Held

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Held

Released Apr 9, 2021

1h 34m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In HELD, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late.

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Critics Consensus

Its core idea is solid, but Held squanders most of its intriguingly nasty potential with lackluster overall execution.

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Phil Hoad

Guardian

Awbrey’s circumspect Emma [rides] out this gender slugging match to, if not a totally convincing feminist statement, then at least a confident calling card of a lead role.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 18, 2022

Full Review

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's got some some obvious and pedantic ideas about gender roles and relationships, but it's got some twists and it kept me on my toes.

Apr 13, 2021

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

While I understand the anger that animates Awbrey's script, anger doesn't excuse its overall weak argumentation, not to mention its rampant plot holes.

Rated: 1/4

Apr 9, 2021

Full Review

Dallas King

Flick Feast

Jill Awbry and Bart Johnson are fantastic as the unhappy couple and [The Directors] wring every drop of tension out of the premise.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 12, 2022

Full Review

Dan Bayer

Next Best Picture

All of the credit must be paid to Cluff and Lofing, who make the most of what they have at their disposal... But until they get better with actors, their films will, unfortunately, remain interesting coulda-beens.

Rated: 4/10

May 10, 2022

Full Review

Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

... generates mild tension during its deliberately paced buildup, then following a big reveal, squanders its premise by settling for a lackluster payoff that leaves more questions than answers.

Jul 10, 2021

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Joshua F

Good movie, slow build up, the acting of the lady was atrocious

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/17/21

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Paul

Action , drama and suspense

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/21

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KW

A ridiculous plot. I hope someday they make movies that aren’t driven by a political narrative.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/21

Full Review

Mandy

Turned into a Friday the 13th movie before it was over!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/21

Full Review

Jeffrey P

Someone’s bizarre approach to marriage counseling, not as interesting as it could and should be, as it never comes close to pushing any limits. The big surprising reveal wasn’t very surprising at all.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/27/24

Full Review

john s

SIMON SAYS A remote getaway to get away from it all, turns out to be a bad idea, because, all is under rated, and one should not try and get away from it. This is what horror movies are all about: lack of logic. And yet, here we are again. Attempting to resurrect a failing marriage, a couple try and escape their troubles in an isolated vacation home that is equal parts concrete chic and smart security dungeon. Apart from a pool, and the lack of nosy neighbours, there's really not much here to rekindle any sparks, and the weekend seems like a doomed proposition. Except that it gets worse. Forget awkward relationship strife, howsabout a prison scenario with a mystery foe dictating the proceedings? Get out of line and whammo, an implant blasts the victims helpless. Forcing our stupefied couple into a bizarre patriarchal game of fifties style gender role play, "Held" builds a promising premise but fails to deliver a knockout punch. There's plenty of room for slivers of comedy, perhaps some parody, escalating tension, physical mayhem, or maybe a crazed Nick Cage with an axe. But alas no, none of that. An interesting mid film twist is all but inevitable but not unwelcome, yet the post reveal action is paint by numbers pedantic. Too bad. There are a couple of undeveloped plot lines - an opening assault flashback, and an adult son from a previous relationship - left dangling, which may have flushed out the story if revisited. Perhaps hasty editing was the culprit, whatever the case, "Held" doesn't hold together. - hipCRANK

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Travis Cluff

Director

Chris Lofing

Director

Jill Awbrey

Emma Barrett

Bart Johnson

Henry Barrett

Rez Kempton

Joe

Zack Gold

Ryan Sullivan

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Held: Movie Clip - Disobedience Has Consequences

1:07

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Held: Trailer 1

2:05

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Synopsis

In HELD, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late.

Director: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing
Producer: Travis Cluff, Kyle Gentz, Chris Lofing
Screenwriter: Jill Awbrey
Production Co: Tremendum Pictures
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 9, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $142.2K
Runtime: 1h 34m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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