You Should Have Left

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 18, 2020

Genre
Psychological Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Kevin Bacon as Theo Conroy
• Amanda Seyfried as Susanna Conroy
• Avery Essex as Ella Conroy

Director
David Koepp

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Stir of Echoes (1999)
• Secret Window (2004)
• Premium Rush (2012)

Producer
Jason Blum
Kevin Bacon
Dean O’Toole

Writer
David Koepp (Screenplay)
Based on the novel You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann

Budget
$4 million

Production Company
Blumhouse Productions

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Disturbing images
• Some language
• Psychological tension

Movie Story
You Should Have Left is a psychological horror-thriller that delves into the dark recesses of guilt, paranoia, and the supernatural. The film centers around Theo Conroy (Kevin Bacon), a former banker struggling with his past and his relationship with his much younger wife, Susanna (Amanda Seyfried), a successful actress. Haunted by suspicions and insecurities, Theo’s life is already fraying at the edges when they decide to take a family vacation to a remote, ultra-modern house in the Welsh countryside.

The house, which seems idyllic at first, soon reveals its unsettling nature. Theo begins to experience disturbing dreams and strange occurrences that suggest the house is not what it seems. Rooms seem to change dimensions, time flows differently, and a mysterious presence looms over them. As Theo’s paranoia grows, he starts to believe the house is manifesting his deepest fears and guilt, particularly surrounding the death of his first wife, an event shrouded in mystery and regret.

Susanna, who is often away on work calls, remains oblivious to the growing tension, while their young daughter, Ella (Avery Essex), is caught in the middle. As Theo’s grip on reality weakens, the line between his inner demons and the supernatural begins to blur, leading to a shocking revelation about the house and its connection to Theo’s past. The film builds up to a tense and eerie climax, exploring the themes of guilt, redemption, and the inescapability of one’s inner darkness.

David Koepp’s direction maintains a claustrophobic atmosphere, with the house itself becoming a character in the story, its sleek, modern design at odds with the traditional haunted house narrative. The film’s psychological horror is driven by Kevin Bacon’s intense performance, portraying a man unraveling under the weight of his own guilt.

Special Effects
The special effects in You Should Have Left are subtle but effective, focusing on creating a disorienting and unsettling environment within the house. The film uses practical effects, such as shifting walls and distorted perspectives, to convey the house’s malevolent influence. The use of lighting and sound design further enhances the eerie atmosphere, making the house feel alive and predatory.

Box Office Performance
You Should Have Left was released directly to digital platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. Despite this, the film garnered attention for its psychological depth and Kevin Bacon’s performance, though it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film found a niche audience among fans of psychological horror.

Filming Locations

• Wales, UK
• New Jersey, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The house chose you.” – Shopkeeper
• “There’s something wrong with this house.” – Theo
• “You should have left. Now it’s too late.” – Mysterious Voice

Behind-the-Scenes
Director David Koepp reunited with Kevin Bacon for You Should Have Left, having previously worked together on Stir of Echoes. The film was shot on location in Wales, where the house was designed to appear both inviting and unsettling, reflecting the psychological turmoil of the characters. The production focused on creating an immersive atmosphere rather than relying on jump scares, aiming for a more cerebral horror experience.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
You Should Have Left is a slow-burning psychological horror film that explores the dark corners of guilt and fear. Kevin Bacon delivers a compelling performance as a man haunted by his past, and the film’s eerie setting adds to the unsettling atmosphere. While it may not appeal to all horror fans due to its slower pace and focus on psychological tension over traditional scares, it offers a thought-provoking take on the haunted house genre.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10