The Collector (2009) Movie Review

In the 2009 horror film The Collector, an ex-con desperate to repay a debt to his ex-wife plans a heist at his new employer’s country home, unaware that a second criminal has also targeted the property and rigged it with a series of deadly traps. This film is amazing and will keep you biting your nails to the end – and here’s why. *Warning Spoilers Ahead!*  

The Writing

The films writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan did an amazing job. Besides The Collector, they have written other horror film such as the Feast franchise and Saw 5 and 6. The Collector reminds me of the Saw films in a way, because of the traps that The Collector sets up for his unsuspecting victims. While I appreciate the Saw films, I enjoyed The Collector a lot more because I felt that I got more personal with Josh Stewart’s character, Arkin, as well as the fact that the story takes place all in one area and focuses mainly on Arkin and his fight for survival. Another thing that I thought was smart of the writers was that you never see The Collector without his mask, which in a way drove me crazy, but I’m also glad they didn’t because I feel like showing his face  would have taken away from the suspense.

The Acting

The acting is superb in this movie! Josh Stewart is amazing in it. You really feel bad for Arkin because he is just trying to help his wife and daughter out and is at the wrong place at the wrong time. As Arkin goes through the house full of death traps, he tries to save the family that is being held captive by The Collector. By doing so, he is putting himself at risk. Juan Fernández, who plays The Collector, is also very good. Although he doesn’t talk, he is able to express himself through his eyes and body language. Fernández is very good at making the audience feel uncomfortable, whether it’s him licking his lips or even just staring.

The Ending

The ending is amazing, in my personal opinion. It leaves you with a cliff hanger and wanting more. It’s also extremely nail biting. The entire time I was watching, I could not stop squirming, and it seemed that every time I would calm down, the tension would start right back up again. Now, as I said in the beginning, the film ends with a cliff hanger but – surprise surprise – there is a sequel called The Collection, and that one is just as good and deserves a review all to it self… so stay tuned, horror fans! The review for The Collection is coming soon.

About Jazmine Hiller

Just a Canadian girl who loves horror movies and old music. I grew up watching horror with older siblings, and cousins but I really fell in love when I watched Wes Craven's A Nightmare On Elm Street, and I've been in love ever since. In my free time I write for PopHorror. In my everyday life I work as a vet assistant at my vet clinic. I’m currently in school to be a certified veterinary technician!

Check Also

Trapped Inn

Leah Sturgis’s ‘TRAPPED INN’ (2024) – Movie Review

Lisa Sturgis has been producing and directing films and commercials for 20 years. Trapped Inn …