When a film's narrative appeals to a wider audience it's often due to it being relatable, and, unfortunately, most of us have suffered the woes of a noisy neighbour – especially in the world of tiny rooms and flats we now inhabit. It may not be malicious, or even particularly noisy, but the constant hum of a washing machine on a long spin cycle might be enough to drive even the most patient person insane.
The neighbour in Restless, however, is not one of those un-malicious types. In fact, the neighbour in Restless is everyone's worst nightmare, a narcissistic party animal with a taste for loud music, expensive speakers and staying up all night long. A man who doesn't care about his neighbours and whom has the smug sense of superiority that comes with knowing that the police tend not to bother helping with things like this anymore.
Our protagonist, Nicky (Lyndsey Marshal) is a clearly kind, hardworking person, who works in a care home no less, whilst her caring grown-up son who likes going to 35mm screenings of The Exorcist lives away. Instantly she is extremely likeable and relatable, and you feel that sense of vulnerability that she has being on her own in her house on an estate somewhere in England. She has created a peaceful and comfortable life for herself inside her safe space at home with her lovely cat, but the external environment soon comes barging in to ruin all that, thanks to Dean.
Dean (Aston McAuley) gives a terrifying performance as the neighbour, and he is enough to give anyone nightmares. In fact, even though Restless is not technically a horror film, it certainly has aspects of the genre. It's edge of your seat stuff, each scene descending further and further into anxiety and watching through your fingers, and we are all there with Nicky. All of this culminates into one of the best third acts in quite some time. You'll certainly be glad of your peace after watching Restless, and sometimes you have to grab that peace anyway you can.
Restless is an incredible debut feature film from writer and director Jed Hart. It's an efficient and well-paced thriller and one that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Restless was screened at Glasgow Film Festival 2025 and will release in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 4th April distributed by Metis Films and Thunderbird Releasing from AMP
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