Double Blind offers a surprisingly good time for a film rooted in such a simple premise. The high-concept hook—”fall asleep, you die”—injects immediate tension into its tale of survival, but the execution struggles to maintain that initial promise. Director Ian Hunt-Duffy crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere within the confines of the medical facility, effectively trapping both the characters and the audience in an ever-worsening nightmare.

The ensemble cast, led by Millie Brady as the reluctant leader Claire, does their best to elevate the material. Brady delivers a strong performance, showcasing her ability to carry a film despite an often predictable script. Pollyanna McIntosh and Akshay Kumar lend some gravitas to the proceedings, but their talents are underutilised in roles that rarely rise above stock character archetypes. Abby Fitz and Brenock O’Connor add energy to their respective roles but are similarly boxed in by the film’s limited character development.

As the narrative unfolds, the film leans heavily on paranoia and infighting, a well-trodden path for ensemble survival stories. While some moments of tension hit their mark, the lack of depth in character motivations and relationships keeps the drama from fully resonating. The script’s attempt to introduce twists and moral dilemmas feels undercooked, and the pacing suffers as the story meanders between predictable deaths and a finale that lacks impact.

However, Hunt-Duffy deserves credit for making the most of the low budget. The film’s stark visual style and tight editing emphasise the characters’ mounting exhaustion and fear, creating a palpable sense of unease. Despite its flaws, Double Blind is not without its charms. It’s a modest thriller that entertains in bursts but fails to leave a lasting impression.

For fans of high-stakes survival horror, Double Blind offers a passable experience, but its lack of originality and thin characterisation keep it from standing out in an already crowded genre.

• Saul Muerte