Netflix’s latest outdoor survival thriller, Don’t Move, uses a character-driven approach to explore the complex, diabolical depths of the human psyche through the harrowing interaction between the lead duo—a grieving mother, Iris, and her abductor, a serial killer, Richard. While the thrill and suspense factor might not be up to the mark, the narrative choices and characterization are quite on point, which at times prompted actors to go the extra mile. Having a limited number of roles also adds emphasis on character work and makes for a taut, engaging narrative treatment.
Richard Played by Finn Wittrock
Actor Finn Wittrock has quite an enviable resume of acting credits that spans over two decades, with his roles ranging from the silver screen, to the small screen, to Broadway. Horror maniacs will recall the actor playing multiple roles in a number of seasons of American Horror Story, and as a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy, Wittrock has also starred in the second season of American Crime Story and in Netflix’s Ratched. In Don’t Move, Wittrock plays the role of a family-man serial killer, Richard, who uses his gentlemanly demeanor and manipulative approach to prey on his unsuspecting female victims. Nothing much is revealed about Richard’s background, and in all probability his name itself is a cover as well, but from his knowledge about pharmaceuticals and access to the specialized paralytic drugs, it can be guessed that Richard has a medical background. It’s not uncommon for serial killers to have persuasion skills like Richard does, and the ease with which he acts in front of others and lies without hesitation conveys the fact that the root of the problem lies way back in his past. However, Richard specifically targets women, whom he probably finds easier to lie to, as it is shown in the movie that while getting interrogated by the police officer, he almost cracks under pressure.
By his own admission, Richard was affected by God complex after getting involved in a car accident during his college years, when he had to witness his girlfriend, Chloe, breathe her last right in front of his eyes. But the issues with Richard probably began way earlier than that, something his narcissistic self can never admit. Richard’s deep-seated misogyny and lack of empathy prompted him to feel a disconnect from the rest of the world, and the clarity he mentions that he had found after Chloe’s death is nothing but his sickening urge to exercise his power over women. It is rather strange how Richard can maintain a family life and have a good relationship with his wife and daughter while secretly stalking and murdering women, but then again it might be rooted in the twisted, sanctimonious moral code of serial killers, which sees their personal relations as something pristine and others as exploitable. Still, some of Richard’s issues were probably on the verge of being noticed by his family as well, and using the excuse of self-healing in isolation, Richard continued his despicable acts in secret.
The fact that Richard uses paralytic drugs to immobilize his victims while they are still conscious instead of simply knocking them out for a prolonged period reveals the depths of his disturbing mindset, he is obsessed with controlling and subjugating women. Seeing his targets in a vulnerable, helpless position, Richard derives a sadistic pleasure, and this need for control and power is rooted in a toxic patriarchal mindset to varying degrees. Richard witnessed Chloe’s death, and it can be argued that his twisted psyche wanted to enact the harrowing moment by rendering his victims immobile in a similar way. Richard’s repulsive mentality was noticeable from the very beginning when he went to such lengths to convince a grieving suicidal mother, Iris, to not take her own life, only to abduct her moments later with the intent of killing her and make the rest of her life horribly traumatic and miserable. Actor Finn Wittrock delivered an extremely balanced performance while playing the role of Richard, convincingly portraying his psychopathic tendencies and manipulative skills with ease without ever going over the top, and offered viewers a look at the mind of a cruel, sadistic serial killer.
Iris Played By Kelsey Asbille
Kelsey Asbille is a known face on the small screen, having previously starred in ventures like Disney’s Pair of Kings, Paramount’s Yellowstone, and MTV’s Teen Wolf. Her role as Iris, from being a suicidal, grieving mother who cannot absolve herself and carries the burden of her son’s death, to a woman trying her best, clutching at straws in order to survive a maniac serial killer, marked the emotional crux of the movie. Kelsey’s job was especially tough because during the majority of her screentime, due to the narrative demands of playing a temporarily paralyzed victim, she had to convey her emotions, fears, and inner turmoil without relying on verbal and even body language-oriented acting. There are extended sequences where Iris remained in a catatonic state and expressed herself through her eyes, which is challenging enough while limiting facial expression for the demands of the script. However, Kelsey was able to pull off this tough task convincingly as well. Beginning her day loathing her life, Iris went through a life-altering experience thanks to Richard, the psycho killer making her life a living hell, and by the end, as she emerges as a survivor, she has found a new meaning and sense of respect for her life after all.
William Played by Moray Treadwell
Veteran British actor Moray Treadwell had previously acted in Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and in the TV series Frontline, to name a few among his acting credits. His portrayal of William, an elderly homesteader living alone, dealing with anger management issues and carrying the pain of his wife’s loss, is memorable despite having extremely brief screentime. It is through his interaction with Richard that he reveals that Richard’s defenses can crack under pressure, which conveys the fact why he chooses to make his victims paralytic.