CELLAR DOOR

John (Scott Speedman) and Sera (Jordana Brewster) have been trying to conceive for a long time, even going so far as trying IVF that ultimately assists them in their journey to become parents. Unfortunately, Sera has a miscarriage and for some reason, feels they need to move out of their apartment and into a home for a "fresh start." They are soon turned onto Emmett (Laurence Fishburne) who they are told will assist them in their search. After getting to know the couple for an evening of conversation, dinner, and drinks, Emmett decides to give his lovely home to the couple with only one condition: they are never to look in the cellar door. It's an intriguing enough hook that got me to view it and I understand many people didn't like it. I can understand if they were expecting the film to predicate itself on the reveal of what exactly is inside the cellar but it's not. It's a journey not a destination film. Speedman and Brewster don't really mesh together onscreen, which, if it was made for that purpose as the rest of the movie plays out, than good casting. Otherwise, I didn't buy them as this happily married couple anxiously awaiting a child. In addition, the reasoning given for them moving into the home I found to be incredibly flimsy. A lot of the "surprises" along the way were predictable too save for the ending, which wasn't a bad twist I didn't see coming. Overall, not a bad way to spend an hour and a half. For those fans who are interested in seeking this out solely for Fishburne, be warned, as if you blink you'll miss him. 6/10