Vacancy 2007

Director: Nimród Antal
Starring: Luke Wilson, Kate Beckinsale, Frank Whaley
Genre: Psychological thriller / Horror
Runtime: 85 minutes

Vacancy tells the story of David and Amy Fox (Wilson and Beckinsale), a couple on the brink of divorce who become stranded at a desolate roadside motel after car trouble. They discover hidden video cameras and snuff tapes filmed in the very room they’re staying in—realizing the motel’s manager is part of a murderous voyeur ring. What follows is a nerve-wracking fight for survival as the couple battles not just sadistic predators, but their own fractured trust.

1. Tight, Suspenseful Direction

Director Nimród Antal crafts a minimalistic yet claustrophobic thriller, opting for tension over gore. The setting—a grimy, isolated motel with hidden passages and flickering lights—is terrifying in its simplicity. The film's short runtime keeps the pacing urgent and efficient.

2. Strong Performances

Luke Wilson surprises with a grounded, serious role that departs from his usual comedic fare.
Kate Beckinsale portrays a complex, emotionally wounded woman who gradually becomes fierce and determined.
Their chemistry enhances the believability of their strained relationship and their eventual reconciliation under extreme pressure.

3. Effective Use of Space & Sound

Antal masterfully uses confined spaces—the motel room, hidden tunnels, and dim hallways—to create anxiety. Sound design is essential here: muffled screams, creaky floors, and static-ridden monitors heighten the dread without relying on jump scares.

1. Familiar Setup

The “couple trapped in a creepy motel” setup is familiar, and while the execution is solid, it doesn’t reinvent the genre. Some plot elements are predictable if you’ve seen similar films like Psycho or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

2. Underdeveloped Villains

Frank Whaley's sinister motel manager is eerie, but his motivations are vague. The killers behind the camera lack depth, functioning more as faceless threats than fully realized antagonists.

3. Logic Gaps

Some viewers may find certain character decisions questionable—for example, staying in the motel after discovering disturbing tapes. However, the tension and suspense often overshadow these minor lapses.

Upon release, Vacancy received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its atmosphere and restraint, noting it as a “back-to-basics thriller” that thrives on simplicity. It holds a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it “an effective B-movie with Hitchcockian undertones.”

Audiences appreciated the film’s avoidance of excessive gore, favoring suspense and psychological horror. Its short runtime and stripped-down story earned praise for being refreshingly direct.

Vacancy is a lean, atmospheric thriller that excels through simplicity and tension. Anchored by strong performances and an eerie setting, it offers genuine suspense for fans of psychological horror. While it doesn’t innovate heavily, it executes its premise with precision and nerve.

Rating: 7/10