Hold your breath on Disney+: What if this horror movie was one of our favorite actors’ first mistake?

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In 1930s Oklahoma, the Bellum family finds themselves trapped in terrible dust storms that continue to invade their home. In the absence of her husband, who is looking for work, Margaret manages their small farm on a day-to-day basis, supported by her two daughters, Rose and Ollie. As the three struggle to survive in this hostile environment, a mysterious stranger breaks into the house and threatens the family…

Hold Your Breath, a film written by Cruise and directed by Cruise and Will Joyce with Sarah Paulson, Annalee Ashford, Ebon Moss-Bachrach… available on Disney+

Sarah Paulson’s first mistake?

Sarah Paulson, often considered one of the best actresses of her generation, has already proven herself a must, especially in the realm of psychological thrillers and horror. Whether on American Horror Story or Ratched, she excels in complex roles, often bordering on the supernatural. However, with Hold Your Breath we wonder if the actor has found himself trapped by a script that doesn’t do justice to his talent.

The film follows Margaret Bellum (Paulson), a widowed mother devastated by the loss of her son, who desperately tries to protect her two remaining daughters from the dangers of a hostile environment, including relentless dust storms.

Sarah Paulson, as usual, gives a sincere and fair performance in her interpretation, giving depth and gravity to a character characterized by mourning and paranoia. He manages to make every moment of escalating madness believable, even as the script struggles to maintain the dramatic intensity it inspires.

A scenario that doesn’t live up to Paulson’s standards

However, despite Paulson doing his best to salvage the film, Hold Your Breath fails to live up to the expectations generated by its intriguing pitch. Especially because of his slow pace and overuse of the jump threat, which we see is as big as a house.

If the depressing atmosphere and themes of mourning and fear work at times, the supernatural antagonist lacks clarity, leaving the audience confused by a – mostly predictable – outcome that doesn’t provide satisfying answers. So Sarah Paulson’s strength isn’t enough to counterbalance the often confusing screenplay and poorly exploited horror elements.

So is it Sarah Paulson’s fault? Maybe. But his acting remains solid, and even in an imperfect film, he proves once again that he knows how to play difficult roles with unparalleled intensity.