"Don't Knock Twice" (2016): A Haunting Tale of Redemption and Terror
Don’t Knock Twice is a 2016 British supernatural horror film directed by Caradog W. James and starring Katee Sackhoff, Lucy Boynton, and Nick Moran. With a chilling blend of folklore and psychological suspense, the film weaves a haunting story of maternal redemption set against the backdrop of an urban legend that turns deadly. The film explores the themes of guilt, family bonds, and the thin boundary between the supernatural and the real.
The story centers around Jess (played by Katee Sackhoff), a sculptor and recovering drug addict who is trying to reconnect with her estranged teenage daughter, Chloe (Lucy Boynton), after years of separation. Chloe has been living in foster care and harbors deep resentment toward her mother, who had given her up during a difficult period in her life. Their strained relationship is soon tested by a terrifying supernatural force tied to a local urban legend about a witch named Mary Aminov.
According to the legend, Mary was a reclusive woman rumored to be a witch who was bullied by local children and ultimately committed suicide. The myth goes that if someone knocks twice on her door, they awaken her vengeful spirit. After Chloe and a friend impulsively knock on the door of Mary’s abandoned house, they unknowingly unleash a terrifying curse. When her friend disappears and strange, horrifying occurrences begin, Chloe flees to Jess’s home for safety. What starts as an uneasy reunion between mother and daughter quickly devolves into a nightmare.
As the haunting intensifies, Jess must confront her past mistakes and fight to protect Chloe from the malevolent force. The supernatural events escalate in intensity, blurring the line between hallucination and reality. As Jess investigates the origin of the curse, she uncovers dark secrets and realizes that the legend might not be as simple as it seems. The film shifts between psychological horror and supernatural dread, maintaining a steady atmosphere of tension throughout.
Katee Sackhoff delivers a strong performance as a flawed but determined mother, balancing vulnerability and strength in the face of relentless terror. Lucy Boynton also stands out as Chloe, portraying a complex mix of teenage rebellion and fear. The film’s visual style leans heavily into shadowy cinematography and eerie sound design, heightening the sense of dread. The creature design and haunting visuals effectively create a chilling ambiance, especially during key scare moments.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Don’t Knock Twice has earned a cult following among horror fans for its atmospheric storytelling and unique take on the “urban legend” trope. Some critics found the plot somewhat predictable or convoluted, but others praised the emotional depth brought by the mother-daughter dynamic, which added a layer of human drama rarely seen in standard horror fare.
In conclusion, Don’t Knock Twice is a compelling horror film that blends supernatural scares with a touching story of redemption. While it may not reinvent the genre, its eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and emotionally resonant themes make it worth watching for fans of psychological and paranormal horror alike.
