Is Closets Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2010)
Based on actual events that took place only a few years ago, it weaves the enigmatic tale of Jonas Littleton...a good, but faulty man whose life had taken a sour detour - to a prison cell. After having admitted his guilt and serving his sentence, he's being picked up outside the prison yard by his probably faithful wife for a long-awaited reunion. Unfortunately, in the following weeks, reality sets in when his felony record makes his repeated attempts to rejoin the workforce humbling and futile. His most recent job interview results in his bending his elbow at a watering hole. Too much to drink and an errant suspicious pill causes our disappointed husband and father to seek advice from a soothsayer who runs a weird little shop a few doors down from the bar. Under the influence and under the gun, a deal is struck in the fortune teller's lair which proves to be "too good to be true"...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Horror, Thriller cinema, then Closets offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2010 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 2010, Closets represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Horror, Thriller category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Based on actual events that took place only a few years ago, it weaves the enigmatic tale of Jonas Littleton. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Thriller are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Based on actual events that took place only a few years ago, it weaves the enigmatic tale of Jonas Littleton...a good, but faulty man whose life had taken a sour detour - to a prison cell. After having admitted his guilt and serving his sentence, he's being picked up outside the prison yard by his probably faithful wife for a long-awaited reunion. Unfortunately, in the following weeks, reality sets in when his felony record makes his repeated attempts to rejoin the workforce humbling and futile. His most recent job interview results in his bending his elbow at a watering hole. Too much to drink and an errant suspicious pill causes our disappointed husband and father to seek advice from a soothsayer who runs a weird little shop a few doors down from the bar. Under the influence and under the gun, a deal is struck in the fortune teller's lair which proves to be "too good to be true"..."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Corbin Bernsen does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.
The direction by Charles Peterson is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 91 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Closets truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Closets explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2010 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Charles Peterson respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Closets is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Corbin Bernsen or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Closets is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.