Don’t Knock Twice (2016) is a supernatural horror film directed by Caradog W. James that blends chilling suspense with a deeply emotional story. Based on a Welsh urban legend, the film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s past actions. With its eerie atmosphere and unsettling tension, Don’t Knock Twice delivers a haunting experience that keeps viewers on edge.

Plot Overview The story centers around Jess (Katee Sackhoff), a mother who has been estranged from her daughter, Chloe (Lucy Boynton), for many years. When Chloe, now a teenager, is drawn into a terrifying series of events after visiting a creepy abandoned house, Jess must confront her troubled past to save her daughter. The house is linked to a chilling legend: if you knock on the door twice, a demonic spirit will come for you. Chloe unknowingly invites the entity into her life after her friends play with the cursed house, and soon, strange and deadly occurrences begin to unfold.

Desperate to save her daughter from the malevolent spirit, Jess returns to the house, where she must confront the terrifying truth behind the legend. As the supernatural forces grow stronger, Jess uncovers dark secrets from her own past that are tied to the haunting. The film explores how Jess’ previous actions—especially her abandonment of Chloe—have come back to haunt them both in the most literal and horrific way.

Themes and Style Don’t Knock Twice delves into themes of guilt, the past’s inescapable grip, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. It also explores the idea of redemption and the possibility of making amends for past mistakes, even when faced with supernatural forces. The film examines how unresolved trauma can manifest in terrifying ways, both emotionally and physically.

Visually, the film uses the abandoned house and its haunting atmosphere to create a sense of dread and claustrophobia, heightening the horror. The isolation of the house and the lurking threat of the demon intensify the suspense, making the house feel like a character itself, closing in on the protagonists. The pacing is tight, with the tension building steadily as the characters uncover more about the sinister force threatening them. The use of supernatural elements adds to the sense of danger, blending psychological horror with the visceral terror of being hunted by an unseen force.

In conclusion, Don’t Knock Twice is a tense, eerie film that combines supernatural horror with a deep emotional core. The story of a mother’s redemption and the haunting legacy of her past mistakes creates a powerful narrative that lingers long after the film ends. With its creepy atmosphere, engaging plot, and well-executed scares, Don’t Knock Twice offers a chilling ride for horror fans.