Plot Summary
See No Evil (released May 19, 2006) is a slasher horror directed by Gregory Dark and produced by WWE Films . The film centers on Jacob Goodnight (played by Glenn “Kane” Jacobs), a towering, mute psychopath who has been living in isolation inside the abandoned Blackwell Hotel. A group of juvenile delinquents—Christine (Christina Vidal), Kira (Samantha Noble), Michael (Luke Pegler), and others—are sent in for community service to renovate the decrepit building. Their assignment quickly turns into a fight for survival as Goodnight stalks them one by one. The story also involves Officer Frank Williams (Steven Vidler), who, four years earlier, shot Goodnight but failed to kill him
Notable Elements
– Kane’s chilling performance: His silent, hulking presence creates truly menacing energy, reminiscent of classic slasher villains .
– Memorable kills: From the elevator crush to the brutal cell-phone throat murder and the dog attack, the creativity of the gore moments stands out—especially the eye-removal motif that surfaces repeatedly.
– Twist reveal: The involvement of Margaret, the hotel owner, as Goodnight’s mother adds an unsettling psychological twist, though it may feel abrupt to some viewers.
– Cinematography & atmosphere: The hotel’s oppressive lighting and tight interiors intensify the dread, even if the scene setups lean on slasher clichés
Themes and Messages
The film explores themes of revenge, religious trauma, and abuse. Jacob’s grisly fascination with eyes hints at traumatic conditioning by his mother. The setting—a work-release assignment gone deadly—introduces notions of punishment and atonement. There’s no overt holiday symbolism, but the film plays with societal fears around redemption and retribution, perfect for audiences drawn to darker rites of passage stories.
Personal Impressions
I appreciated Kane’s physicality and presence; he is the highlight. The kill scenes are inventive and brutal, giving the film visceral weight. On the flip side, character development is weak—delinquents feel disposable, and dialogue is shallow. The plot twist feels underdeveloped, and pacing slows mid‑film. Critics, including Rotten Tomatoes, noted its predictability: “a waste of time” with “no surprises” . Yet for gore aficionados, it delivers.
Audience Recommendations
Fans of House of Wax, Texas Chainsaw, and other late‑’90s–early‑2000s “teen slasher” flicks will enjoy the nostalgic tropes here. If you like inventive kills and a hulking silent killer—especially with a wrestling background—this hits the mark. Don’t expect deep storytelling or scares that linger.
Conclusion & Rating
See No Evil is a gore-heavy slasher with a commanding lead performance by Kane, offering plenty of brutality but little depth. Its redemption lies in its thrills rather than its substance.
➡️ ★ ★ ★☆☆☆ (3/5 stars) – A solid pick for gore fans, but viewers seeking character or narrative detail should look elsewhere.
