Don’t Breathe 2

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 13, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller, Action

Cast & Crew

• Stephen Lang as Norman Nordstrom / The Blind Man
• Madelyn Grace as Phoenix
• Brendan Sexton III as Raylan
• Stephanie Arcila as Hernandez
• Rocci Williams as Duke

Director
Rodo Sayagues

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Don’t Breathe 2 marks Rodo Sayagues’ directorial debut.

Producer
Fede Álvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert

Writer
Fede Álvarez, Rodo Sayagues

Budget
Estimated at $15 million

Production Company
Screen Gems, Stage 6 Films, Ghost House Pictures

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Gore
• Strong language

Movie Story
Don’t Breathe 2 is a tense and brutal sequel to the 2016 horror-thriller Don’t Breathe. The film revisits the story of Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang), the blind man who was the antagonist in the first film. However, in this sequel, Norman is reimagined as a more complex character, a man struggling with his past while fiercely protecting the one person he now holds dear.

Set eight years after the events of the first film, Don’t Breathe 2 introduces Phoenix (Madelyn Grace), a young girl whom Norman has taken in and raised as his daughter. The two live in near isolation in a remote house, where Norman has trained Phoenix to be self-sufficient and cautious, shielding her from the outside world. Norman’s attempts to create a sense of normalcy are shattered when a group of criminals led by Raylan (Brendan Sexton III) invades their home, with the intent of kidnapping Phoenix.

As the home invasion unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that these criminals have a personal vendetta against Norman. What starts as a seemingly straightforward abduction turns into a brutal and relentless battle for survival, as Norman unleashes his deadly skills to protect Phoenix. The film delves deeper into Norman’s character, revealing more about his past and the lengths he will go to in order to keep Phoenix safe.

The tension escalates as Phoenix begins to uncover the truth about her past and Norman’s true nature. The lines between hero and villain blur as the story progresses, raising questions about morality and redemption. The film’s intense and violent confrontations are punctuated by moments of suspense, with the dark and claustrophobic setting adding to the sense of dread.

Unlike its predecessor, which focused on the perspective of the intruders, Don’t Breathe 2 shifts the focus to Norman and Phoenix, making their relationship the emotional core of the film. The sequel retains the raw, visceral intensity of the first movie while expanding on the story’s themes of survival, guilt, and the consequences of past actions.

Special Effects
The special effects in Don’t Breathe 2 are used effectively to create a tense and gritty atmosphere. The film relies on practical effects to depict its brutal and realistic violence, with the fight scenes and traps being particularly intense and graphic. The use of lighting and sound design plays a crucial role in building suspense, especially given Norman’s blindness, which is central to the film’s tension. The dark, confined spaces of the house amplify the sense of danger, with every sound and movement heightened to keep the audience on edge.

Box Office Performance
Don’t Breathe 2 was released in theaters and performed well at the box office, grossing over $47 million worldwide against its $15 million budget. The film’s success was driven by the popularity of the first installment and the strong performance by Stephen Lang. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the sequel found an audience among fans of the horror-thriller genre, who appreciated its intense action and suspenseful storytelling.

Filming Locations

• Belgrade, Serbia

Notable Quotes

• “Now, you’re gonna see what I see.” – Norman Nordstrom
• “I’m not a killer. I’m just an old man who wishes he could change the past.” – Norman Nordstrom
• “You failed me.” – Phoenix

Behind-the-Scenes
Rodo Sayagues, who co-wrote the original Don’t Breathe with Fede Álvarez, made his directorial debut with Don’t Breathe 2. The sequel aimed to expand the universe of the first film while exploring new dimensions of Norman’s character. Stephen Lang returned to the role of Norman Nordstrom, delivering a physically demanding and emotionally complex performance. The decision to set much of the film within the confines of the house created a claustrophobic environment that heightened the tension and allowed for creative action sequences.

Awards

• Nominated for a Saturn Award (Best Horror Film)

Final Verdict
Don’t Breathe 2 is a brutal and suspenseful follow-up that takes the story of the blind man in a new direction. While it doesn’t reach the same heights as the original, the film offers intense action, a morally complex protagonist, and a relentless pace that will keep viewers engaged. Stephen Lang’s performance anchors the film, bringing depth to a character who straddles the line between villain and antihero. Fans of the first movie and those who enjoy dark, action-packed thrillers will find Don’t Breathe 2 a worthy sequel.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10