Name: John and the Hole
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Released: 2021-08-06T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Charlie Shotwell, Taissa Farmiga, Jennifer Ehle, Michael C. Hall, Lucien Spelman

The first image of John and the Hole lingers on an unfinished bunker—a deep, dark hole in the ground—that becomes both a literal prison and a metaphorical abyss for its characters. Directed by Pascual Sisto in his feature debut, this psychological thriller is based on Nicolás Giacobone’s short story “El Pozo.” The film stars Charlie Shotwell as John, a 13-year-old boy who drugs his affluent family and traps them in the bunker, leaving him free to explore his newfound autonomy. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival before its theatrical release by IFC Films, John and the Hole is a film that dances between reality and metaphor, but it stumbles in its attempt to find coherence.

Shotwell’s performance as John is the film’s anchor, delivering a chilling portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence, grappling with disillusionment and a desire for control. His quiet intensity is palpable, especially in scenes where he interacts with his family before their imprisonment. The way Shotwell conveys John’s internal conflict—his longing for freedom juxtaposed with his deep-seated anger—is compelling. However, the film’s reliance on his performance to carry the narrative weight becomes evident as the plot unfolds.

The claustrophobic tension within the bunker is expertly crafted, with Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Ehle as John’s parents, Brad and Anna, and Taissa Farmiga as his sister Laurie, all delivering strong performances that reveal the unraveling dynamics of their relationships. The actors’ chemistry is palpable, and their shared history as a family feels authentic. The scenes in the bunker are the film’s strongest moments, with each character’s desperation and fear laid bare.

Sisto’s direction is marked by a restrained visual style, using muted colors and hushed tones to create an atmosphere of unease. The cinematography effectively conveys the sense of isolation and confinement that permeates the narrative. Caterina Barbieri’s soundtrack adds a layer of unsettling beauty, heightening the film’s psychological tension with its eerie, rhythmic compositions.

However, John and the Hole falters in its execution. The film’s pacing is uneven, with long stretches of time spent in the bunker that feel drawn out and repetitive. The attempt at metaphor—whether about class, privilege, or coming-of-age—never fully coalesces into a coherent theme. The abrupt ending, where the family chooses to ignore John’s actions and Gloria’s chilling revelation about abandoning Lily, feels unsatisfying and rushed.

The film’s structure, with its abrupt detour revealing the events as a bedtime story told by Gloria to Lily, adds a layer of complexity that could have been intriguing if fully explored. Instead, it feels like an afterthought, a narrative device tacked on to provide some semblance of resolution. The framing device raises more questions than it answers, leaving the audience to grapple with a story that refuses to commit to its own themes.

Comparisons to other psychological thrillers are inevitable, but John and the Hole struggles to stand out in a crowded field. Films like Lord of the Flies and We Need to Talk About Kevin explore similar themes of youthful rebellion and the loss of innocence with far greater depth and coherence. John and the Hole lacks the thematic richness of these works, instead opting for a more ambiguous approach that ultimately leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied.

The film’s target audience is likely fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers who enjoy atmospheric tension and character-driven narratives. However, those looking for a clear resolution or a satisfying exploration of its themes may find John and the Hole disappointing. The film’s strength lies in its performances and visual style, but these are undermined by a script that struggles to find its footing.

In the end, John and the Hole is a film that promises much but delivers little. Its high level of craftsmanship is wasted on a story that feels hollow and directionless.