New Movies: Push (2024) by David Charbonier & Justin Douglas Powell: A Pregnant Realtor's Fight for Survival

Core Summary: Home Invasion Horror with a Ticking Clock

Push (2024) is an American horror-thriller film directed and written by the filmmaking duo David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell (The Boy Behind the Door, The Djinn). The film centers on Natalie Flores (Alicia Sanz), an eight-month pregnant realtor who is hosting an open house at a seemingly unsellable, potentially sinister, old mansion. What begins as a routine professional event quickly spirals into a terrifying fight for survival when she is attacked by a deranged client (Raúl Castillo), sending her into premature labor. Trapped in the isolated house with a physiological ticking clock and a relentless assailant, Natalie must find a way to escape and protect herself and her unborn baby before it's too late. The film blends classic home invasion tropes with supernatural hints and the intense pressure of impending childbirth.

Summary Short: David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell's Push (2024) is a horror-thriller about a pregnant realtor (Alicia Sanz) attacked by a deranged client during an open house, forcing her into premature labor and a desperate fight for survival within a sinister mansion.

David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell's Push (2024) follows a heavily pregnant realtor, Natalie, who must survive a home invasion and premature labor after being attacked by a deranged client at a spooky old mansion.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt25756108/

Link Review: https://screenrant.com/push-movie-review-2025/

About movie: https://www.kinogopictures.com/push

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/push-2024 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/open-house-2025 (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/open-house-2025 (UK)

Detailed Summary: The Labyrinth of Terror and Motherhood

Push is a visceral and tension-filled film that leverages its confined setting and unique premise to create a harrowing experience.

• The Vulnerable Protagonist: Natalie Flores is introduced as an eight-month pregnant realtor, recently widowed after her boyfriend's death in a car crash. She's new to America (having eloped from Barcelona) and determined to sell a notoriously difficult, old mansion with a dark past – a property that has spooked previous agents and buyers. Her personal vulnerability due to grief and her advanced pregnancy immediately sets a high emotional and physical stakes.

• The Ill-Fated Open House: Natalie hosts an open house, hoping to finally close a deal on the mansion. Her only visitor, a mysterious and unsettling "Client" (Raúl Castillo), exhibits strange behavior, hinting at a connection to the house's sinister history and unnerving Natalie.

• The Home Invasion and Ticking Clock: After the Client seemingly leaves, Natalie's car fails, forcing her back into the isolated mansion. The "Client" then reappears, revealing his true, sadistic intentions. The attack not only turns the mansion into a death trap but also sends Natalie into premature labor, introducing an intense physiological countdown.

• Survival and Supernatural Elements: Trapped within the labyrinthine house, Natalie must use her wits and primal instincts to evade her attacker. The film focuses on her desperate struggle for survival, utilizing elements of classic home invasion horror. As the narrative unfolds, subtle hints of a supernatural connection between the Client and the house's past owners emerge, suggesting the mansion itself might possess a malevolent will.

• Motherhood and Primal Instincts: A core element of the film is the raw, primal instinct of a mother protecting her child. Natalie's impending labor and the threat to her unborn baby intensify the horror, driving her to extreme acts of self-preservation. The "push" in the title refers not only to her labor but also to her pushing back against the attacker and physical limits.

• Gore and Psychological Tension: The film is characterized by a blend of psychological tension and moments of brutal violence. It aims to create a constant sense of dread and unease, punctuated by shocking bursts of gore, keeping the audience on edge.

• Twists and Ending: The ending reveals that the Client had escaped from a psych ward and claimed the house "called out to him." The post-credit scene suggests a supernatural element to his resilience, implying the house's malevolent influence might extend beyond death.

Push is designed to be a relentless, high-stakes thriller that combines the vulnerability of pregnancy with the terror of a home invasion, pushing its protagonist to the brink of human endurance.

Director's Vision: David Charbonier & Justin Douglas Powell's Intense, Confined Horror

David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell, known for their effective low-budget thrillers like The Boy Behind the Door and The Djinn, brought a specific vision to Push, leveraging their strengths in creating confined, high-tension horror.

• Simplicity and Streamlining: Their vision for Push was to maintain their signature "simple" and "streamlined" approach to horror. They excel at crafting contained thrillers in single locations, aiming to squeeze maximum tension out of limited real estate and minimal characters.

• Psychological Ticking Clock: A key element of their vision was the physiological ticking clock of Natalie's premature labor. This unique pressure point was intended to elevate the stakes beyond a typical home invasion, creating an internal and external race against time.

• Character-Driven Survival: While focusing on scares, their vision prioritizes the protagonist's desperate fight for survival. They aim to explore how a character reacts when pushed to their absolute limits, particularly emphasizing a mother's primal instinct to protect her child.

