Who dies on when the bough breaks movie 2016 review

When the Bough Breakes: A Gripping Thriller That Explores Motherhood's Dark Side

By 'Your Name' | September 09, 2016

In a month already saturated with high-octane releases, Screen Gems' latest thriller 'When the Bough Breaks' emerges as an unexpected gem. Directed by Matt Bett and Evan Sholes (The Strain), this gripping tale of motherhood gone haywire promises plenty of twists and turns to keep even the most discerning genre fans on their toes.

Set against a backdrop of upscale suburban living, 'When The Bough Breaks' centers around Paula Patton's pregnant emergency room nurse, Leigh. On the surface, her seemingly picture-perfect life with husband Chris (Max Minghella) seems idyllic - until tragedy strikes and she loses her child in a preventable car accident.

Consumed by grief and rage, an unhinged Leigh embarks on a path of revenge against those responsible for taking away everything dear to her. But when she meets the enigmatic and charmingly mysterious Dr. Sheppard (Ving Rhames), it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in this chilling tale of twisted love.

Patton delivers one hellacious performance as Leigh, oscillating between vulnerability and pure, unbridled fury with ease. Her chemistry with co-star Riele Emily Williams, who plays her daughter's spirit hauntingly throughout the film, adds an extra layer of depth to what could otherwise feel like another tired 'crazy woman exacts revenge' flick.

With well-crafted tension and expert pacing courtesy of veteran editor Joe Gervasi (Sin City: A Dame To Kill For), 'When The Bough Breaks' hurtles along at breakneck speed, never giving viewers a moment's respite. Tense set pieces are plentiful here - from Leigh's heart-stopping car chase through deserted backstreets to an intense climactic showdown that will leave you gasping for air.

While some may find certain plot reveals predictable (or even contrived), overall 'When The Bough Breaks' succeeds in delivering a gripping, if somewhat predictable, thriller experience. Fans of similar fare such as 2015's 'The Babysitter' or last year's sleeper hit 'Hush' will likely devour every tense minute on offer here.

In short: When the bough breaks, expect plenty more thrills and spills courtesy of Screen Gems' latest offering - but be warned: motherhood has never been so deadly...

Who dies on when the bough breaks movie 2016 review