Panic Room (2002)

Panic Room (2002) is a horror film directed by David Fincher, known for his work on Fight Club and Se7en. The film stars Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart and Forest Whitaker.
The story follows Meg Altman (Jodie Foster), a recently divorced woman who, along with her teenage daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart), moves into a new, high-tech townhouse. Their first night in their new house turns into a nightmare when a group of thieves led by Junior (Jared Leto) and Raoul (Dwight Yoakam) break in to steal the property hidden in the house.
The thieves are stopped when Meg and Sarah escape into the house’s high-tech “panic room”, a safe and secure room designed for emergencies. When thieves try to break into the panic room to steal the money, Meg and Sarah must use their wits and the room’s technology to outsmart them and survive.
Panic Room is a tense and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of survival, vulnerability, and power dynamics between detainees and their captors. The film’s claustrophobic setting and Fincher’s meticulous direction create a tense atmosphere that keeps viewers in suspense.
The film was noted for its tight pacing, gripping suspense, and strong performances from its cast. Technical aspects, including the film’s panic room design and cinematography, were central in creating a sense of confinement and urgency.
Panic Room received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the direction, suspense, and Foster and Stewart’s performances. While some critics found the plot simple, the film’s execution and Fincher’s craftsmanship were cited as its main strengths. The film is considered a solid step into the home invasion horror genre.