• Atmosphere and Suspense over Excessive Flash: The directors typically aren't "flashy creators." Instead, their vision focuses on building a "steady pulse of unease" and "nail-biting tension" through atmosphere and slow-burn suspense, leading to "a few explosive moments of conflict."

• Homage to Classic Home Invasion: The film clearly draws from classic home invasion horror, but Charbonier and Powell aimed to put their own spin on it by adding the pregnancy element and hints of the supernatural, creating an "update" to the subgenre.

• Unsettling Antagonist: Their vision for the "Client" was to create a menacing, relentless pursuer who is "always three steps behind," prolonging the hunt and intensifying the psychological terror. The subtle supernatural connection was intended to add another layer of sinister mystery.

Themes: Survival, Motherhood, Vulnerability vs. Strength, Home Invasion, Psychological Terror, The Unseen Evil

• Survival: The most overt theme, focusing on Natalie's desperate fight for life against an unrelenting threat.

• Motherhood and Primal Instincts: Explores the fierce protective instincts of a mother for her unborn child, pushing Natalie to extreme acts of courage and resilience.

• Vulnerability vs. Strength: Natalie's physical vulnerability due to her pregnancy is contrasted with her inner strength and determination to survive.

• Home Invasion: The terror of a sanctuary being invaded, a common trope in horror, used here with a unique twist.

• Psychological Terror: The film relies heavily on suspense, paranoia, and the threat of impending doom to create psychological dread.

• The Unseen Evil/Supernatural Hints: The subtle suggestion that the house itself, or the "Client's" connection to it, harbors a malevolent force, adding a layer of supernatural horror.

Key Success Factors: High-Concept Premise, Intense Ticking Clock, and Confined Horror Expertise

• Unique High-Concept Premise: The "pregnant woman in premature labor battling a home invader in a haunted house" provides an immediate, compelling hook.

• Built-in Ticking Clock: The impending childbirth adds an undeniable and visceral layer of tension, escalating the stakes.

• Directors' Proven Track Record: Charbonier and Powell have a reputation for delivering effective, contained indie horrors (The Boy Behind the Door, The Djinn), building anticipation among genre fans.

• Alicia Sanz's Central Performance: Her role as the vulnerable yet resilient protagonist is critical to carrying the film's emotional and physical demands.

• Confined, Intense Setting: The single-location setting of the old mansion effectively creates a claustrophobic and menacing atmosphere.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell's Push (2024) is a high-concept horror-thriller where a pregnant realtor battles a home invader in a sinister mansion during premature labor, praised for its intense ticking-clock tension and Alicia Sanz's performance.

Awards & Nominations: Sitges Spotlight: A Genre Festival Nod

Summary: The film's world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival earned it a nomination, marking its early recognition within the horror film community.

• 57th International Film Festival of Catalonia - Sitges (2024):

  • Nominated for Best Film (Panorama). This world premiere at a top genre festival immediately put the film on the radar for horror enthusiasts. The Sitges nomination underscored its early recognition within the genre film community.

Critics Reception, Mixed Reviews for a Tense, Yet Familiar, Thriller

Summary: Critics were divided, largely praising the film's tension and performances but often noting its reliance on familiar tropes and a lack of deeper narrative execution.

• Next Best Picture:

  • 4/10. Criticized as "hollow" and "bland," with a superficial story and lethargic pacing, despite some effective atmosphere. The reviewer felt the film failed to deliver on its potential.

• The Cinemen:

  • Praised as "visceral" and "unrelenting," highlighting the directors' skill with single-location thrillers and efficient, tension-filled narrative. This review commended the performances for elevating the suspense.

• Daily Dead:

  • 2.5/5. Felt it "never pushes far enough," operating in a "middle ground" of terror. It was described as cyclical and underwhelming, lacking the bold creativity of other films in the subgenre.

• Bloody Disgusting:

  • Positive. Called it an "extremely tense home invasion movie" with "unrelenting suspense." They lauded its lean storytelling, production design, and Alicia Sanz's "ferocity."

• Screen Rant:

  • Initially positive, then critical, stating it "falters where it should hit its stride." While the early build-up and leads were praised, the third act was criticized for losing focus and feeling like a "shoddy afterthought."

• Heaven of Horror:

  • 3/5. Found it "tense and intense," praising Sanz as "one tough realtor" and Castillo as a "sadistic killer." Despite familiar elements, its execution was deemed stellar.

• Geek Vibes Nation:

  • Recognized "enough suspense, eeriness, and solid acting" but felt it "sputters at the end" with ineffective shifts, diminishing its initial intensity. The conclusion left something to be desired.

