Don't Go (2018 film)


Don't Go is a 2018 psychological thriller from Irish writer/director David Gleeson, starring Stephen Dorff and Melissa George..

Plot

Struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of Molly – their only child – Ben and Hazel Slater resolve to build a new life for themselves, renovating an idyllic hotel by the sea on Ireland's rugged west coast. But there is no escape, for the place is full of memories.
Haunted by the words 'Seas the day' which he sees everywhere and a recurring memory of a summer's day on the nearby beach when the family built sand castles topped with little red flags, Ben begins to realize that there are forces at work far beyond his understanding.
But what do those words mean? Could it be a childish misspelling of 'Seize the day'? Could this be a message from the other side?
When Ben wakes from one of the dreams with a tiny red flag in his hand, he becomes convinced that just as he seized the flag, he can also seize his little girl from the dream.
But nothing is ever so simple and when his wife’s damaged best friend Serena arrives, Ben becomes terrified that the truth will be revealed... The truth of how his daughter really died.
And as his grasp on reality begins to slip – as those around him begin to question his sanity – Ben becomes more determined than ever to solve this mystery and finally bring Molly home.
A determination which pays off as the pieces of the puzzle slot into place, giving Ben everything he ever wanted, but at a terrible price.

Cast

The film began shooting in the west of Ireland on July 10th, 2017 and wrapped after 22 days on August 4th, 2017

Release

Don't Go was acquired for theatrical distribution in the US by IFC Films and opened in theaters on October 18th, 2018. Don't Go opened in theaters across Ireland on April 12th, 2019.

Reception

The film received generally negative reviews with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 39% rating. The New York Times labelled the film a "middling thriller" but called Dorff's performance "Strikingly enigmatic." The Los Angeles Times found the film "dry and dour" saying "This picture needs less moping and more spooking." Rex Reed panned the film saying the script was "too slow for its own good."