounter with Richard, played by Finn Wittrock, shifts from a potential moment of human connection to a nightmarish struggle for survival.
Richard, who at first appears compassionate, quickly reveals his dark side by injecting Iris with a paralytic agent, setting off a desperate countdown to immobility.
The film unfolds in the remote wilderness, a setting that effectively amplifies the isolation and vulnerability that Iris feels. The choice of location is integral to the film’s tension, as the vast, open spaces contrast sharply with Iris’s growing physical confinement.
The plot escalates quickly, with Iris using every ounce of her waning strength to evade Richard’s calculated moves. Her situation is dire and her actions are driven by raw survival instincts.
Directors Adam Schindler and Brian Netto manage to keep the tension taut, ensuring that viewers are on the edge of their seats as Iris’s time runs out. The film does not rely heavily on dialogue, instead, it uses the actors' expressions.
Cast members of Don't Move
Kelsey Asbille plays Iris, the central character who is struggling with intense emotional and physical challenges. She is known for her role as Monica Dutton on the popular TV series Yellowstone.
Finn Wittrock takes on the role of Richard, the film’s antagonist, whose charming facade masks a dangerous and unstable nature. Wittrock is known for his varied roles in American Horror Story.
Moray Treadwell appears as Bill, a character who plays a critical but smaller role in the unfolding drama. Daniel Francis portrays Dontrell, a police officer involved in the story's climax.
Don't Move is available on Netflix to stream.