• Screen Anarchy:

  • Called it a "well crafted horror thriller" with good tension and brisk pacing. This review specifically noted the effective use of sound and shadow, alongside Castillo's menacing presence.

• Confessions of a Horror Freak:

  • 3.5/5. Acknowledged similarities to Inside but praised captivating cinematography and tense atmosphere. However, it criticized the dissipating tension and lack of character/plot development, which caused the narrative to drag.

• Overall Critics' Summary:

  • Critics for Push are divided but generally lean positive, largely commending its sustained tension, effective atmosphere, and the committed performances of Alicia Sanz and Raúl Castillo. Many praised Charbonier and Powell's talent for visceral, efficient genre filmmaking. However, a significant common critique points to the film's familiar tropes, perceived lack of narrative depth, and a tendency to lose momentum in its latter half, preventing it from truly pushing boundaries.

Reviews (Audience), Viewers Split on the Home Invasion Twist

Summary: Audiences are likely to appreciate the film's tension and concept but may be divided on its execution, particularly regarding originality and depth.

• Mark Reviews Movies (Audience Reviewer):

  • Critical. Expressed disbelief regarding the pregnant protagonist and found the setup "nothing nothing special." The reviewer felt the villain's implausible movement and the later "convoluted" explanations made for a contrived and frustrating experience.

• Overall Audience Summary (Inferred from critical reception, as direct audience reviews are limited for this recent Shudder release):

  • Audiences who are fans of straightforward, high-tension home invasion thrillers will likely find Push enjoyable, particularly due to its immediate empathetic hook (pregnant protagonist) and visceral scares. Its focus on suspense and the cat-and-mouse dynamic are appealing qualities. However, viewers seeking deeper character exploration, highly original plot twists, or extreme, boundary-pushing horror might find the film somewhat predictable or feel it doesn't fully capitalize on its promising concept, potentially leading to a mixed overall reception depending on individual expectations for the genre.

Box Office: Indie Horror with Streaming Focus

As an independent horror-thriller released in mid-2024 with a simultaneous streaming debut, Push's box office performance will likely be modest and more reflective of a niche genre release designed for digital consumption.

• Theatrical Release: The film premiered in select theaters on July 11, 2024.

• Streaming Premiere: It was released simultaneously on Shudder on July 11, 2024.

• Impact of Day-and-Date Release: The immediate availability on a streaming service like Shudder (a horror-focused platform) likely impacts its theatrical revenue, as many genre fans will opt for the convenience of streaming.

• Limited Commercial Expectations: Films of this nature generally do not aim for large theatrical box office numbers but rather for critical buzz, streaming viewership, and solid performance within the horror fan base.

Overall Summary of Box Office: Push had a limited theatrical release and a simultaneous streaming premiere on Shudder on July 11, 2024. Its box office performance is expected to be modest, with its primary reach and financial success likely coming from streaming viewership and its performance within the dedicated horror community.

Production Summary: Contained Thriller by Established Indie Duo

Push (2024) is an American horror-thriller film with a runtime of 89 minutes. It is written and directed by David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell. The film stars Alicia Sanz as Natalie Flores and Raúl Castillo as the "Client." Other cast members include David Alexander Flinn, Gore Abrams, Dagney Kerr, Justin Marcel McManus, Luke Barnett, and Cole Gleason. The cinematography was handled by Daniel Katz, and the music was composed by Matthew James.

Production Companies: Indie Horror Specialists

The film was produced by:

• Kinogo Pictures

• Mad Descent

Distribution Companies: Shudder (US Streaming)

• Shudder is the primary distributor for Push in the US, making it available on its streaming platform. The theatrical distribution partner is not widely specified, often handled by smaller distributors for limited runs.

Release Date on Streaming: July 11, 2024 (Shudder)

Push premiered on Shudder on July 11, 2024, as a direct-to-streaming or day-and-date release.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For a Tense, High-Concept Home Invasion Thriller

• High-Concept Horror Fans: Recommend to viewers who enjoy unique, high-stakes premises that blend genre elements in fresh ways.

• Ticking Clock Thriller Enthusiasts: Ideal for audiences who appreciate films with intense, built-in time pressures that escalate tension throughout.

• Fans of Contained Horror: For those who enjoy claustrophobic and suspenseful films set in single, isolated locations.

• Alicia Sanz's Performance: Recommend for those who want to see a strong female lead deliver a physically and emotionally demanding performance under extreme duress.

Why to Watch Movie: To Experience Primal Fear with a Unique Twist

• To Feel Relentless Tension: Watch to be on the edge of your seat as Natalie faces a relentless attacker while battling premature labor.

• To Witness Primal Instincts: See how a mother's fierce protective instincts emerge in the face of unimaginable terror.

