Pins & Needles
Pins & Needles is an intense, claustrophobic thriller that caught me off guard in the best way. Directed and written by James Villeneuve in his feature debut, the film delivers a taut blend of suspense, survival, and horror with a unique premise that sets it apart from more conventional thrillers. At just under 90 minutes, it doesn’t waste a moment in pulling viewers into its unsettling world.
The story centers on Max, played with quiet strength and vulnerability by Chelsea Clark, a diabetic biology graduate student whose road trip goes horribly wrong. Stranded in a remote area, Max stumbles upon what seems like a sanctuary—a luxurious, isolated home—but it quickly becomes clear that the couple living there (portrayed with eerie precision by Kate Corbett and Ryan McDonald) have sinister intentions. Their twisted “biohacking” experiments inject a unique and chilling layer to the film’s plot.
Clark’s portrayal of Max is the beating heart of the movie. Her fight for survival, coupled with the added tension of managing her diabetes with limited insulin, brings a deeply personal and relatable edge to the story. It’s rare to see a protagonist whose vulnerability becomes their greatest strength, and Clark navigates this balance beautifully. The supporting cast, including Damian Romeo and Daniel Gravelle as Max’s ill-fated companions, adds layers of tension and unpredictability.
Visually, Pins & Needles is sleek and unsettling. Villeneuve’s direction leans heavily into close quarters and shadows, creating a suffocating atmosphere that heightens the stakes at every turn. The pacing is sharp, though there are moments where the tension ebbs a bit too much, giving you just enough breathing room to prepare for the next jolt.
The film’s exploration of control, vulnerability, and the ethics of experimentation feels eerily relevant in today’s world. While some of the twists are predictable for seasoned thriller fans, the execution keeps you engaged, and the film’s originality shines through its medical survival angle and the sinister charisma of its antagonists.
For those in the mood for a nail-biter that feels both grounded and disturbingly plausible, Pins & Needles is worth the watch. Villeneuve’s debut suggests he’s a director to keep an eye on, and Clark’s performance won’t soon be forgotten.