- The 2001 psychological thriller “Don’t Say a Word,” starring Michael Douglas, is experiencing a massive resurgence, cracking the top ten most-watched films on Netflix.
- Despite its star-studded cast, the movie was largely panned by critics upon its initial release, holding a 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Viewers new and old are praising the standout performance of the late Brittany Murphy, which was a highlight even for critics in 2001.
- The plot follows a psychiatrist forced to uncover a secret from a traumatized patient to save his kidnapped daughter.
A Forgotten Thriller Finds New Life
In the early 2000s, Michael Douglas was still a reigning king of the thriller genre, having starred in classics like “Fatal Attraction” and “Basic Instinct.” He carried that momentum into the 21st century with “Don’t Say a Word,” a 2001 film that has unexpectedly found a massive new audience two decades later. The creepy, star-studded suspense film is now one of the most-watched movies on Netflix, proving that some stories are timeless.
What Is ‘Don’t Say a Word’ About?
The film centers on Dr. Nathan Conrad (Douglas), a prominent child psychologist in New York City. His life is thrown into chaos when his young daughter (Skye McCole Bartusiak) is kidnapped by ruthless jewel thieves led by the menacing Patrick Koster (Sean Bean). The ransom isn’t money; it’s a six-digit number locked in the mind of Conrad’s new patient, Elisabeth Burrows (Brittany Murphy), a deeply troubled young woman at a state sanatorium.
To save his daughter, Conrad must get Elisabeth to reveal the secret she has sworn she’ll “never tell.” What follows is a tense race against time set against the backdrop of a cold Thanksgiving in the city.
From Critical Flop to Streaming Hit
Upon its release, “Don’t Say a Word” was met with poor reviews. Critics largely dismissed it, and the film currently sits with a bleak 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some reviews noted its unfortunate timing, as the violent, Manhattan-based thriller was released just weeks after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. However, Netflix subscribers are giving the film a second chance, drawn in by its high-stakes plot and powerhouse cast.
The Performance Everyone Praised
One element that escaped the initial criticism was the magnetic performance by the late Brittany Murphy. Critics at the time, including the legendary Roger Ebert, praised her for bringing a compelling “truth” to her role as the traumatized Elisabeth. The Austin Chronicle went as far as to say she “steals the show.” This sentiment is echoed by today’s audience, who are rediscovering her incredible talent. Her role in the film is now considered one of her career bests.
Alongside Douglas, Murphy, and Bean, the film also features strong supporting performances from Famke Janssen, Jennifer Esposito, Oliver Platt, and a young Lance Reddick, making it a compelling watch for anyone who missed it the first time around.
Image Referance: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/netflix-subscribers-obsessed-creepy-star-172033139.html