Overview: 247°F is a thrilling horror movie that delves into the terrifying idea of being trapped in a sauna, where the heat gradually rises to deadly levels. Directed by Levan Bakhia, the film centers on four friends who embark on a seemingly harmless trip, only to find themselves locked inside a sauna that is slowly turning into a death trap. The concept of being trapped in such a confined and extreme environment creates an intense sense of claustrophobia and desperation, which serves as the core of the movie’s suspense.

The film follows the friends—Penny (Scout Taylor-Compton), her boyfriend, her best friend, and the best friend’s boyfriend—who take a trip to a secluded cabin by a lake to escape the stresses of everyday life. The sauna, which they initially thought would be a relaxing experience, becomes their worst nightmare when the door locks, trapping them inside. As the temperature rises to 247°F (the boiling point of water), they must struggle not only with the physical heat but with their emotional and psychological breakdowns as well.

What to Expect: Expect a high level of tension and stress throughout the movie. The small space and the extreme temperature add to the discomfort, turning this horror-thriller into a psychological and physical test of endurance. The heat becomes an ever-present antagonist, forcing the characters to make increasingly desperate decisions to survive. The film also dives into themes of trust, relationships, and survival, with the friends’ connections tested under extreme circumstances.

The performances of the lead cast are engaging, with Scout Taylor-Compton delivering a noteworthy performance as Penny, the main character, who has to keep her wits about her while dealing with the physical and mental agony of being trapped in the sauna. The film does a good job of showing the gradual breakdown of the characters, which adds layers to the story.

While 247°F can feel repetitive at times with its confined setting and limited plot twists, it ultimately succeeds in maintaining a high level of tension. The sense of being trapped, the escalating heat, and the race against time create an atmosphere that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat.

https://tv.apple.com/nz/clip/247f/umc.cmc.5ow92vs0ds8lxgk443f0orndp?targetId=umc.cmc.6izt6vgt3frzpkgnpjfenvqsu&targetType=Movie

Rating: The film, while not groundbreaking in its execution, offers a captivating enough experience for fans of survival horror. The idea of being trapped in such an extreme environment is what drives the horror, and the psychological torment is felt throughout. It may not be for everyone, especially those looking for a deep storyline or a large-scale production, but for its genre, it does its job of keeping the audience tense and engaged.

Final Thoughts: 247°F is a decent horror-thriller that takes a simple yet horrifying premise and delivers a survival story that plays on claustrophobia and desperation. It’s not a movie that will stay with you for days, but it’s certainly a watchable film for fans of the genre. If you’re into confined space thrillers and enjoy the mental unraveling of characters under duress, this will be a worthwhile pick.