Motion Detected aspires to be something different from the usual routine involving home invasion terror. Mother of Movies is a big fan of films like Scream, The Collector and You’re Next and other films in the realm of best that home invasion horror can deliver. The Scream franchise, Panic Room and more recently See For Me and Sick throw in some tech-based scenarios that elevate the premise to modern times. Unfortunately, Motion Detected tries but ultimately fails to bring anything novel or worth watching.

A directorial debut for both Justin Gallaher and Sam Roseme, I’m not sure what happened during the production of the movie but it took me three attempts to complete the feature film in full. What starts as a made-for-television aesthetic quickly descends into a clunky storyline that just doesn’t execute anything of value. Performances are uneven with the key cast not doing the horror movie any favours. The relationship between spouses Miguel and Eva is barely there with hubby leaving a traumatized partner behind as soon as they relocate.

Home Invasion Horror

The film Motion Detected attempts to weave a tapestry of ghostly intrigue, suggesting a supernatural presence that serves as the movie’s backbone. Yet, this element is only intermittently explored, as the narrative often diverts its potential depth in favor of a recurring theme featuring a sinister character clad in a mask. This figure becomes a symbol of lost opportunity as his presence devolves into a gimmick rather than a genuinely terrifying part of the movie.

Adding to this missed chance is a perplexing inclusion of a teleportation motif. Instead of serving as a clever narrative twist or a spine-chilling element, it contributes to further fuel the flames of confusion. The teleportation is neither adequately explained nor seamlessly integrated into the plot, resulting in more questions than answers, and ultimately detracts from the tension and suspense that the film seems to aim for.

To compound these gripes, the movie unnecessarily elongates its sequences, with a pacing that oscillates between hurried and sluggish. Scenes that could contribute to character development or plot advancement are instead dragged out, while meaningful reveals are glossed over. This uneven pacing exacerbates the viewer’s frustration, as it feels like the movie is toying with their expectations without a satisfying payoff.

Breaking In Versus Motion Detected

In comparison, despite its own set of flaws, the film Breaking In emerges as a more cohesive cinematic experience. It seems that, despite its more conventional take on a home invasion narrative, it manages to maintain a better grip on its storytelling, character motivations, and suspense-building. Thus, when put side by side Breaking In appears to offer a more straightforward and therefore preferable cinema experience, especially for audiences seeking a more coherent and less convoluted narrative.

Motion Detected is rated

1.5 Malnourished home invasion movies out of 5

Mother of Movies score

Directors and writers Justin Gallaher and Sam Roseme
Stars Katelyn MacMullen, Bob Clendenin, and, Roland Buck III.

Where to watch Motion Detected, follow this link to JustWatch.com for the cheapest and easiest way to see it for yourself.

Production Asterlight, Distribution by Freestyle Digital Media. Watch the film from the 19th of May 2023.