• For a Fresh Take on Home Invasion: If you're looking for a horror-thriller that adds unique layers to a familiar subgenre, Push offers a compelling twist.

• To Appreciate Effective Indie Filmmaking: Experience how directors Charbonier and Powell craft a suspenseful narrative with strong atmosphere on a more modest budget.

Movie Trend: Elevated Indie Horror and Thematic Home Invasion

Push fits squarely into the ongoing movie trend of elevated independent horror, where filmmakers leverage strong concepts, character focus, and atmospheric tension over excessive jump scares or high budgets. It also aligns with the sub-genre trend of thematic home invasion films, where the invasion itself is not just a plot device but a catalyst for exploring deeper themes like vulnerability, resilience, and primal survival instincts, often adding unique twists to the familiar premise.

Big Social Trend: Fear of the Unknown and Vulnerability

The film taps into the pervasive social trend of fear of the unknown and heightened personal vulnerability. In a world where personal safety can feel increasingly tenuous, a home invasion scenario, especially with a highly vulnerable protagonist, resonates with widespread anxieties about security and the sudden disruption of peace. It also subtly touches on the universal fears associated with childbirth and protecting one's offspring, amplifying the primal stakes in a modern context.

Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Tense Ride That Could Have Pushed Further

Push delivers a tense and viscerally uncomfortable horror-thriller experience, particularly through its compelling high concept and Alicia Sanz's dedicated performance. David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell effectively build a claustrophobic atmosphere and leverage the ticking clock of impending childbirth to create sustained suspense. While it may not delve into the extreme depths some genre fans might expect, its unique premise and focus on primal maternal survival make it a noteworthy entry in independent horror, leaving an impression as a gripping, albeit sometimes restrained, tale of human endurance against overwhelming odds.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Elevating Confined Horror

• Maximize Your High Concept: Push thrives on its unique premise. Filmmakers with compelling high concepts should ensure every creative decision—from camera work to character development—is dedicated to fully exploiting that concept, ensuring the film delivers on its initial promise and keeps the audience consistently engaged.

• Leverage Physiological Stakes: The ticking clock of impending childbirth in Push provides an incredibly effective, inherent tension. Filmmakers should explore ways to integrate physiological or psychological ticking clocks into their narratives. These internal pressures can elevate external threats, creating a more visceral and unique sense of urgency for the audience.

• Focus on Primal Instincts: The film powerfully highlights Natalie's maternal instincts. When crafting survival stories, filmmakers should delve into primal human drives like protection, self-preservation, or vengeance. Tapping into these fundamental emotions can create a deeper, more relatable connection with the protagonist's struggle, making their fight feel more impactful.

• Master the Single-Location Thriller: Charbonier and Powell demonstrate skill in creating dread within a confined space. Filmmakers looking to create effective thrillers with limited resources should focus on mastering spatial dynamics, innovative camera work within boundaries, and sound design to make the single location feel expansive, menacing, and consistently surprising.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Bold Genre Voices

• Invest in Original High-Concept Horror: Push's premise proves that strong, original concepts can still differentiate films in the crowded horror market. The industry should prioritize investing in and marketing unique, high-concept horror ideas that offer a fresh spin on established subgenres, recognizing their potential to captivate audiences and stand out.

• Champion Directors with Proven Genre Expertise: Charbonier and Powell have a track record of delivering effective indie horror. The industry should continue to support and empower directors who demonstrate a consistent understanding of genre mechanics and can execute high-tension narratives efficiently, allowing them to further develop their craft and audience base.

• Strategize for Day-and-Date Releases: The film's simultaneous theatrical and Shudder release reflects a viable model for indie genre films. The industry should refine and optimize day-and-date release strategies for targeted content, recognizing that direct-to-streaming or hybrid models can maximize reach and appeal to specific fanbases who prefer immediate home access.

• Nurture Diverse Protagonists in Genre Films: Push features a pregnant woman as its lead, adding unique layers of vulnerability and strength. The industry should continue to encourage and support genre films with diverse protagonists and unique personal circumstances, as these elements can enrich familiar tropes and create more compelling, empathetic viewing experiences.

Final Conclusions: A Tense Ride That Could Have Pushed Further

Push delivers a tense and viscerally uncomfortable horror-thriller experience, particularly through its compelling high concept and Alicia Sanz's dedicated performance. David Charbonier and Justin Douglas Powell effectively build a claustrophobic atmosphere and leverage the ticking clock of impending childbirth to create sustained suspense. While it may not delve into the extreme depths some genre fans might expect, its unique premise and focus on primal maternal survival make it a noteworthy entry in independent horror, leaving an impression as a gripping, albeit sometimes restrained, tale of human endurance against overwhelming odds.