As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, director and co-writer Chris Peckover offers a darkly humorous twist on the Yuletide season with **Better Watch Out**, a horror thriller that subverts expectations. Peckover delivers a clever and unsettling film filled with subversive wit, playing with genre conventions in an edgy and surprising way. It’s a chaotic but inspired story that blends dark humor with a sense of playful recklessness. The film draws on familiar elements from home invasion movies featuring vulnerable children, yet Peckover's inventive direction, sharp script, and solid performances elevate it beyond the ordinary. While being a co-Australian production—shot primarily in Sydney—the film evokes an American setting with its depiction of a typical suburban family. **Better Watch Out**, also known as _Safe Neighborhood_, manages to refresh a familiar subgenre by offering a cynical perspective on the babysitter trope and satirizing the hidden problems within affluent communities. Peckover uses the Christmas landscape to challenge the idealized notion of safety and security often associated with families and children, confronting a menacing threat that disrupts their comfortable lives. The film follows Robert and Deandra Lerner (Patrick Warburton and Virginia Madsen), who leave their 12-year-old son Luke (Levi Miller) with a babysitter, Ashley (Olivia Dejonge). Luke sees this as an opportunity to finally win over his longtime crush. He’s hopeful that being nearly thirteen makes him more appealing. Ashley finds his advances awkward but amusing. However, Luke's attempts at romance are soon overshadowed by unsettling events: strange phone calls and disturbing noises. As the situation escalates, Ashley must protect Luke from intruders who invade their home. It would be best to avoid revealing too much about the plot, as part of the film’s appeal lies in its unexpected twists. The production team and cast create a bizarre atmosphere that blends holiday cheer with chaotic violence. Peckover and co-writer Zach Kahn crafted an acidic project designed to keep audiences guessing. **Better Watch Out** stands out from typical horror films by mocking and celebrating the genre simultaneously. Olivia Dejonge is enjoyable as the resourceful Ashley, who fiercely protects Luke. Levi Miller delivers a relatable performance as a boy experiencing hormonal changes. The supporting cast, including Ed Oxenbould as Luke’s friend Garrett, also contribute to the film's dynamic. **Better Watch Out** is an entertaining and darkly funny experience that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. **Better Watch Out** (2017) Well Go USA Entertainment 1 hour 36 minutes STARRING: Olivia Dejonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Warburton, Alek Mikic, Dacre Montgomery DIRECTOR: Chris Peckover WRITER(S): Chris Peckover, Zack Kahn MPAA Rating: R GENRE: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Drama, Comedy Critic’s rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) Frank Ochieng

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