Don’t Knock Twice (2016) is a British supernatural horror film directed by Caradog W. James. The story centers on Jessica Webb-Thomas (played by Katee Sackhoff), an American sculptor and former drug addict, who attempts to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Chloe (Lucy Boynton). Chloe, initially resistant, becomes entangled in a chilling urban legend involving a demonic witch named Mary Aminov.
Chloe and her friend Danny challenge the legend by knocking twice on the door of Mary Aminov’s house, a notorious figure said to be a witch. Following this act, Danny disappears under mysterious circumstances. Chloe, now haunted by a malevolent spirit, seeks refuge with her mother. As supernatural events escalate, Jessica and Chloe uncover dark secrets about the past, leading them to confront the vengeful force that has been unleashed.
The film received mixed to negative reviews. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 28% approval rating, with an average rating of 5.2/10. Reviewers noted that while the film had potential, it often relied on clichés and failed to fully develop its characters. For instance, Noel Murray of the LA Times described it as “a warmed-over hash of Candyman, Oculus, Insidious and a half-dozen other spook-shows.” Simon Abrams from RogerEbert.com remarked that the filmmakers “never successfully flesh out their characters as people, leaving viewers to roll their eyes whenever characters open the wrong door.”
The film draws inspiration from Slavic folklore, particularly the figure of Baba Yaga, and incorporates elements from other horror films. However, some critics felt that it lacked originality and coherence. For example, HeyUGuys pointed out that the film’s tone was inconsistent, with scenes borrowing from better-known horror films like The Orphanage and Pan’s Labyrinth, which detracted from its overall impact.
While Don’t Knock Twice offers a premise rooted in folklore and familial themes, its execution has been critiqued for relying on genre tropes and not fully developing its characters. It may appeal to viewers interested in supernatural horror, but those seeking a more original or character-driven story might find it lacking.
