Overview: 301 days have passed since Ray (Alexander Skarsgård –True Blood), Claire(Andrea Riseborough – Birdman, Oblivion), and their daughter, Zoe (Emily Alyn Lind –The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia, Revenge) found refuge underground. With nothing to distract them from their own fear, they hold onto hope for a normal family life above the surface someday. What looms above the cement prison they call home?

DVD Verdict: Hidden is a suspense thriller about a family hiding in an abandoned bomb shelter from unknown beings, the little girl calls, “breathers.” The opening scene is dark and the little girl is awakened by a nightmare. She seeks the comfort of her mother, who lovingly lights the lantern. There we see that they are living in a bomb shelter, fearful of the beings outside above ground. The opening is secured with many chains and they are careful to remain somewhat quiet.

The parents take turns staying awake guarding the opening. Their days are filled with board games, imaginary stories and canned food. The daughter is even subjected to casual home schooling. They do their best as a loving family to make the most of their self-imposed imprisonment. They have been there for 301 days. They are unaware if there are other people still alive in the outside world.

Their safe existence is disrupted by a rat, who has been feasting on their food. They find and attempt to kill the rat, but during their hunt, a lantern is tipped over causing a fire. The smoke leaks out the roof. They realize that the “breathers” may see the smoke and discover their hidden shelter. They leave their shelter on the run once again.

Through the movie, the parents remember events leading to their new existence. These memories give the moviegoer clues to how they ended up in the shelter but the real shocker is at the end. This is a fresh, suspenseful movie that holds your attention from the first moment. Just when you think you know what is going on, the twist rewards you with an unexpected surprise.

Alexander Skarsgard is convincing as the caring father protective of his family until the end. Andrea Riseborough plays Claire, the caring but strong willed mom; she uses rules to keep the sanity. Emily Lind shines as Zoe, the precocious daughter who is tired of the solitude. Excellent movie, worth seeing! This is a Widescreen Presentation (2:40.1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Reviewed By: Michelle Richardson

'Hidden' Arrives Onto DVD on October 6th ... or Own It Early on Digital HD now!

Official 'Hidden' Trailer

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