Movie Review: Abandon (2002) – Katie Holmes Steps into the Shadows in Stephen Gaghan’s Stylish Thriller

(2002) – Katie Holmes Steps into the Shadows in Stephen Gaghan’s Stylish Thriller 

Tags Abandon review, Katie Holmes movies, Stephen Gaghan, Benjamin Bratt, college thrillers, psychological mystery, Charlie Hunnam, Zooey Deschanel, 2000s suspense films, Dawson’s Creek stars 

 

 Overview

Abandon is a 2002 psychological thriller written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Stephen Gaghan (*Traffic*). Featuring Katie Holmes in a leading role, the film centers on a high-achieving college senior haunted by the sudden disappearance—and possible return—of her ex-boyfriend. Gaghan delivers a sleek, De Palma-inspired mystery that uses Holmes’ TV persona to surprising effect.

Plot Summary

Katie Holmes plays Catherine “Caty” Burke, a top student at an elite university with a promising job in the financial world waiting for her post-graduation. However, Caty is still emotionally haunted by the vanishing of her ex-boyfriend Embry (Charlie Hunnam), a wealthy and enigmatic art student who disappeared two years earlier. When a dogged, recently sober detective named Wade Handler (Benjamin Bratt) reopens the case—under pressure from Embry’s trustees to declare him legally dead—Caty is forced to relive their toxic relationship and confront growing paranoia. Is Embry really gone, or has he returned to torment her?

What Works

• Katie Holmes: Holmes gives one of her most compelling performances here, navigating Caty’s breakdown with nuance—even if audiences struggle to separate her from her Dawson’s Creek alter ego.
• Charlie Hunnam: As Embry, Hunnam oozes manipulative charm, perfectly capturing the allure of the toxic college artist archetype.
• Direction: Gaghan, in his directorial debut, creates a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Brian De Palma’s thrillers—full of twists, voyeuristic tension, and stylistic flourishes.
• Gender Flip: Refreshingly, Benjamin Bratt’s detective plays the role typically assigned to female characters—serving more as a narrative function than a fully fleshed-out lead.

What Doesn’t Work

• The film leans a bit too heavily on flashbacks, which occasionally slow the pacing and dilute the mystery’s forward momentum.
• Holmes and Bratt lack romantic chemistry, which makes some scenes between them feel forced.
• Some viewers may find the final twist predictable or underwhelming compared to the film’s stronger first half.

Final Thoughts

Abandon is an underrated, stylish college thriller with a strong central performance by Katie Holmes and an atmospheric touch by Stephen Gaghan. While it doesn’t reach the heights of its influences like *Body Heat* or *Dressed to Kill*, it’s a solid entry into early 2000s psychological suspense and a promising directorial debut. If you can separate Holmes from her TV past, you’ll find this to be a fun, twisty ride.

Rating

⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Explore more reviews of psychological thrillers from the early 2000s on our blog.

Movie Review: Don’t Breathe (2016) – A Claustrophobic Home Invasion Thriller

📽️ Official Trailer

Overview 

Don’t Breathe is a 2016 horror-thriller directed by Fede Álvarez. The film stars Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Stephen Lang. Set in the desolate neighborhoods of Detroit, the story follows three young burglars who target the home of a blind Gulf War veteran, believing it to be an easy heist. However, they soon discover that the blind man is far more dangerous than they anticipated. 

Plot Summary Rocky (Jane Levy), her boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto), and their friend Alex (Dylan Minnette) are small-time burglars in Detroit. Desperate for a better life, they plan a final heist: robbing a blind man’s house rumored to contain a substantial cash settlement. The blind man (Stephen Lang), a reclusive Gulf War veteran, lives alone in a dilapidated neighborhood. What seems like an easy job turns into a nightmare as the trio finds themselves trapped and hunted in a house full of secrets. 

 What Works Stephen Lang’s Performance: Lang delivers a chilling portrayal of the blind man, exuding menace without uttering many words. Tension and Atmosphere: The film masterfully builds suspense, utilizing silence and darkness to create a claustrophobic experience. Direction: Fede Álvarez’s direction keeps the audience on edge, with tight pacing and inventive camera work. 

 What Doesn’t Work Character Development: The backstories of the protagonists are somewhat underdeveloped, making it harder to empathize with their plight. Third Act Twists: Some plot developments in the final act may feel over-the-top or implausible to certain viewers. 

 Final Thoughts Don’t Breathe stands out as a tense and innovative entry in the home invasion subgenre. While it has its flaws, the film’s ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats is commendable. Horror enthusiasts looking for a suspenseful ride will find much to appreciate here. 

 ⭐ Rating 4 out of 5 stars

🗣️ Join the Conversation What are your thoughts on Don’t Breathe? Did the film’s twists surprise you? Share your opinions in the comments below! 🔗 Explore More If you enjoyed this review, check out my review of Don't Breathe 2 linked here.🔗