“John and the Hole” possesses a perplexing vagueness that comes across as careless writing rather than careful storytelling. Pascual Sisto’s disturbing story about a 13-year-old who drugs his family and confines them in an unfinished bunker located in the woods is a dark exploration of adolescent frustration, and the film's flaws actually contribute to what makes it engaging. John (played by Charlie Shotwell, in a genuinely unsettling portrayal) is a very peculiar child. To someone just glancing at things, he seems to have a good life. He has caring parents (Jennifer Ehle, Michael C. Hall), a compassionate older sister (Taissa Farmiga), and a lovely house with everything one could want. John appears depressed, but his worried family constantly inquires about the reason for his sadness. Suddenly one night, John gives everyone sleeping pills and transports them to a large hole, keeping them prisoners for several days. He checks on them occasionally to provide food and water, but after enjoying the independence of living alone and being in complete control, he starts ignoring his starving captives to indulge in make-believe scenarios. It’s an unusual concept for a movie, but it works well within this restrained psychological thriller. John is clearly a troubled individual with antisocial tendencies, and one who longs for more adult responsibilities. He has a worrying fixation on money and power, although the boy's ultimate reasons for abducting his family remain unclear. There are aspects that feel off, like his father’s surprisingly substantial bank account and John’s enjoyment when he playfully submerges a friend in the backyard pool, but mostly he seems like an ordinary yet confused teenager who has mastered the ability to look blankly ahead. Screenwriter Nicolás Giacobone inserts an unnecessary and unsuccessful subplot involving a mother recounting a version of John's story to her young daughter, which is a pointless diversion that detracts from the film’s central themes. Despite this significant misstep, “John and the Hole” tackles some substantial ideas that are both captivating and disturbing, but I still felt it was somewhat more irritating than insightful.

Source on TMDB