When I was researching the most anticipated movies of 2025, one of the names that came up was "Red Rooms." This psychological crime thriller is actually from 2023 when it debuted at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic. But it just arrived on Shudder today (Jan. 14), which is why it was coming up in various roundups I saw.
After watching it, I can see why. This thriller is gripping, especially as it approaches its climax. The film is really well made, giving you the right amount of breadcrumbs, some misdirection and again, the tension building at the end is palpable. I'm writing this after having just finished "Red Rooms," and frankly, I feel a little unwell. But not from gore, or any classic horror elements. In fact, despite this movie centering around the gristly murder of three teenage girls, the violence of it is intentionally tame. The movie doesn't need violence to be harrowing, just everyone's reaction to the violence.
