Knocking
Yellow Veil Pictures | Release Date: October 8, 2021 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenOct 7, 2021
First-time feature director Frida Kempff embraces and revamps genre tropes, casting them in a trenchant feminist light and a character-specific poignancy. The action unfolds entirely through Molly’s perspective, and Cecilia Miloccco’s performance, by turns guarded and explosive, is gripping from first scene to last. Read full review
80
CineVueMartyn ConterioOct 7, 2021
The horror in Knocking isn’t supernatural or down to mental illness: it’s societal. The clever switch in perspective leaves a haunting impression and makes Kempff’s segue into fiction a triumph. Read full review
75
Original-CinThom ErnstOct 18, 2021
Knocking is a configuration of atmosphere and dread, paced at a speed of unflinching stillness. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comMonica CastilloOct 8, 2021
Kempff immerses her audience into her character’s tortured headspace, like a tragic hall of mirrors that seems endless. Read full review
75
The Film StageMichael FrankOct 7, 2021
[Kempff] crafts a film that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, one that’s equally absorbing in look and performance, despite a diminished importance mere hours after it ends. Read full review
70
Paste MagazineJacob OllerOct 14, 2021
The feverish Knocking puts together a fittingly upsetting portrait of lonely instability through its simple premise, visually inventive first-time director and physically invested star. Read full review
70
Film ThreatMatthew PassantinoOct 7, 2021
Kempff walks the fine line of being frustratingly vague and trusting the audience to grasp the film fully. Knocking, for the most part, lands in the latter category. Read full review
67
ConsequenceJoe LipsettOct 7, 2021
Knocking is an uneven film. Despite strong direction by Kempff in her feature debut and a daring, go-for-broke performance by lead actress Milocco, there’s just not enough weight in these hollow knocks and the payoff doesn’t feel earned or substantial enough. Read full review
65
SlashfilmChris EvangelistaOct 7, 2021
As a sensory experience, Knocking is stunning. The heightened sounds mixed with a stuffy, collapsing ambiance create an unforgettable experience. Pity that the narrative in the midst of all of this fails to match that power.  Read full review
60
The GuardianPhuong LeNov 9, 2021
The film still feels a tad long for the simple narrative it offers, but moments of visual ingenuity and a deep understanding of psychological suspense show that Kempff is one to watch. Read full review
60
Screen DailyWendy IdeOct 7, 2021
Milocco’s performance manages to walk a thin line between credibility and delusion, a line which is less successfully negotiated by other aspects of the film. Read full review
60
VarietyGuy LodgeOct 7, 2021
Crisply made and gutsily performed as it is, this slender 78-minute film too often feels like pointed social allegory in search of a really good cover story. Read full review
60
The New York TimesNicolas RapoldOct 7, 2021
The film does strike one long, nerve-jangling note, but the style leaves Molly with nowhere to run. Read full review
58
IndieWireKate ErblandOct 7, 2021
Few contemporary horror films start this strong to end so poorly, and with such a lack of ease. Molly deserves answers, but “Knocking” forgets what the questions were in the first place. Read full review
50
Film ThreatRob RectorOct 13, 2021
It’s unfortunate that Knocking is so muddled as Milocco is thoroughly engaging. Plus, Kempff demonstrates a visual strength and confidence that will serve her well when she gets ahold of a script that is a bit more grounded than the one here. Read full review
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